Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rotarians hear from new Henderson band director

The band at Henderson State University is well known for its excellence in performance, and for the first time in 18 years, the group has a new leader.

Jesse Leyva, director of bands at HSU, was the speaker at the Gurdon Rotary Clubs meeting on Thursday, April 19. A native of Medesto, Calif., he went to Henderson after working for a short time in Texas.

When I got to Arkansas and to Arkadelphia, I could sense what I did in Texas, he said. The people are so friendly.

Leyva said stepping into his new role at Henderson was not that easy because he follows two men who held the position for 48 years. He said the faculty, students and alumni have helped make the transition very smooth.

While speaking of alumni, he complemented Gurdon High School band director Allen Wimberly who is a graduate of Henderson. He said Wimberlys name is often the topic of conversation with students and other alumni.

Als name frequently comes up because his work is so outstanding, Leyva said. He is one of the shining stars of our alumni.

One of the things that Leyva said he was impressed by at Henderson is the traditions held by those involved with the school. He noted not only the schools tradition of striving for excellence in the music department, but also the schools goal to achieve excellence in the classroom. These traditions are helping him in recruiting band students.

We want to bring the best and brightest students to Henderson, he said. I think its really something special.

Leyva said 80 new instrumentalists will be going to Henderson next year. During the recent marching season, 115 students were involved, so he said the addition of 80 new students will help things progress even more.

I think its only going to get better. There are some amazing things that can happen, he said.

Leyva said students that are in band are also more likely to remain in college because of the bonds they form with professors and other students in the discipline.

The type of student who studies music is a bright student, he said.

Leyva is a former Air National Guard member who has traveled extensively playing for the troops and other audiences. He is currently working to complete the requirements for a doctorate degree.