Ray Borane and Paul Huber Middle Schools began year 2012 with good news: Wesley Ford is the new Music Instructor for both schools.

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Ford grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he attended and graduated from High School there. Later he moved to Fargo, North Dakota to continue his college studies at North Dakota State University (NDSU) where he obtained his certification as Music Teacher.

“With music, I am certified to teach all the way from Kindergarten through 12th grade,” he said. “I just finished my studying teaching in December and quickly moved down here, so this is the first job I have ever had and I am excited to be here.”

Ford’s main instrument is the French Horn.

“I started playing the French Horn when I was in Fifth Grade,” he said. “I remember bringing home my instrument for the first time and opening the case and there is so much possibility that you see there. Years later it is fun for me seeing some of the kids in the class and wanting to play their instruments.”

The aspect that Ford is surprised with is the friendly environment that surrounds both middle schools. “Everyone has been really welcoming and it seems they are very excited to have a new teacher,” he said. “The students are so great, so I felt very welcome and very at home from the moment I got here.”

One of the long-term plans Ford would like to do with the music program at both schools is to get as many people involved in music as possible. He thinks music is one of those things that anyone can participate and be successful in.

“Another thing I would like to start is a Jazz Band,” Ford said. “I taught a drum line back in Fargo and I think it would be cool to get a middle school drum line going as well.”

According to Ford, most of this first week it has been learning the rules of the classroom, what it is done in band and all that is related to it.

“Starting next week is when we are really taking those instruments out of the cases and start playing,” he said.