Our Band Directors
Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia became Director of Bands at Grandville High School in 2008. Prior to teaching at Grandville, he was Director of Bands at Rogers High School and Gobles High School. Mr. Garcia received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan University in 2005 and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University in 2012. Bands under his direction have consistently received superior ratings at district, state, and national levels. In 2006, Mr. Garcia was nominated for "Teacher of the Year" in the State of Michigan (MTOY). He was a recipient of the 2008 "Outstanding Potential" award from the American School Band Director's Association (ASBDA). While at Grandville the band program has been expanded to include a second Jazz Band, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion, and the 2022 MAPA State Champion Winter Winds. His professional affiliations include MSBOA (Michigan Band & Orchestra Association) , MCBA (Michigan Competing Band Association), MAPA (Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts), and MCGC (Michigan Color Guard Circuit).
Eduardo Garcia became Director of Bands at Grandville High School in 2008. Prior to teaching at Grandville, he was Director of Bands at Rogers High School and Gobles High School. Mr. Garcia received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan University in 2005 and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University in 2012. Bands under his direction have consistently received superior ratings at district, state, and national levels. In 2006, Mr. Garcia was nominated for "Teacher of the Year" in the State of Michigan (MTOY). He was a recipient of the 2008 "Outstanding Potential" award from the American School Band Director's Association (ASBDA). While at Grandville the band program has been expanded to include a second Jazz Band, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion, and the 2022 MAPA State Champion Winter Winds. His professional affiliations include MSBOA (Michigan Band & Orchestra Association) , MCBA (Michigan Competing Band Association), MAPA (Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts), and MCGC (Michigan Color Guard Circuit).
Ross Huber
Ross Huber began his teaching career in 2013 and has taught middle school band and elementary general music in Illinois and Missouri. He also taught trumpet at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. During his years of teaching out of state, Mr. Huber started the band programs at Eagle Ridge School and Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School and both programs continue to operate successfully. He was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2016 at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School for his work in revitalizing both the elementary and middle school music programs. In 2018, he returned to Michigan and taught middle school band, elementary general music, and assisted the high school marching band for Holland Public Schools. Mr. Huber joined Grandville Public Schools in 2019 as the Assistant Director at the high school. His students consistently receive superior ratings at both District Band Festivals and Solo/Ensemble Festivals. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University and a Master in Trumpet Performance from Michigan State University.
Ross Huber began his teaching career in 2013 and has taught middle school band and elementary general music in Illinois and Missouri. He also taught trumpet at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. During his years of teaching out of state, Mr. Huber started the band programs at Eagle Ridge School and Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School and both programs continue to operate successfully. He was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2016 at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School for his work in revitalizing both the elementary and middle school music programs. In 2018, he returned to Michigan and taught middle school band, elementary general music, and assisted the high school marching band for Holland Public Schools. Mr. Huber joined Grandville Public Schools in 2019 as the Assistant Director at the high school. His students consistently receive superior ratings at both District Band Festivals and Solo/Ensemble Festivals. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University and a Master in Trumpet Performance from Michigan State University.
Anna Werling
Anna Werling began her teaching career in 2013 as the associate director at Tri County Area Schools, teaching 6-12 grade bands. In 2014, she became the director of bands at Lakewood Middle School, and assisted at Lakewood High School. Students under her direction consistently earn high ratings at MSBOA festival, district and state solo and ensemble, jazz festivals and marching festivals. She joined the Grandville team as a co-director at the middle school in 2018. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Werling received her Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from Western Michigan University, where she studied trumpet under Scott Thornburg and Dr. Stephen Jones, and served as Drum Major in the Bronco Marching Band.
Anna Werling began her teaching career in 2013 as the associate director at Tri County Area Schools, teaching 6-12 grade bands. In 2014, she became the director of bands at Lakewood Middle School, and assisted at Lakewood High School. Students under her direction consistently earn high ratings at MSBOA festival, district and state solo and ensemble, jazz festivals and marching festivals. She joined the Grandville team as a co-director at the middle school in 2018. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Werling received her Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from Western Michigan University, where she studied trumpet under Scott Thornburg and Dr. Stephen Jones, and served as Drum Major in the Bronco Marching Band.
Monica Leversay
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, music educator and clarinetist, Monica Leversay, joined the Grandville Middle School Band Program in 2020. In 2008, Ms. Leversay earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education (BME) with Performance Honors from Grand Valley State University. In addition to teaching privately, Ms. Leversay taught middle school band in the Michigan public school system at Pinewood Middle School before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. During her time in Tennessee, she served as Assistant Band Director at Sunset Middle School in Brentwood, TN as well as Assistant Band Director at Franklin High School in Franklin, TN before accepting a full-time band director position at Mt. Juliet Middle School in Wilson County Schools in 2014. The Mt. Juliet Middle School Band program saw rapid and extensive growth from the time of her arrival in 2014 and grew from a program of 85 students to 250 young musicians who are actively involved in and participating in MTSBOA Solo & Ensemble, MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment, MTSBOA Mid-State Band, Youth Orchestras through the Blair School of Music (Vanderbilt), as well as daily participation in Concert and Jazz Bands. During her time in Nashville, Ms. Leversay held the position of Principal Clarinet with The Nashville Praise Symphony (www.nashvillepraise.org) and in 2012, served as Principal Clarinetist in the orchestra accompanying the phenomenal family talent of the Annie Moses Band at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, NY. She is also an active member of ASBDA (American School Band Director's Association), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), and MSBOA (Michigan Band & Orchestra Association).
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, music educator and clarinetist, Monica Leversay, joined the Grandville Middle School Band Program in 2020. In 2008, Ms. Leversay earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education (BME) with Performance Honors from Grand Valley State University. In addition to teaching privately, Ms. Leversay taught middle school band in the Michigan public school system at Pinewood Middle School before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. During her time in Tennessee, she served as Assistant Band Director at Sunset Middle School in Brentwood, TN as well as Assistant Band Director at Franklin High School in Franklin, TN before accepting a full-time band director position at Mt. Juliet Middle School in Wilson County Schools in 2014. The Mt. Juliet Middle School Band program saw rapid and extensive growth from the time of her arrival in 2014 and grew from a program of 85 students to 250 young musicians who are actively involved in and participating in MTSBOA Solo & Ensemble, MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment, MTSBOA Mid-State Band, Youth Orchestras through the Blair School of Music (Vanderbilt), as well as daily participation in Concert and Jazz Bands. During her time in Nashville, Ms. Leversay held the position of Principal Clarinet with The Nashville Praise Symphony (www.nashvillepraise.org) and in 2012, served as Principal Clarinetist in the orchestra accompanying the phenomenal family talent of the Annie Moses Band at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, NY. She is also an active member of ASBDA (American School Band Director's Association), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), and MSBOA (Michigan Band & Orchestra Association).
Maureen Ross (retired)
Maureen Ross became co-director of the Grandville Middle School Bands in 1997. She currently teaches the Seventh Grade Band, Eighth Grade Band and Jazz Band. Before coming to Grandville, she taught band for nine years at Newhall Middle School in Wyoming. Bands under her direction have received consistent superior ratings at MSBOA District Band Festivals. Her Eighth Grade Jazz Band performed at the Midwestern Conference on Instrumental and Vocal Music in January, 2002, and jazz bands under her direction have received superior ratings at both district and state festivals. Mrs. Ross has been a faculty member at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and has also performed with the Blue Lake Festival Band and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. Maureen’s professional associations include the Percussive Arts Society, Music Educators National Conference, and American School Band Directors Association. She has served as MSBOA District Ten Executive Board as treasurer and president. Mrs. Ross is also active in the music ministry at her church. She lives in Byron Center with her husband Jim, Director of Instrumental Music at East Kentwood High School, and their children Michael and Claire.
Maureen Ross became co-director of the Grandville Middle School Bands in 1997. She currently teaches the Seventh Grade Band, Eighth Grade Band and Jazz Band. Before coming to Grandville, she taught band for nine years at Newhall Middle School in Wyoming. Bands under her direction have received consistent superior ratings at MSBOA District Band Festivals. Her Eighth Grade Jazz Band performed at the Midwestern Conference on Instrumental and Vocal Music in January, 2002, and jazz bands under her direction have received superior ratings at both district and state festivals. Mrs. Ross has been a faculty member at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and has also performed with the Blue Lake Festival Band and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. Maureen’s professional associations include the Percussive Arts Society, Music Educators National Conference, and American School Band Directors Association. She has served as MSBOA District Ten Executive Board as treasurer and president. Mrs. Ross is also active in the music ministry at her church. She lives in Byron Center with her husband Jim, Director of Instrumental Music at East Kentwood High School, and their children Michael and Claire.
Amy Kool (retired)
Amy Kool received her Bachelor of Music Education in 1991 from Western Michigan University, where she studied conducting with Richard Suddendorf and trombone with Steve Wolfinbarger. She was Assistant Director at Grandville High School for nine years, directing the Varsity Band and Junior Varsity Marching Band. In 2000, Amy became Music Director at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, but returned to Grandville in 2001, where she is currently co-director of the Grandville Middle School Bands. Bands under her direction consistently receive superior ratings at MSBOA District Band Festivals. Mrs. Kool has served as MSBOA District 10 Vice President of Middle School solo and ensemble for the past four years. She teaches private trombone lessons to many students in the Grand Rapids area, and also accompanies solo and ensemble students at the district and state festivals. She is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band and performs in brass ensembles in various local churches. Her professional affiliations include MSBOA, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Amy Kool received her Bachelor of Music Education in 1991 from Western Michigan University, where she studied conducting with Richard Suddendorf and trombone with Steve Wolfinbarger. She was Assistant Director at Grandville High School for nine years, directing the Varsity Band and Junior Varsity Marching Band. In 2000, Amy became Music Director at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, but returned to Grandville in 2001, where she is currently co-director of the Grandville Middle School Bands. Bands under her direction consistently receive superior ratings at MSBOA District Band Festivals. Mrs. Kool has served as MSBOA District 10 Vice President of Middle School solo and ensemble for the past four years. She teaches private trombone lessons to many students in the Grand Rapids area, and also accompanies solo and ensemble students at the district and state festivals. She is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band and performs in brass ensembles in various local churches. Her professional affiliations include MSBOA, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Brian Topolewski (retired)
Brian Topolewski joined the Grandville Bands as part-time Assistant Director in his thirtieth year of teaching. He retired in 2010 from East Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he was band director at East Grand Rapids Middle School and assistant at the high school. His seventh, eighth grade bands and high school Concert Band consistently earned first division ratings at both district and state contests. He built the program from 55 students to over 200, and enrollment remains consistent. Mr. Topolewski has been nominated three times for East Grand Rapids Foundations Excellence in Teaching award.
With degrees from Michigan State University (BMusEd with honors) and Miami University (Master of Music) where he served as Graduate Assistant of Bands, he has directed high school bands at Hazel Park (MI), Talawanda High School (OH), and Wyoming Park High School. The Wyoming Park Marching Band was third place in the Michigan Competing Band Association’s State Contest each year of his tenure.
Brian is an adjudicator for the Michigan Competing Band Association, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, and the Michigan Scholastic Marching Band Association. He has adjudicated marching and concert bands along with solo/ensemble events in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Virginia. Residing in the city of Grand Rapids, Brian has volunteered and/or been on the boards for Festival of the Arts and ARTPrize 2010 and is a past member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band.
Brian Topolewski joined the Grandville Bands as part-time Assistant Director in his thirtieth year of teaching. He retired in 2010 from East Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he was band director at East Grand Rapids Middle School and assistant at the high school. His seventh, eighth grade bands and high school Concert Band consistently earned first division ratings at both district and state contests. He built the program from 55 students to over 200, and enrollment remains consistent. Mr. Topolewski has been nominated three times for East Grand Rapids Foundations Excellence in Teaching award.
With degrees from Michigan State University (BMusEd with honors) and Miami University (Master of Music) where he served as Graduate Assistant of Bands, he has directed high school bands at Hazel Park (MI), Talawanda High School (OH), and Wyoming Park High School. The Wyoming Park Marching Band was third place in the Michigan Competing Band Association’s State Contest each year of his tenure.
Brian is an adjudicator for the Michigan Competing Band Association, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, and the Michigan Scholastic Marching Band Association. He has adjudicated marching and concert bands along with solo/ensemble events in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Virginia. Residing in the city of Grand Rapids, Brian has volunteered and/or been on the boards for Festival of the Arts and ARTPrize 2010 and is a past member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band.
Robert Persky (retired)
Robert Persky began his teaching career in 1979. He served as the Grandville Middle School Director for 12 years before joining the Grandville High School Music Department as Assistant Instrumental Music Director in 2001. He was previously Director of Bands at Cedar Springs Public Schools for six years, and Director of Band and Choir at Grant Public Schools for two and a half years. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University, where he studied euphonium under Norman C. Dietz and Brent Dutton. Bands under his direction have consistently received first division ratings at MSBOA festivals. Mr. Persky is an active adjudicator in marching and concert bands for MSBOA and has served as a Vice President in District VII of MSBOA. He has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band since 1979. Mr. Persky retired from Grandville High School in 2010.
Robert Persky began his teaching career in 1979. He served as the Grandville Middle School Director for 12 years before joining the Grandville High School Music Department as Assistant Instrumental Music Director in 2001. He was previously Director of Bands at Cedar Springs Public Schools for six years, and Director of Band and Choir at Grant Public Schools for two and a half years. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University, where he studied euphonium under Norman C. Dietz and Brent Dutton. Bands under his direction have consistently received first division ratings at MSBOA festivals. Mr. Persky is an active adjudicator in marching and concert bands for MSBOA and has served as a Vice President in District VII of MSBOA. He has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band since 1979. Mr. Persky retired from Grandville High School in 2010.
Robert Brower (retired)
Robert Brower graduated from Western Michigan University, majoring in History with a minor in Music. He received his MME degree in 1973. He began his career as Band Director in Decatur, Michigan. Mr. Brower became Director of Bands at Grandville High School in 1967 and directed the Marching Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Winds. Bands under his direction consistently received superior ratings. He has been past Vice President and President of District X and is an active adjudicator for both marching and concert band festivals. Mr. Brower was also a member of the ASBDA & MSBOA. His father taught instrumental music in Michigan for 35 years and was a charter member of MSBOA. Robert Brower retired in 2008 after teaching in Grandville for 41 years.
Robert Brower graduated from Western Michigan University, majoring in History with a minor in Music. He received his MME degree in 1973. He began his career as Band Director in Decatur, Michigan. Mr. Brower became Director of Bands at Grandville High School in 1967 and directed the Marching Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Winds. Bands under his direction consistently received superior ratings. He has been past Vice President and President of District X and is an active adjudicator for both marching and concert band festivals. Mr. Brower was also a member of the ASBDA & MSBOA. His father taught instrumental music in Michigan for 35 years and was a charter member of MSBOA. Robert Brower retired in 2008 after teaching in Grandville for 41 years.
