Ted Lega

2018 Bandmasters Hall of Fame Inductee

     Ted Lega graduated from Joliet Township in 1962, serving as student director and first clarinet in Joliet Township band. In 1969 Mr. Lega was appointed as the third Director of Bands at Joliet Central Campus. During the next 33 years he continued the tradition of excellence with his symphonic, swing, and marching bands, receiving countless awards and honors.

     Mr. Lega's bands have received the Honor Band award at the University of Illinois superstate band festival 14 times. His groups have also been named Grand Champions 11 times at Illinois State University as well as twice at the Opryland Music Festival Mr. Lega's peers have recognized him to be among the finest high school band directors and, in 1987, Mr. Lega was recognized as the Outstanding Chicagoland Music Educator. He was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1995, joining his predecessors Mr. McAllister and Mr. Houseknecht.

     In 1990 Ted became the leader of the well-known Teddy Lee Orchestra, which was one of America’s great dancers dance bands. In 2002, Louis University awarded Mr. Lega got the St. Genesius Award (Patron Saint of the Arts) in recognition of his dedication and achievements as a music educator, band director, and orchestra leader. He has also received a lifetime achievement award in memory of Jon Paynter, Director of Bands at Northwestern University, an honorary Doctorate of Music from Vandercook College, and the Leonardo da Vinci Award for Performing Arts from the Order of Sons of Italy in America.

     Mr. Lega passed away on May 10, 2022.