By Natalie Gadeikis, Staff Writer
After the departure of the former Indian Trail High School & Academy band director Ken Wiele, the new IT band director, Jeremy Kriedeman, is determined to preserve the Indian Trail music program, and provide the best musical experience and education possible for the musicians at Indian Trail.
Whether familiar with Kriedeman or not, the band students at Indian Trail have nothing but compliments and excitement towards the new band director and what he has to offer for the Indian Trail music program.
Medical Sciences Academy junior Grace Chapa shared her thoughts on the transition of band directors, and Kriedeman’s new position.
“I think it was hard for a lot of us because we loved and adored Wiele so much, and had so much respect for him. It does take time to build relationships with a new band director, but I think Mr. Kriedeman has done a really amazing job at making all of the students feel special and that their voices are heard,” said Chapa.
“Mr. Kriedeman wanted to be able to adapt to what the school had built in the music program,” said Communications Academy senior Cory Sparks.
Kriedeman has been teaching music for 16 years. The students at IT describe Kriedeman’s teaching style throughout the transition of band directors, and pick out what they feel is most prominent about his method of teaching music.
“I would describe Mr. Kriedeman as a very technical band director. He really listens for the little things, such as accents or dynamics. He’s very detail oriented when it comes to music, and I think that’s a really good trait to have. He always makes us play to the best of our abilities,” said Chapa.
Sparks expresses the unique, down-to-earth style of teaching used by Kriedeman, and how it affects the students in a positive manner.
“He kind of gets on your level when it comes to teaching you. He never makes himself seem superior, he does it for everyone’s benefit. He uses the same analogy as Mr. Wiele, ‘This is like a group project, we all have to put our part in in order for it to go well,” said Sparks.
General Studies senior Michaela Haupt expresses her gratitude towards Kriedeman for introducing her into the music program.
“He was the one who got me into the music program in elementary school. I thought band was gonna be super lame, and I totally wasn’t gonna do it, but he called my mom and asked me to try out, so I did, and it was one of the best choices of my life and I really have to thank him for doing that,” said Haupt.
Kriedeman revealed his interest in teaching and inspiring his students at Indian Trail through music education, and believes that the skills learned within the music program are beneficial throughout one’s life.
“The skills that you learn in instrumental music are skills that help a lot of other areas of your life, and you can get a lot from that, like teamwork, leadership opportunities, and perseverance. I try to use music as a vehicle to help facilitate the growth of those skills,” he said.
Kriedeman has been involved in music from a young age for the majority of his life. When asked about what sparked his interest to become a music teacher, he goes into depth to express his passion for music.
“I love music, and I believe it brings people together, and the idea that I can make that happen for other people is very interesting to me,” said Kriedeman.
Kriedeman shares his favorite advice for aspiring musicians.
“The best advice I’ve got was from a guy named Arturo Sandoval, who’s a famous jazz trumpet player,” he said. “When the landlord is knocking on your door asking for his rent cause it’s three months past due, you just keep practicing.”
Med-Sci junior Dave Patel shares his insight on how the school year is going to occur under the instruction of Kriedeman, after spending half of his high school career with Wiele.
“I’m excited to see what this year holds. I like the music that he’s picked out for us. I think he’s doing a good job trying to accomodate all of us and make this big jump,” said Patel.
Overall, the change in band directors appeared both adaptable and beneficial for the band students at IT.
“I’m working morning, noon, and night, trying to make sure that this program continues the tradition of excellence that it’s had, and that I’m trying everything I can to make sure that everybody has a really worthwhile year, and a really good experience,” said Kriedeman.