The Boothbay Region Community Band has a new director and a new flute player. Jeff Waldrop, originally from Utah, comes from a musical background, has conducted large bands and smaller ensembles and is eager to create music with all ages in our community. Beth Ditkoff, recently relocated from New Hampshire to Damariscotta, and will be playing flute in the band.

Tuesday night, Sept. 26, was Boothbay Region Community Band’s first practice at the Boothbay Region Elementary School music room. New conductor Waldrop introduced himself and shared a bit of his background with the band before rehearsal.

Waldrop came from a large family and all played musical instruments. He has been passionate about music since childhood. He plays saxophone, guitar and bassoon. Waldrop taught and conducted the Gilbert High School band, an award-winning band in East Valley, Phoenix for four years and more recently at Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan, Maine.

Currently, Waldrop is the new music instructor for AOS 98, Boothbay Region Schools. He will provide music instruction to grades 4-12, and will conduct Middle school and High School bands. His plans are to have a Jazz band as well as a Marching band and has added a Drumline, which practices on Friday mornings at 7 a.m. for any student grade 5 and up. 

“Music changes peoples lives, it causes the brain to fire in different ways and teaches us how to solve problems. My goal for my students is their growth and success,” said Waldrop.

The Boothbay Region Community Band is thrilled to introduce our new conductor Jeffrey Waldrop, we look forward to sharing great music together for our community. 

If interested in becoming a member of the Boothbay Region Community Band, contact Becky Roberts, 633-0757.