BAND
Music is a great gift. We work with others toward a common goal and celebrate the achievements of all. It is a lifelong activity that allows the young and the old to create beautiful, excellent things together. Very few community activities bridge age, language and culture like music.
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Our hope is that WBL music students seek out ways to make music throughout their lives. Please continue to support music and the arts in our schools.
To find out how you can help our programs with a gift of money, CLICK HERE:
Click below for the different school band websites containing schedules and other important information for Students.
Note: You will be re-directed from the Booster website.
Find our Upcoming concerts on the Calendar page by clicking here:
High School:
Shannon Anderson
Shannon Anderson was born and raised in Colorado and did her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Originally a flutist, Mrs. Anderson first had the desire to become a music teacher in grade 6. She holds a master's degree from Lesley University and a principal's license from Hamline University. She moved to Minnesota with her husband David in 2005 and has four children: Jackson, Emma, William and Andrew. She enjoys hiking, skiing, running and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her first year teaching in White Bear Lake was the 2005/2006 school year at Central Middle School. She moved to South Campus in the 2008/2009 school year where she is the WBL Music Department Chair, Director of the South Symphonic Band, South Wind Ensemble, South Jazz I and II and the Pep Band. She also assists with the North Varsity Band.
Jeremy Rockford
Jeremy Rockford began teaching in White Bear Lake in 1998. Prior to coming to White Bear Lake, Mr. Rockford taught beginning band, middle school band, middle school choir and middle school classroom music for East Central public schools in Sandstone, MN. Mr. Rockford has been recognized as Teacher of the Year for White Bear Lake in 2004-2005, and named Minnesota state semi-finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2006-2007. Mr. Rockford received a Bachelor in Music Education from Bethel University (1994), and a Masters in Education from St. Mary’s University (2007). He is the proud father of Timothy, Rebekah and Faith. His wife, Kristy, is an active piano player in the Twin Cities area. Kristy accompanies for many choral activities in White Bear Lake as well as providing emotional support for busy schedules.
Mr. Rockford is responsible for 9th grade concert band, 9th -10th varsity band, North Winds, North Jazz 1, North Jazz Lab, pep band and assisting with Drum Line.
Central Middle School:
Kristina Kuehn
Kristina Kuehn has been teaching middle school band in White Bear Lake since 2011. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in music education and from Saint Mary's University in 2016 with a master's degree in learning design and technology. Kristina loves the spirit and energy of middle school students and loves being a part of the WBL music department. Kristina lives in Blaine with her husband Carvel, her sons Jack and Luke, and her dog Hobey.
Kristin (Kusche) Chase
Kristin Kusche received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota in 2008, and her Masters Degree in Education and Public Policy from Ashford University in 2016. She taught at Humboldt High School in St. Paul in the 2008-2009 school year, and at Twin and Hidden Oaks Middle Schools in Prior Lake for the 2009-2010 school year. She joined the music department at Central Middle School in White Bear Lake in 2010. Ms. Kusche comes from a dynasty of band teachers; her parents were both band teachers at one point, and her brother is also a band teacher. Her main instrument, like that of her parents, is percussion.
Sunrise Middle School:
Jennifer Gere
Jennie Gere has been teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band, lessons and Jazz Ensemble at Sunrise Park Middle School since 2011. She is a clarinet player and enjoys playing in the community as much as possible, including the Century College Community Band. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Iowa State University and her Masters in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, running, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Katie Althof
Katie Althof is a White Bear Lake native (Go Bears!) and completed her undergraduate in music education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.
Ms. Althof began teaching in White Bear Lake in 2015 and travels between Central and Sunrise Park Middle Schools where she directs bands and teaches lessons. She continues to play French horn in community groups and also enjoys, hiking, biking, crafting and spending time with family and friends.
Upcoming Concerts
Meet the Staff