SENECA BANDS
Mr. Christian Woods, Director of Bands
Mr. Woods is in his fifth year as the proud Director of Bands in the Seneca School District. Prior to teaching in Seneca, Mr. Woods was Director of Bands in Sarcoxie, Missouri.
Mr. Woods is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. While attending school there, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Symphonic Orchestra, and Marching Mules for 4 years. He was able to serve as Principal Horn in the Symphonic Orchestra and Team Leader for the mellophones in the Marching Band. In 2018 Mr. Woods earned a Master of Arts in Music Degree, also from the University of Central Missouri.
When not at school, Mr. Woods enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, cat, Four Socks and looking at/working on cars.
Mr. Tyler Jones, Assistant Director of Bands
Mr. Jones is going into his fourth year of teaching in Seneca. Prior to starting in Seneca Mr. Jones worked retail at a number of places in Joplin.
Mr. Jones is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. While at Missouri Southern he was a member of the MSSU Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Brass Choir, Trumpet Ensembles, Lion Pride Band, Pep Band, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combos, Southern Symphony Orchestra, and Steel Pan Band. Mr. Jones served as Principal Trumpet of the MSSU Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. He also served as Lead trumpet in the jazz band and section leader for 4 years in the Lion Pride Band.
Throughout his Trumpet career Mr. Jones has performed at National Competitions and International Conferences.
When not at school, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time with family, watching the Chiefs and the Cardinals play, and playing PS4.
Ms. Michelle Wetzel, Intermediate Music, 6th Grade Band, JH Colorguard
Although this is her 9th year of teaching in the Seneca School District, Ms. Wetzel has been a lifelong resident of Seneca, MO. She teaches music at the Intermediate School, and directs the Jr. High Color Guard.
After graduating from Seneca High School, Ms. Wetzel attended Missouri Southern State University, majoring in Music Education (Clarinet and Voice). During her undergrad, she performed and served as section leader in various ensembles, including the Lion Pride Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Woodwind Choir, and MSSU Concert Chorale. She was also awarded Outstanding Graduate in Music Education of her graduating class by her department faculty. Ms. Wetzel earned her Masters of Music Education Degree from Evangel University in Springfield, MO.
In addition to making music in the classroom, Ms. Wetzel leads worship at her church. She also enjoys playing Bluegrass and Gospel music with her family. When she is not playing music or teaching, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Shelby Bauer, High School Colorguard Director
Shelby graduated from Webb City High School in 2010. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing at Missouri Southern State University and is currently working toward a Masters degree in Secondary English Education at Western Governors University where she will also receive her certificate to teach English/Communication Arts to grades 9-12. Shelby spent 4 years in Colorguard/Winterguard at Webb City High School and assisted with Winterguard in Webb City before joining our team.
In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, baking, reading, and writing novel reviews.