Page 3 - The Wayne Dispatch

There’s a new band director in town

By Carolyn Marnon a program. They work hard every
Longtime band director Matt day to reach a new level of success!
Diroff resigned at the end of the last
school year. A new band director is What are 5 things about yourself
in town at Wayne Memorial High that could let the Wayne commu-
School. Let’s get to know him. nity get to know you better as a
person?
What is your background in I graduated from Wayne State
music? University.
I have played saxophone since I was drum major in both high
5th grade. In high school I was very school and college.
active in band having participated in I'm a VERY passionate Indianapo-
the band program at Plymouth-Can- lis Colts fan (I also love the Lions).
ton High School. During my time Michael Wolf, Director of Bands and Orchestra at Wayne Memorial High School, I love to play golf!
there I was in the marching band, watches from the press box as the band practices on the field. My wife and I love to spend time
wind ensemble, saxophone quartet outside playing golf, taking walks,
and pit orchestra. I credit my love Wayne Memorial HS. My first experi- for the program is amazing. The stu- camping, fishing and kayaking.
for music and band to my experi- ence with the program was attending dents would not be able to accom-
ences that I had in high school. a Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corp plish what they do without the
Recently, I graduated from Wayne rehearsal happening at Wayne Me- culture and support that the pro-
State University where I was active in morial HS in the summer 2018. I gram already has.
the marching band, pep band, wind was impressed with how engaged the
symphony, saxophone quartet and students were with the rehearsal and What musical groups are you band
saxophone choir. Along with my that the community supported hous- director over? Is there just one
studies at WSU, I have been active as ing a Drum Corp for the week. band and one orchestra? Do you
a marching band instructor for the direct the orchestra?
past few years working with L'Anse What has been your biggest chal- I direct all instrumental music
Creuse HS North, L'Anse Creuse HS lenge in this new position? classes at Wayne Memorial HS. I am
Central, Rockford HS and more. My The biggest challenge has been responsible for two bands and two
instructor responsibilities have in- making sure I start building a rela- orchestras. Other duties include
cluded teaching woodwind sections, tionship and making connections jazz band, marching band, chamber
teaching marching technique and with every student. This is my pri- groups and pit orchestra.
even working with winter drumline! mary goal as a teacher. I want to Wayne Memorial Zebra Marching Band
Currently, I am the Director of make sure I build strong relation- How did the theme for United
Bands and Orchestras at Wayne Me- ships with students so that they get come about? (United is the theme were the top performers at Gibraltar Carl-
morial HS. the most out of their time in the of the WMHS band program this son Spectacular Spectacular, Drum
Zebra Marching Band. year.) What is involved with this Major Andres Ochoa and Field Com-
How did you hear about the band Has anything surprised you program for the year? mander Delaney Green with the bands
director position and why did you about working with the Zebra band? The theme for United was already
apply? The culture of the Zebra March- in place when I took the position. Class A First Place Trophy, Awards for
I heard that the band director po- ing Band continues to impress me However, I feel that it is very relevant Best Music, Best Marching, Best Percus-
sition had opened from a friend who every day. When I met all the stu- and symbolic for this season. Having sion. The WMHS ZMB score of 78.7
works in the district. I applied right dents on day 1, I knew that there a new director is not easy, but these was the top score in all three competition
away! I applied because I knew how was something special about this students have really come together
supported the music program was at program. The community support to continue growing and learning as divisions. Photo by Kevin McKay

The Wayne Dispatch · October 2019 · 3