Lise Gilly, a native of the D.C. area, received her Bachelors in Music/Music Ed from the University of Miami.  She then relocated to Chicago where she received her Masters in Music/Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University.  Upon graduating, she served as the Performing Arts Department Chair at the prestigious Lincoln Park High School for the Arts.  Her performing arts team enjoyed a spot in the top four Illinois high school music departments from 2008--2015.   Ms Gilly has since relocated to Florida and has been working as a band director in the Palm Beach County Schools since 2016.

She now travels frequently between Chicago and Florida teaching music, playing freelance shows and of course producing events with MUSIC BY LISE!

Ms. Gilly’s freelance playing encompasses many styles including Latin Jazz/Salsa, Indie Rock, Blues and Classical.  She is a sought-after panelist, adjudicator and producer, most recently judging the International Blues Society competitions and managing various South Florida Blues Society music festivals.  Ms Gilly also has guest appearances as a musician on the FOX TV show “Empire” as well as other feature films.

She leads her own band, Grupo Cha Cha, a.k.a. the lovely ladies of Latin Jazz.   Please check out their dedicated page on this website!!! 

Other notable groups she has performed with are: The Civic Orchestra of Chicago (the Chicago Symphony’s training orchestra), Chicago Music Award winners Carpacho y su Super Combo and Girl Group Chicago and Latin Grammy winner Sones de Mexico and International Blues act, Nigel Mack and the Blues Attack.