By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—After three years with Pelham High School, Justin Ward will enter his fourth year as the director of bands. Ward was officially hired to the position on Feb. 20.

In addition to his three years with the Pelham High School band program, Ward has extensive educational and professional experience in the field. Ward earned a bachelor’s degree in music education, a master’s degree in music and secondary education, and an Ed.S in secondary education and curriculum design from The University of Alabama.

Prior to his position at Pelham High School, Ward served as the director of bands/orchestra at Aynor Middle School and the assistant director of bands/orchestra at Aynor High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was also a member of the Coastal Carolina University Bands Department staff. Ward has written more than 125 music arrangements and designed marching band drill for high schools across the country.

Starting next year, Ward will take the helm of Pelham High School’s band program, which is comprised of a marching band, two concert groups and a jazz program, involving nearly 250 students.

“We have an outstanding band program, and I hope to maintain this standard of excellence,” said Ward.

Ward has big plans for the Pelham High School band program and is putting together an “action packed schedule.” In addition to performances at football games and pep-rallies, the marching band will compete in two contests in the fall. There will also be four major concerts on the schedule, including a movie music concert, and likely a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

“We anticipate traveling to Disney to participate in a workshop with the Imagineers,” said Ward.

Ward plans to increase the band’s presence in the community by to holding band concerts throughout Pelham during the 2014-2015 school year.

“I would like to do more performances around the town to give back to the community and create visibility for the program,” said Ward. “I’m looking forward to continuing to create a great experience for our students.”

More information about the Pelham High School Band can be found on its website, Pelhamband.com.