After having four directors in as many years, Weir High School has a new band director who has said he would not want to be anywhere else: Jeremiah Torres.

He was officially hired at the June 12 Hancock County Board of Education meeting, taking over the reins from former director Samantha Lash. He jumped right in, leading the band in the Weirton Fourth of July parade.

Torres grew up and graduated high school in Ripley WV, saying “It’s a small town with wonderful people and unique experiences.”

After high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree of arts in music Education from West Liberty University.

His expectations this year are for the bands to have fun during competitions and to play their hearts out during games.

This is Torres’s first time directing a school band; however, he has worked with bands in other ways.

“In years past, I have worked band camps for Valley High school, Lewis County High school, Bellaire High school, and was a staff member for West Liberty University’s band program,” he said.

Torres’s mom’s mother was a big part of him wanting to become a band director.

When he decided to become a band director, Torres said, “My mom’s mother was such an inspiration to go into music. She was the one who first taught me piano and introduced me to big band jazz, classic 50’s and 60’s music and even musicals.”            Torres also got his inspiration and desire to be a band director from the people around him.

He said, “When I was in high school, I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful band director by the name of Sherry Poole and showed me how to be an outstanding music educator. Along the way in college, my college professors helped me further develop and become the educator I am today. I owe this all to these fine individuals.”

Torres said, “This year is going far better than I ever Imagined my first year as a teacher to go.”

The marching band traveled to competitions for the first time in six years. They also hosted Weir’s alumni band at the homecoming game, played at pep rallies and at Walmart’s grand reopening as well as other activities.

At their October 14 competition in Spencer, Juliaunna Campbell and Hailee Anderson placed as two finalists for the majorettes.

Torres has big plans for the band and encourages all to join them this season and for the concert in December with interactive plans!