Under the Monocle: Mr. Bill Riddle

When taking a look inside our very own award-winning performing arts department, you’ll find Mr. Bill Riddle, chair of the department and also the co-director for the York bands. Since Mr. Riddle arrived at York, he has helped turn the performing arts programs into something special.

“Trying to develop a culture and community within our performing arts department [has always been the goal],” Mr. Riddle said.

Mr. Riddle strives to provide a fulfilling and enjoyable program for students.

“We want kids to get the best experience within the arts program,” Mr. Riddle said.

The entire focus is centered around the students and what will be best for them. The path of growth is what is encouraged both inside and outside of class.

“Mr. Riddle has been a great mentor and teacher to me for the past four years,” senior marching band student Siena Olson said. “He always pushes us to be the best. He is crazy in the best way possible about marching band.”

Before York, Mr. Riddle spent 18 years in Westmont directing the band at a high school.

“I am really thankful for my position here at York since it has been half teaching half administrating. Teaching is where the most satisfaction comes from,” Mr. Riddle said.

While teaching in Westmont, Mr. Pavlik, one of the other band teachers at York, student taught under the wing of Mr. Riddle. Ever since then the two of them have been really close. Two years before Mr. Riddle joined the Dukes, Mr. Pavlik came.

“Having Mr. Pavlik here at York when I came was really special,” Mr. Riddle said.“We work really well together and we always have, giving our students a consistent message.”

After college, Mr. Riddle did freelance for seven years while continuing to write and play music. His undergraduate was a music education degree, but he thought he’d find success as a professional. After jumping between a few teacher positions, he found his passion as a band director at a Westmont high school. Mr. Riddle’s biggest inspiration is his high school band director.

“He was a model for me what a band director and teacher does,” Mr. Riddle said.

With the help of all the staff within the performing arts department, the music department staff have all come together to inspire students every day, especially Mr. Riddle.

“Mr. Riddle sees potential in everyone, and he tries to bring it out of every student,” senior Ben Pavlik said. “He does it for the sake of making music and creating art.”