For the first time in over a quarter of a century, the Greene County High School band has a new director.

Wesley Anderson took over as director following the retirement of Becky Greiner after 26 years.  Anderson is from New Hall, Iowa and went to Benton Community Schools.  He graduated from Coe College with a music degree.  He describes the moment that inspired him to be a band teacher, instead of going into physics like he originally planned.

“I was observing a kindergarten teacher (who was) teaching a new segment on choir and these different instruments called Boomwhackers.  The kids just lite up, they just enjoyed more than anything I’ve ever seen anybody enjoy.  And I just said, ‘You know what, I want to do this for my career.’”

His looking forward to maintaining some of the programs that Greiner started, while implementing some new contests and performances throughout the year.  He would also like to start two jazz bands because he wants to display the strong musical tradition that the high school has for the band program.