Ben VanRoekel, a 2019 graduate of Southwestern Michigan College, is the new band director for Dowagiac Union Schools.

VanRoekel, a tenor saxophonist from Paw Paw, will lead students in grades 6-12 from Dowagiac Middle School and Union High School. He concluded his first band camp on August 10 with a preview of this fall’s halftime show.

The Chieftain Marching Band performed selections from John Williams’ “A Night at the Movies.”

“There are a few reasons why this show was chosen,” VanRoekel said. “First, the music of John Williams is very teachable. It isn’t too incredibly challenging to put together with a smaller band, especially because of how recognizable the melodies are. They also still sound great despite being easier arrangements.

“Second, since they are so recognizable, it’s sure to be a football crowd pleaser as well as for the competitive audiences. I want the band to be able to elevate the experience at football games as well as perform well in our own competitions. And finally, I just really like Williams and movies he’s written for!”

VanRoekel discussed the band’s two-dozen members, including five seniors.

“Yes! I’m definitely stepping into a program that is rebuilding,” VanRoekel said. “The band is still here and wants to play, and I’m taking advantage of that. I am teaching 6th-12th grade bands. From what I know, there is a lot of interest in band at the middle school. This first year, I am not going to be focusing as much on recruitment explicitly.

“Instead, my plan is to make the bands look and sound as good as possible. When younger students see and hear the older kids having a good time playing rewarding music, the band program will grow naturally. The camaraderie and enthusiasm are what I want to build more than anything this year.”

VanRoekel is also a veteran of Western Michigan University’s Bronco Marching Band.