New band teacher begins career

Blake Mikkola made a leap of faith when he decided to start his teaching career here in Worland as the new band director at Worland Middle School and Worland High School. Luckily, it has paid off for him.

Mikkola primarily grew up in Great Falls, Montana, and attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where he studied music education. When looking back on why he went into education as a career, Mikkola said, "I've always been around teaching in some way, so it seemed natural to just go into it." Mikkola had multiple family members who were teachers, including his dad, who he watched teach while growing up.

As for music, Mikkola said, "it was the community that brought me into music, kept me in music, and I felt like teaching was the best way to stay a part of that community." Mikkola stated that he appreciates the relationships that are formed between those who participate in music over the span of several years throughout middle school and high school.

While Mikkola was preparing to enter the field after college, he heard about how the band director position was opening just in time for him. He said, "It seemed like an amazing program, and I've now discovered that it is." Since teaching, Mikkola said that he has been loving the students and that the administration has been supportive throughout the process.

Mikkola is most looking forward to the first concert, which will be not only his first concert in Worland, but also the first concert of his teaching career. He said that students have been working hard this year and that, "[he is] excited to celebrate the learning of my students with them." The community can see Mikkola and his students at their first concert on Oct. 24 at Worland Middle School. The high school marching band will host and participate in a competition on Oct. 10, and state marching band will follow on Oct. 14. The marching band will also be in the upcoming high school homecoming parade and halftime show on Friday, Sept. 29.

Outside of the music room, Mikkola enjoys playing with the chess club at the school and helping out with the local robotics team. He additionally enjoys rock climbing and fly fishing.

Mikkola wants to express his gratitude to the community for their support thus far, especially to parents.