You may have seen a new face in the Heritage Band, but who exactly is he?

“Our new assistant band director is Mr. Wallis, and he’s joining us this year to fill the vacancy that was left when Mr. Kitchens, our former assistant director retired last January,” Mr. Jason Prasifka, the head band director said.

As an assistant director, Mr. Kent Wallis teaches symphonic winds and band, which is the second and third ensemble bands. He also co-teaches the fourth concert band and the marching band with Mr. Prasifka.

Being an assistant director is Mr. Wallis’ first job.

He graduated this past May from the University of Houston where he earned a music education degree.

In addition to that, he was a part of Drum Corps International for the Blue Knights, which is a professional marching band.

“One of his strengths is his experience in marching band… it’s already a tremendous aspect to our program,” Mr. Prasifka said.

Mr. Wallis’ experience was not the only thing that caught the student’s attention. They also say that he has a good personality.

”He was kind of new for us, but he’s pretty cool,” freshman Andrea Dominguez said.

“He seems very interesting, he’s very lively, and makes band practice interesting,” senior Eric Cho said.

“He’s very excelling in what he does, he makes the band environment much more enjoyable to be in, and I just feel like he’s gonna really learn the band traditions that we have,” sophomore Dannia Thorpe said.