by Walter Kotlin
The 2022-2023 school year marks the first time that Mr. Devan Whaley will teach band at Lowell High School. Not only does he have an ensemble of skills like mallet percussion and other musical instruments, but he also possesses a trained voice after studying choir for many years. In his first week, band kids learned new ways to support their sound and breath with better techniques using traditional choral exercises. Singing and practicing proper breathing form can make playing feel more natural, enhancing the sound of the band.
Along with teaching his craft, Whaley values strong relationships with students. In his own words, “...there’s a market difference between your first day teaching and your fifth-day teaching. Just from saying a couple inside jokes, learning more about people, students knowing that you care what they do outside of your class.”
Whaley directs the Lowell Marching Red Devils and their Beatles-themed show this fall, and has potential jazz combos in the works for later in the year. Because of his love of singing, he continues to be a member of the barbershop quartet, “The 5 Cannibals.”
Lowell has left a good impression on Whaley as well. He said, “...just unpacking at my house, I had like five neighbors come up to me and say hi, and that’s never been what I’ve experienced…It’s been pretty nice.” In a positive environment, a deep desire to educate and an endless supply of jokes, Whaley gives Lowell High School a new way to learn music and have fun with it.
