Michael Hench is a graduate of the University of South Dakota where he earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree. Before coming to Roosevelt High School he was the High School Band Director at Centennial High School in Circle Pines, MN. He directed the Centennial Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz I and the Brass Choir. He also taught the school's Music Listening Team. Previously he spent 8 years as the 5-12 Instrumental Music Director in Pipestone, MN.
Along with being the Roosevelt High School Band Director Mr. Hench is also currently the director of the Mankato Area “77 Lancers” Marching Band Program. During the summer of 2010 the Lancers received Grand Champion at 8 of the 10 competitions they entered and also received Grand Champion and People’s Choice at the Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria, MN.
Mr. Hench is currently active in MMEA & MENC and serves on the staff of the Mid-West Ambassadors of Music. Past affiliations have included the Waseca Area Big Band, the International Trumpet Guild, Brassworks and the Mid-American Competing Band Directors Association.
Mr. Hench was the winner of the 2009 American School Band Directors Association Distinguished Young Band Directors Award for the state of Minnesota.
Outside of music, Mr. Hench enjoys following the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He is a league champion dart player and enjoys hunting, camping and fishing with his family. Mr. Hench enjoys spending time with his wife; Angel, and their two children; Alexandria, age 10 and Isaac, age 2.
Cassandra Bechard
Assistant Director Cassandra.Bechard@k12.sd.us Cassandra Bechard graduated from Central Michigan University, where she earned dual Bachelor degrees in Music Education & Orchestral Studies. Mrs. Bechard also holds a Masters of Music (Bassoon Performance) from Bowling Green State University. While attending CMU & BGSU, Mrs. Becard was an active performer in several ensembles: CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chippewa Marching Band, BGSU Philharmonia, Shenanigans Woodwind Quintet and Trio. Aside from performing in school ensembles, Mrs. Bechard has played for several Orchestras including the Great Lake Chamber Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Perryburg Symphony Orchestra and Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra. During the summers of 2006 – 2010, Mrs. Bechard was the Unit Director at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan where she trained and supervised 7 counselors & 65 campers. Outside of music, Mrs. Bechard enjoys Zumba fitness, racquetball, camping, board games and spending quality time with her husband; David Bechard.
Mike Hench
Cassandra Bechard