Band Director Mr. Michael Loya joins Jesuit High School Sacramento after working at Woodland High School for eleven years. As the new band director, he aims to build upon the band and lead it into a productive year.

Mr. Loya admires his students’ resilience and their enthusiasm towards stepping out of their comfort zone.

“[The students’] willingness to try new things, and their ability to create their own motivation through most of the processes we go through is pretty unique to what I’ve experienced,” Mr. Loya said. “It almost seems like that’s something that’s just embedded here. ”

Mr. Loya believes in the value of building upon what already exists within a program rather than trying to restart something.

“The hardest part of the process is the transition, and I think it’s just as important that you keep a lot of the [embedded] culture,” Mr. Loya said. “The goal, way down the line, is to continue to expand upon this wonderful program. [But, it’s crucial to keep] culture developing and trying not to just shake down every tree that was already grown here.”

Zachariah Michelena ’24, a member of the band, recognizes Mr. Loya’s efforts and appreciates what he has to offer.

“[Mr. Loya] brings a new perspective,” Zachariah said. “We’ve always had this mindset of what band is and he brings a different one. But at the same time, he’s also adapting to ours and through that we can see the strengths and the faults of our old system. ”

Orchestra Director Mr. Paolo Reyes has noticed a promising shift within the band since Mr. Loya’s arrival.

“It’s definitely a shift from what we’ve had previously because John Cargile, the previous band director, was so established here,” Mr. Reyes said. “Now that we have a new band director, things are a little bit different, but they’re all positive changes.”

Mr. Loya appreciates his students’ efforts to develop their musical skills, and he believes that it leads to greater character. 

“As this being my first year, I can say that the students that are within the program right now are fantastic,” Mr. Loya said. “From beginning band, to our symphonic band, to our marching band, to our jazz program. The students that are here are really embracing the challenge of trying to reach their potential as musicians, but also trying to adapt and trying to reach their potential as young men. Growing as musicians is only going to be a good reflection on us if in the end we grow as people too.”

Mr. Loya’s passion for music and teaching makes him a great band director. His students have responded with similar passion and dedication, and together they will continue to move the band forward.