RallyNorth.net

New band teacher brings fresh energy

Thursday, October, 04 By Margo Sullivan
Staff writer

PELHAM | This year, Pelham's band is getting some fresh energy and direction from the new band teacher, Jay Chandler. Chandler hopes to have 100 students playing in the band within the next three years.

"We're thinking big, even though we're small at this point," he said at a recent School Board meeting.

The band's membership has been dwindling over several years, partly because youngsters, who have been performing in middle school, typically drop band when they get to high school, he said.

Right now, the roster stands at 11 students. But those 11 are very dedicated, and they add a lot to school spirit, he said. Meanwhile, Chandler has already started to rebuild. He has started an After School Band for youngsters, who were not able to fit music into their schedule this year. Five more students have signed up for that program, he said.

"Pelham High School music is changing in an exciting way," he said. "High school is really where it's at," he said. "You're at the age you can travel."

Chandler also drummed up interest in band by holding a cookout for students and their parents. About 60 people attended.

He also wants to let the students know band can also be an avenue to a great career.

Principal Dorothy Mohr said Chandler has barely been in his new post for a month but already has made a world of difference.