Last year, the Trojan Marching Band said farewell to longtime band director, Mr. Joseph Swinkey. Swinkey taught at Monroe Public Schools for many years. In his departure, though, the Trojan Marching Band welcomed Mr. Graham Westley into the role of new band director.
Coming from Wisconsin, Mr. Westley brings many new positive outlooks to the band, and students adore him already.
“I think he’s a great teacher and an amazing person.” Brady Wehrs, an 11th-grade band student, said. “Our marching band did amazing this season, and he looks out for students and wants the best for them.”
Taking up the position of band director, Westley vows to give back what his band director gave him and to make the world better, one day at a time.
“My band director made me feel like I really mattered and could make a difference,” Westley says. “That is what I want to pass on to my students”
Coming from Wisconsin, there are some things that are different about Monroe High School, but when asked about it, he believes that we have a very caring and thoughtful student base. Additionally, Westley believes that he can bring positivity to our school and pass that on to his students.
Band is not the only thing Mr. Westley loves it though; outside of the band his favorite place to eat out is Culvers, and he especially enjoys the cheese curds.
Additionally, his favorite song from halftime this year was “Mr. Blue Sky”. Mr. Westley brings a healthy, caring, and safe environment to the band that breeds learning and growth.
In just a short time, Mr. Westley looks to be making a name for himself at Monroe High School.