Two new music directors joined Madison Country Day School this fall, taking over the band and choir programs after longtime teachers retired. As the first quarter wraps up, Kevin Acuña and Genevieve Welch are settling into their roles—and already thinking about how to leave their mark.

The Music Department saw major changes this year when John Schipper and Margaret Stansfield, who led the band and choir programs respectively, both departed. Schipper built the band program from the ground up during his 17 years as band director, starting the Jazz Showcase and establishing annual concerts that became school traditions. Stansfield directed the choir for nearly 12 years, including starting flagship events like the annual Choral Pops concert.

Band Director Acuña said he’s noticed something unique about MCDS: Students truly represent the school to new teachers, since many students stay for 10 or more years, he explained in an email. And while Acuña is eager to continue many of Schipper’s events, he’s eager to make his own mark on the program.

Choir Director Welch said the school’s community spirit made her transition easier. “The strong spirit of the school community has made it such a welcoming environment to step into as a newcomer,” she said.

Welch also said she was  impressed by the relationship between the music program and the wider school. “It seems that the music program gives energy to the school community and the school community gives energy back to the music program,” Welch said, highlighting how central the ensembles are to MCDS culture.