Band   New assistant band director impressed with kids' talent
                       by Johanna Gray, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News ~~ October 5, 2004

MWP-ISD's new assistant band director said she is excited about getting to work with such a talented band and has hopes of making it to state this year.

Cathleen Padden grew up in Austin where she lived with her mother, father, three sisters and the family dog.

She graduated U.T. in 2002 and took some teacher certification courses through Texas State University.  She was involved in the band from Jr. High and majored in music through the Longhorn band in U.T.

Padden worked as a teacher's aide in Austin before coming to Monahans where she has lived for a little over a month now.

After hearing of the job through a friend that works in Kermit, she applied.

She then interviewed in San Antonio with Head Band Director Jeff Whitaker and Assistant Band Director Loya Gerrado.

"We met on neutral territory.  I couldn't believe there was so much support and that we had the same philosophy on things."

"It is really different coming to a town where the whole town backs the band.  I am used to competing with 10 other schools in the same town."  Padden said.

"I can't believe this 3A band is so large and talented.  I came from a 5A that wasn't this good.  I think this band has every potential to go to state.  The kids think a month is like 100 years though.  They don't realize it is an close as it is" she added.

Padden added that she misses her mom, family and the dog a lot since the move.  She explained that her parents wouldn't let her bring the dog because it is a family pet.

During her spare time she reads a lot and listens to all types of music.  She also spends time visiting her boyfriend in Lubbock.

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