Staff
Patrick Kealey, Director
Mr. Kealey is extremely grateful to be a part of the Hempfield Band family this year! Originally from Johnstown, he is a graduate of Richland School District. His music degrees are from Syracuse University where he served the SUMB as Drum Major for three seasons and afterwards on staff for two seasons. After teaching middle school band in the East Stroudsburg Area School District, he's very excited to be coming back to the Western part of the state. Go Spartans!!
Nancy Flinner, Assistant Director
Assistant Director, Nancy Flinner, retired from the West Hempfield Middle School classroom in June where she was the choral director and taught general music. Her other musical responsibilities included director of the Select Ensemble and also was the first in Hempfield to begin a feeder program for the Colorguard in middle school. Previous to being an assistant director, she was a member of the summer band staff beginning in 1998. Mrs. Flinner received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Edinboro State College and completed master classes at IUP and Duquesne University. As the Music Director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Point, she directs the bell choirs, vocal choirs and special music. On a personal note, Mrs. Flinner wants to thank her daughter and son-in-law for their continued love and support. Also thanks to the Hempfield Band Parent Association and the Hempfield Area Administration for their continuous support of the music program and the staff. But most of all, thank you to our dedicated students who work so hard and do such a wonderful job.
Cassidy Ayers, Assistant Director
Cassidy Ayers is a 2011 graduate of Hempfield and a 2015 graduate of Duquesne University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. This is her fifth year teaching full time in the Hempfield Area School District, where is she currently the chorus teacher at Wendover Middle School. Prior to teaching at HASD, Cassidy was the PK-8th grade music teacher at Mother of Sorrows School for two years. She is excited to be heading into her 9th year with the band, and her 3rd year serving as assistant band director at her alma mater. Cassidy would like to thank the Band Parents Association and the students for all of their hard work and dedication to the program, along with her husband and family for their constant support.
Ali Troutman, Bandfront Director
Ali Troutman is a 2016 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing. During her time at IUP, she was the Captain and President of the Crimson Twirlers, who achieved the title of the Pennsylvania State Small Group Dance Twirl Champions in 2014. Ali has been twirling for 26 years, and coaching for 12 years. This will be her 11th year working with the Hempfield Band. Last year was her first year taking over the Varsity Twirlers during their wildly successful season. She also coached the Hempfield Elementary Cadet Twirlers. The Cadets are now 2x TIA Section 8 Cadet Champions! She is excited to be able to give back to her alma mater and is looking forward to a wonderful marching season. Ali would like to thank her family, boyfriend John, and daughter Brynlee for their endless love and support, the Band Parents Organization, and all of the students for their continuous hard work and dedication.