News : Karl Smith leaving VSHS Band Department; to lead MS band at Independence

Karl Smith, shown during a December pep band event in Independence, is leaving VS to teach there.

Mr. Karl Smith is leaving the VSHS Band department; he will teach at Independence next year.

Karl Smith and Dave Lang -- although their bands have been competing against each other for years -- have been the best of friends. They have congratulated each other several times when the two bands finished first and second in contests. And they stood side-by-side directing combined VS-Independence Pep Bands twice during this year's basketball season.

Now, they will be colleagues.

Mr. Smith informed the VSHS Band members today that he is leaving VS to take a position as the Middle School band director and high school assistant director at Independence.

For a time, Mr. Lang directed band members in grades 9-12 while his wife, Lisa, directed grades 5-8. Under the new arrangement in Independence, Mrs. Lang will teach grades 5-6; Mr. Smith, grades 7 and 8, and Mr. Lang, high school. The three will work together on a variety of projects. Mr. Smith will also have the title of assistant high school band director.

Under Mr. Smith's direction, the band has several years of Division 1 ratings in Concert, Marching and Jazz Band. The Jazz Band has earned multiple trips to the Iowa Jazz Band Championships, including this year.

VS to seek replacement

"Mr. Smith has been an asset to our program and the band has had tremendous success under his leadership," says Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock. "We wish him the best with his new position."

Since Smith has returned his 2013-14 contract to administration, Hainstock said she would recommend that the school board accept his resignation pending a suitable replacement being found.

"We have already posted the position within the district and advertised the position outside the district," said Hainstock.

Mr. Smith's departure means that VS is losing three music teacher at the end of this year. Long-time elementary music teacher Connie Zenk is retiring and VS choral director Eric Mohlis is leaving the district to pursue his Master's Degree.