This school year, the band department welcomes a fresh face to help the students go beyond, with the new band director, Alexei Wade.
Q What started your passion for band?
A Music was always my thing; it always came quickly to me. I was looking to join either band or orchestra and the band sounded really nice, so I joined the band. In high school, my teachers were really big for me; they were my mentors, kind of my second parents.
Q What did you major in for your degrees?
A I went to the University of Houston for a bachelor in music education and flute performance. I then went to graduate school at San Francisco Conservatory where I did flute performance for two years.
Q What made you come to Atascocita (AHS)?
A Graduate school was a great opportunity, but I knew deep down I just wanted to be a teacher. Once the new school year was approaching and jobs started opening, I applied and this was actually the first position I had an interview for. Things just worked out and it ended up being a really good fit. I love being here and I hope they appreciate me being here, too.
Q What is different at AHS versus other schools?
A One thing I really like about AHS is the student population; it’s diverse, which I love. The culture is really great here and everyone really seems to like school. The administration, teachers and parents that I’ve met have been fantastic. The biggest thing I really like about AHS is the community.
Q What do you think you can bring to the AHS band?
A Some youthfulness and a lot of positivity. The biggest thing I bring is a fresh pair of eyes, a lot of good energy, a large amount of passion and just being a team player.
Q What is something that you’re nervous about?
A I’m the percussion director and I’m not a percussionist; I’m a flute player. With getting this job, I knew this would be a big learning curve. It’s definitely a challenge learning all the percussion stuff and having the confidence to teach students who have been doing it for a while.
Q What are you most excited for?
A It’s always so cool to see the progress of the students. There’s something special about being there the entire time. The consistency for them and for me is so important, so I’m really excited to see what these kids turn out to do and become for the rest of their lives. The best part about being a teacher is the relationships you build with the students because they last forever.
Q What are your expectations for this year?
A My expectation for myself is to be the best teacher I can possibly be. That would come from how I speak to students, the confidence I have in front of them and the tedious busy work I have to do to get things done on time. From here to the end of the school year, I want the students to put their best foot forward and make progress. I can’t ask them to be in the Houston Symphony, but I can ask them to try their best and learn and that’s all we can do.