Q: What is your full name and position at Ladue?

A: Aaron Lehde, Director of Bands.

Q: How long have you been teaching Band?

A: I’ve been here since 2002. 

Q: Tell me about your co-directors.

A: We have a great team of directors. Erin Elstner is our percussion specialist. She directs the percussion ensembles from grades 6-12. Lucas Alberts leads our bands in 5th & 6th grade, and Jimmy Hahn leads our 7th and 8th grade bands. We all assist each other at every level.

Q: Tell me a little bit about about Band.

A: At LHWHS we have 2 bands, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. You can think of them like Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. We rehearse and perform in those groups throughout the year. We play great literature from the Wind Band repertoire at concerts. The percussionists perform as their own ensembles, and we present a chamber music concert and a jazz concert. We combine forces to play as the Pep Band at many school events.

Q: What is the best thing about Band?

A: The best thing about high school band is the sense of belonging and camaraderie that develops among students. The demanding schedule and shared goals of rehearsals and performances forge a ‘band family’, creating lifelong friendships and a unique, close-knit environment.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about Band?

A: We do a lot of events outside the school day and it takes a lot of energy to pull it off. This year, we’ll do the equivalent of 34 school days outside of our teaching jobs.

Q: What are some upcoming Band events?

A: Our Fall Concert on November 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ladue Performing Arts Center.