Getting in Tune with the New Band Director

Every school year comes to an end, teachers leave, and new staff members join us at Blake. One of the new staff members that are joining us this year is a new band director. 

Last year was Mr. Solomon’s final year at Blake as he decided to go back to school at Louisiana State University to get his master’s degree but will continue to teach at that university. So his spot opened up for a new director, John Wambach, to join us at Blake.

Mr. Wambach has always taught music and before coming to Blake “[he] was teaching part time at a lot of different schools in Chicago where [he] was living, and then before that, [he] was actually in Montgomery County before.” The last school he taught at before coming to Blake was Silver Spring International Middle School where he taught the band and orchestra and occasionally guitar.

Mr. Wambach decided to apply to Blake because he knew a teacher who used to work there, Mr. Barnes, and when he was told that “students are all pretty hardworking at this school. There’s kind of a high level, and the music students especially are very committed.” When Mr. Wambach talked to Mr. Eising about the job, he mentioned the leadership structure in the music department, where students have the opportunity to lead the group and be in charge in their section and help them improve. The job overall sounded appealing to Mr. Wambach as he would have the opportunity to teach students who are passionate about music and want to improve as musicians. 

One of Mr. Wambach’s goals this year is to feel a part of the team since he’s new to the school and music program and wants to contribute in any way possible while continuing to keep the atmosphere positive here at Blake. Naomi Sowa, a senior who’s a part of the colorguard team this year expressed that “He’s a cool teacher, very helpful, he’s funny, and he keeps the class together.” Alongside that though, one of the things Mr. Wambach is excited about his first year in the marching band as while he does have experience teaching it, he’s never been one of the directors. The after school rehearsals, the football games, band camp, and the parades with the marching band has been exciting for him and he’s excited to see how the band progresses as the school year goes on. River Martin, a junior in the marching band, stated that “he’s passionate and wants us the marching band to succeed.”

On the other hand, one of the things that Mr. Wambach is nervous about is concert season. He’s in charge of the jazz band this year and seeing them perform in front of their parents and peers and putting on an amazing performance. And right after the concerts, the band and orchestra go to competitions for the county and Mr. Wambach explains how “it’s my first year back in MCPS, first year at Blake, and so people seeing what our students can do will make me a little nervous.”

Overall Mr. Wambach has been enjoying Blake so far as “The staff are very friendly. They’re very inviting. Mr. Eising is incredibly helpful with helping me fit in. I really like how Mr. Adelekan runs the school as the principal” and he likes how all the students, even those who aren’t in performing ensembles like his guitar students, are committed to learning their instrument and becoming better musicians.