Washington’s new band director ready for spring shows
After being away from his hometown for nearly 14 years, Stephen Cherry is preparing for his first spring concerts as Washington School District’s new band director and instrumental music teacher.
Cherry was hired by the district in the fall after the death of band director and music chair David Dayton. Ironically, Cherry had been a student of Dayton’s when he attended West Liberty University before Dayton switched to teaching high school.
“Mr. Dayton was my director of marching band, jazz band and concert band, private trumpet instructor, and college adviser at West Liberty,” Cherry said. “He had great rapport with his students and shared invaluable knowledge and wisdom both about music and life. I learned so much from him.”
Cherry reflected on his days at Washington High School, where J. Marc Svaline taught Cherry how to play the steel pans, which became an area sensation under Svaline’s direction. Cherry said, “It’s truly a surreal experience. I held Mr. Svaline in high esteem as a high school student, and to return to my alma mater and now teach those same classes he taught me is amazing.”
Returning to Washington to teach after being in Maryland for nearly 14 years required somewhat of a cultural readjustment for Cherry. He explained that the Maryland school system is set up by counties, and he taught in Prince George’s County Public Schools at High Point High School. High Point is one of 27 high schools in that county and includes over 2,400 students. He noted that the population is 98% minority, with 68% of the students being Hispanic. To help students learn, teachers are encouraged to use both English and Spanish in their instruction.
Being back at Washington, Cherry cited the benefits of working in a smaller school district. “I enjoy working with not only the teachers, but the administrators in a closer, more personable environment.”
Washington Park Elementary’s upcoming spring concerts for the community will be held Monday and Tuesday. Fourth-grade chorus will perform Monday, while elementary bands and fifth- and sixth-grade choruses will perform Tuesday. Both concerts start at 7 p.m. in the elementary auditorium.
Junior and senior high musicians will showcase their talents at their spring concerts as follows: May 22 features the Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band and Junior High Band (seventh and eighth grades). The High School Symphonic Band, World Music Drumming Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and the Choralaires will perform May 30. Those concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the high school gym/auditorium.