Directors
Laura Wiarda
Director of Bands
Laura Wiarda is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has been involved in music for 25 years. She received her Bachelors of Music and Clarinet Performance from Truman State University, studying with Dr. Jesse Krebs, as well as her Masters in Music Education at Western Illinois University, studying with Professor Eric Ginsberg. She was in charge of marching bands and pep bands all throughout college, as well as conductor of the Symphonic Band at Truman State University.
Laura lives and breathes music, as almost everything she does revolves around spreading her love of music to the people around her. When not immersed in music, she's most likely playing golf with her husband, Neil, hiking with their dog, Zamboni, or learning another musical instrument!
Classes taught- Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Music Theory, Percussion class and Marching Band.
Jesse Vanlandingham
Choir & Orchestra Director
Jesse Vanlandingham is a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver's Music Education program, where he primarily studied voice, and studied violin as a secondary instrument. Before joining the team at Arvada West, Mr. Vanlandingham taught choir and orchestra at Oberon Middle School. As a singer and violinist, Jesse regularly performs with community and professional ensembles in the Denver area, including Elus Vocal Ensemble and the Colorado Symphony Chorus. Jesse's greatest passion outside of music is the Spanish language, which has driven him to travel and study in Guatemala, Ecuador and Mexico.
Ensembles taught ('21-'22): String, Concert and Chamber Orchestras, Concert Choir, Sounds of Calliope, Vocal Chords.
Additional Staff
Braden Holmes- Percussion & Sound
Jon Zimny- Brass and Marching
Shauna Hodges- Color Guard
Carson Wedding- Color Guard