Hello, my name is Mr. Andrews. I have been teaching Band since 1988. I began teaching for Des Moines in 2000, starting at Hoover High School and then Callanan Middle School. I now teach 5th Grade Band at the Elementary Schools that feed into Harding and Meredith Middle Schools. My wife, Jeanette (flute, organ) and I have four children: Annika (oboe, voice, bass guitar, piccolo), Joel (voice, F horn, piano, bass guitar), Reed (percussion, voice) and Michael (bassoon, bass guitar, voice); we all actually dabble on many other instruments. In my free time I play and arrange the music for two local bands: Elegant Gypsy is a classic/progressive rock band in which I play bass guitar and sing; Faculty Lounge is Des Moines’ premier ten-piece, all-teacher, horn-driven, multi-hyphenated old-school funk band in which I primarily play trumpet and guitar but also sing, play flute, keyboard and any other instrument a song might need. Teaching beginners is extremely rewarding as the students progress so quickly and I am able to start them on a musical journey that has made my life so complete.
My name is Kayla Bates, I grew up in the Des Moines public school system and I am excited to now be a teacher with Des Moines. I recently graduated from Grand View University with a degree in art education and studio art, along with a minor in photography. My love of teaching began at age 14 while coaching gymnastics and continued to grow over time.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, going to new places, and creating art works of my own.
I am thrilled to start my first year of teaching at Madison Elementary!
When I am not teaching I spend most of my free time listening to, jamming, practicing and performing music with my friends, family and new acquaintances.
Although I like lots of types of instruments, whistling is my favorite way to make music. Apart from music I spend my time eating, sleeping and climbing trees.
I am looking forward to all of the opportunities that await during my eighth year of teaching at Madison!
I graduated from Iowa State University.
I have been teaching Physical Education in the Des Moines Public Schools since 1992.