The Iola band program has strength in numbers. So much so that Iola band director Matt Kleopfer could use some help. THE RESIGNATIONS of Chelsea Gumfory, middle school math teacher, Chris Weide, assistant track coach, and Ruth Vincent, bookkeeper at IMS, were accepted.
Kleopfer spoke to USD 257 Board of Education members Monday night about the program’s future.
Kleopfer started teaching in Iola in 2012 with the hopes of growing the program. Kleopfer currently works with 220 students per day compared to the 161 students he had in 2012.
“Our middle school program is bursting at the seams,” Kleopfer said. “Iola also has one of the most competitive jazz bands in the state.”
Kleopfer credits the success to the students’ work ethic. Both middle school and high school band students begin their days at 7 a.m. for band practice. In order to accommodate the large number of students, Kleopfer gave up his planning period.
In addition to their regular duties, the students play at football and basketball games to support their fellow classmates.
Kleopfer commutes from Fredonia every day. Late night obligations sometimes keep him in Iola overnight.
“I need help,” Kleopfer said. “I don’t see my daughters awake half the time.”
He asked the board consider hiring a band assistant for the program. The advantages to an assistant would mean smaller class sizes, more class options, better supervision during performances and continued growth for the program.
“I’m not going to quit working as hard just because I have help,” he said. “I always try to recruit in days that end with y.”
Another concern Kleopfer has is block scheduling at the high school. Currently he sees high school band students three times a week, 90 minutes at a time.
“A program will never grow if they don’t have the time,” he said. “I see the middle school five days a week and they sound great.”
He admits there are pros and cons to switching to seven-period school days but would like the board to consider it. He said students would spend 30 more hours per class in a seven-period day per year and math and reading scores would be higher.
Board member Buck Quincy said he is pleased with the progress of the program and Kleopfer’s dedication.
“It has shown what a family you’ve created,” Quincy said. “You’ve built the program up and anything we can do we should try to help. This is Iola’s showcase.”
Iola band program has growing pains
