After eight incredible years at Benton Middle School in La Mirada, California, the time has come for me to move on and I have accepted a position with Arcadia Unified School District.
I want to say a sincere Thank You to each and every Benton student, parent, and family member that has contributed to the success of Benton Bands and Orchestras in recent years. You are the reason the decision to move on has been so excruciatingly difficult.
La Mirada Band & Orchestra Directors, 2024 La Mirada All-City Concert
(L-R: Sean Gohn, Robert Stearns, Geoff Summers, Drew Martinez, Craig Jordan)
I am pleased to announce that the program at Benton is in good hands: Mr. Sean Gohn, who was the Director of Bands at Los Coyotes Middle School for nearly twenty years, will be at the helm. When I started in Norwalk-La Mirada in 2016, I was in Mr. Gohn's classroom (as well as Mr. Jordan’s) on a weekly basis observing his rehearsals, picking his brain, and learning everything I could from his teaching style. He is one of the best in the business, and knowing he will be at the helm to steward the next era of success for Benton is the best silver lining I could ask for.
Benton Middle School will also be welcoming Mr. Ian Hansen, who will be taking the Orchestra reins.
I am excited for the opportunity to work with the team in Arcadia. Thus far, the welcome has been warm, inviting, and supportive. Here’s to the next chapter!