For the second year in a row, the Live Oak High Emerald Regime
this summer will be breaking in a new band director, as former
Director Julie Weagle leaves the district to return to the East
Coast and pursue her master
’s degree.
For the second year in a row, the Live Oak High Emerald Regime this summer will be breaking in a new band director, as former Director Julie Weagle leaves the district to return to the East Coast and pursue her master’s degree.
“We were fortunate to have her with us while we did,” Live Oak Principal Nancy Serigstad said of Weagle, who came on board last summer to replace Jeff Wilson. “She was able to step into a challenging position and keep it moving forward.”
As of April 9, however, the band has been without a leader. Substitutes have filled in, as well as current district music instructor and former Emerald Regime director Mike Rubino.
“We’re really hoping for a long-term sub to complete the school year,” Serigstad said. “We are awaiting the return of a retired music teacher, now on vacation, who might be interested in coming back for this period of time. Of course, Mike has been a great help, and Fernando (Silveira, director of Martin Murphy middle’s two bands) has volunteered to do what he can to help. We’re trying to make it work.”
Band students and parents should not worry that music credits will be affected, Serigstad said.
Weagle was juggling several responsibilities, Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers President Donna Foster said.
“She had started a choral program, in addition to her music theory and music instruction in all the classes from jazz to the Emerald Regime,” said Foster. “She did an excellent job. This was truly a very personal decision, involving an opportunity to pursue her masters’. She was very conflicted about leaving, but it was an opportunity that came up for her.”
Weagle, who grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University, is returning to that state, Serigstad said.
Once again, the position of Emerald Regime director will be posted for applicants. Last year, when Wilson left for another position, he eased the transition by working with the district into the summer on the development of the band’s marching show for the fall. Rubino, who typically writes the music for the shows, will likely help once again.
“He has offered to help out where he can,” Serigstad said. “We are fortunate to have people like Mike who are committed to the program.”
Even with the help of Rubino and others, Serigstad said, it would obviously be to the students’ best advantage to get a new director in as soon as possible.
“The earlier we can get someone on board the better,” Serigstad said.
One Emerald Regime tradition is spreading the reputation of the band far and wide through “trips of a lifetime:” every other year, the band travels to exotic locations to perform as well as to soak up the culture of the region.
Weagle could not be reached for comment.
