New band director David Luddington hopes to raise goals and expectations for young musicians at BHS.

Formerly band director in Garfield Heights, Luddington hopes to use his experience to strengthen Beachwood’s program.

“It’s a band program in transition that’s really going to be [improving] in the next few years,” said Luddington. “My goal here is to–over time–expand the program in terms of numbers, raise the level of musicianship and really get us out in the community.”

In order to accomplish these goals, Luddington has implemented more practices.

“We’ve done more outside practices [this seaosn]…In the past, Beachwood has really practiced less than almost any other band in the area.”

Senior Maya Levine feels that Luddinton’s expectations are challenging, and it will be a difficult adjustment from the old band director.

“Mr. Luddington has very high expectations for us,” said Levine. “He’s very strict, but he wants the band to get better and improve.”

Levine noted that, for her, the band schedule is too demanding because she has a job, and is unable to attend the after school practices. She said that this year’s band will not be an “easy A,” as many students were expecting.

Senior Maddie Adelman thinks the changes will be beneficial.

“He may be strict, but he knows how to get the job done right,” said Adelman. She noted that Luddington requires students to memorize music, a requirement not demanded in previous years.

In the future, Luddington would like the band to travel more, and eventually develop it to the point where there are two concert bands. Luddington is also excited to conduct the BHS jazz band, a club started last year, after football season ends.

This football season, the band’s line-up includes Drive By by Train, Edge of Glory, by Lady Gaga, and I’m Shipping it up to Boston, by the Dropkick Murphys.