Directors

Jerrod Cook - Band Director, jcook@psd202.org

Mr. Cook is in his 27th year of teaching instrumental music in the Illinois public school system. He taught sixth through twelfth grade band for the Rockridge school district in Edgington, Illinois from 1996 – 2000 and has taught at PSHS since 2002. Mr. Cook earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and a Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Illinois. Mr. Cook has performed with the Quad City Symphony, Illinois Symphony, the Dupage Symphony Orchestra, The Joliet American Legion Band (2022 National Championship performance), 1994 Phantom Regiment, the Joliet Pops Band, the Quad City Wind Ensemble, and The Naperville Winds. At PSHS, Mr. Cook teaches Music Production, Music Theory, and directs the Pep Band and Pit Orchestra for the spring musical. He also co-directs the Cougar Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Mr. Cook resides in Joliet with his wife Kacey and twin daughters Kamryn and Katelyn. 

Luke Podvrsan - Band Director, lpodvrsan@psd202.org

Mr. Podvrsan recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Honors in the Major Designation from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois with a degree in Music Education with an Instrumental/Band emphasis. He completed his student teaching with Michael Malek at Wheeling High School in Wheeling, Illinois and with Golden Apple Award winner Jeremy Bartunek at Greenbriar School in Northbrook, Illinois. During his time at Illinois State University, he was the principal saxophone player in the premier Wind Symphony, lead player in the top jazz ensemble, lead section leader of the 400-person Big Red Marching Machine, and member of the top jazz combo. Mr. Podvrsan has worked with high school students in concert, marching, and jazz band settings in Normal, the CPS (Chicago Public School) system, and across the Northwest Suburbs. At PSHS, Mr. Podvrsan co-directs the curricular Concert Bands and Cougar Marching Band, and directs the Jazz Band. He also teaches AP Music Theory. He resides in downtown Plainfield and can be typically found—when not on-campus—walking, reading, or practicing piano.