The irony is not lost that one of the fastest growing programs in Iola middle and high schools is viewed by many as superfluous to education. MUSIC has always had a strong influence on Iola. It does the soul good to know Iola schools not only value that tradition but are working to nurture it.
The schools’ band program is growing by leaps and bounds in the few short years Matt Kleopfer has been at the helm. Tuesday evening several generations of families flooded the Iola square to attend the outdoor performance by Iola Middle School students.
Their performances were as flawless as the weather — crisp and lively, as the wind sometimes whipped music from stands. No matter. Most students had their pieces memorized.
This is not to knock the recent efforts to emphasize STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — courses. But all too often the arts, particularly, are forced to take a back seat when a new wave of “must haves” wash ashore.
It’s to the school district’s credit, therefore, that a band assistant for Mr. Kleopfer was recently approved to help handle the growing program.
Playing an instrument involves many talents that will translate into other fields, including keeping focused on the music, listening to your bandmates, learning how to appreciate music and its history, and of course learning how to play the danged thing.
FOR THOSE who remember longtime band director Dale Creitz, it’s hard not to get your hopes set on Kleopfer, affectionately called “Mr. K” by students.
When Creitz came to Iola in 1942, the high school band program had 32 members. By 1960, it had swelled to 113 and was marching in the Orange Bowl.
In Kleopfer’s three years in Iola, the band programs’ numbers have multiplied. By watching how he and the students interact it’s clear a mutual respect has developed. He is effusive in his compliments of the students’ accomplishments and they in return aim to please.
No doubt in his earlier days Mr. Creitz was just as “cool” as the young Kleopfer, 30, with equal energy and enthusiasm.
Creitz also directed a high school symphony, The IHS Symphonette, founded the Iola Symphony and directed the Iola Municipal Band, whose roots go all the way back to 1871.
In 1964, Creitz was named executive director of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center and stepped down from both that and teaching in 1974.
— Susan Lynn
Iola schools taking forward valuable music tradition
