GALLIPOLIS — Gallia Academy High School’s marching band has a new director for the 2009-10 school year to coincide with a brand new high school.

Andy Sigman, a graduate of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and former band director at Waterford High School, began his career with GAHS last week at the old high school.

“Today is the first day I’ve met with the students and I’m really impressed with their work ethic and training level,” Sigman said.

Sigman led the Waterford band to state finals for 13 consecutive years and is now moving from a music program with approximately 60 participants to one with nearly 300. He noted that GAHS students were coming in to practice even though they were not required to, and commented that the students were not only “talented,” but also “respectful.”

“I’m really excited and have renewed energy,” Sigman said of the upcoming season. “I’m kind of in observation mode right now trying to see what style they use.”

He added that he is trying not to be quick about change as he doesn’t want to overwhelm the students, but will be making some gradual changes.

The band is scheduled to perform as part of the opening of the Gallia County Junior Fair on Monday. After that comes band camp and then they are slated to play at the GAHS ribbon cutting ceremony for the new school on Aug. 16.

Sigman said the whole show will be ready for the first GAHS football game on Aug. 28, a home contest against Athens.

He also said that he is impressed with the band room and auditorium at the new GAHS building, which he compared to a palace.

“I think it’s a wonderful facility for the community,” Sigman said. “It’s going to be a great asset not only to the arts, but to academics as well.”

“I look forward to meeting everybody and building long lasting relationships and having a productive, educational year,” he added.