As the summer starts, Iola band students don’t stop practice.
Students entering middle school and wanting to learn an instrument are welcome to take lessons. Many students already enrolled in band are attending practices to better prepare themselves for the year to come. Many high school band students come in to work on music for district auditions in the fall.
Band Director Matt Kleopfer is not alone when he is teaching this summer. He has Keith Mallory teaching percussion and former Iola High School band student Shannon Vogel teaching woodwinds. Vogel works with beginning woodwinds through high school woodwinds on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, Kloepfer teaches brass instruments with Vogel’s help.
Vogel became enamored with music while attending Iola High School.
“Having the inspiration and guidance from Mr. K, is what inspired me to become a music educator”, Vogel said. “I try to find a way to explain what I am trying to teach so that everyone understands” she said.
Vogel is studying music education at Washburn University, Topeka, where she is a junior. She is involved in its marching band, concert band, wind ensemble and orchestra.
