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A reception for (above) new Santa Paula High School Band Director William Melendez took place last Saturday evening in the high school band room. |
New Cardinal Band Director is introduced
July 31, 2015
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula News
A reception for new Santa Paula High School Band Director William Melendez took place last Saturday evening in the high school band room.
Those attending had a chance to hear his thoughts on the music program at SPHS and what his plans are for the near future.
Melendez said he first heard of the SPHS program when he came to Santa Paula two years ago to help with the Band Camp. A friend of his, a graduate of SPHS, invited him to come and run the camp. At the time he was a student at Fresno State University.
Earlier this year SPHS Band Director Doug Kadansky announced his retirement. Melendez decided to apply for the job and was selected from about 20 applicants. He added, “Ever since I started my degree at Fresno State in music education I wanted a high school program of my own. I have to remind myself as I look at the desk that I’m here.”
He said he’s moved to Santa Paula but has yet to find a place of his own. He noted that a lot of people have opened their homes to him. Melendez said that Santa Paula reminds him of his hometown of Modesto. He added that his high school had a marching band of about 25 people. “I’m excited about this program, which is much larger,” he said.
He said he’s very happy about the support of the band boosters. “The support of parents means the world to me,” he added. He said that the band leadership has told him they want a competitive program so, he’s already lined up several field and parade competitions for the new school year. Melendez also said he wants to maintain communication with the elementary schools and Isbell Middle School.
Band Camp is taking place both this week and next week. He’ll be holding Jazz Band auditions July 28 and 29 with call backs on July 30. Band Camp week three will take place August 3 to 6. We’ll see and hear the marching band at the first home football game of the year on September 4.
