Over the past several years, the Tomah community has been fortunate to reap the benefits of having one of the finest individuals, as well as music educators working in the Tomah School District. Mr. Ryan Waldhart recently resigned his position as Tomah High School Band Director to take a position in West Salem.

Ryan Waldhart has worked very hard in the past several years to build a quality music program at the high school. Participation in band has been at an all-time high the past couple of years due to his leadership, professionalism, and the positive relationship he has with the students in band. Our community has benefited in many different ways thanks to the commitment by him and the students. The band faithfully marches in the Community Holiday parade the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 4th of July parade, the Homecoming parade and CranFest parade. They perform music before and during the Memorial Day services at the cemetery. The popular Indoor Marching Band Concert, which is a compilation of the field shows from all the home football games, is a huge hit with the community every fall. The pep band not only performs at all the usual sporting events, but they have traveled to Madison to play for state playoffs in hockey, wrestling, and softball! (Hockey and wrestling the same night at the same time, I might add -- not an easy feat!) I believe Mr. Waldhart was the first director to do that. He has done as much to promote positive school spirit as any winning team.

Then there are the well-run and well-organized trips to New York, Disney World and the Outback Bowl he has taken the band on the past few years; the solo and ensemble festivals in the area; the Dorian Honors Band held at Luther College every winter, and the All-State Band held in Wisconsin Rapids that he takes one or two students to if selected. The students have excelled in their performances on these trips and represented Tomah well because he prepared them well and they respect him.

Ryan is an excellent teacher, musician, professional, and mentor to our students. He has gone above and beyond what is expected and I thank him for that. A new teacher in the Tomah School District will have big shoes to fill, but hopefully can carry on Ryan's strive for excellence. The best of luck to Ryan and his family as they move on to the next chapter of their lives!

Kathy Steinmetz,

Tomah