Jake Ard has returned to his roots, and his passion.
Ard, 29, and Iola Municipal Band members kicked off the band’s 141st season in style Thursday evening as part of the group’s weekly concert series.
Ard is the municipal band’s new director, replacing the late Julie Tidd.
His choice was a natural one for band members, noting Ard’s experience as a music instructor.
Ard grew up in the Moran area, graduating from Marmaton Valley High School in 2000.
He earned a degree in music education from William Jewell University in Liberty, Mo., and then taught music in several school districts in northern Missouri.
Ard returned to southeast Kansas in 2009, “mainly to get a chance to work with Dad.”
Ard’s father, Alan, is a local contractor.
Upon his return, Ard eagerly returned to the band, playing trombone. He played with the group while he was in high school.
“Then they called me in March and asked if I would be willing to direct,” he said.
Alan Ard watched his son conduct the band Thursday, in front of an appreciative, and chilly, crowd. A brisk north wind belied the fact that it’s the band’s summer concert series.
“I know Jake will do a good job, but I’m sure he would just as soon be playing,” Alan Ard said.
The senior Ard also nodded to the former director Tidd, who died in May following a long bout with cancer.
“For a little lady,” he said, “she leaves some pretty big shoes to fill.”
