Pipestone Band Staff
Dr. Zachary Ploeger
Director of Bands
As a Pipestone native, Dr. Ploeger participated in the band program here at PAS, starting with playing the trumpet in 5th grade. Before this, he took piano lessons starting at age 6. After graduating high school, Dr. Ploeger earned a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. In addition to teaching at PAS, Dr. Ploeger is also the Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. He also teaches online music courses through the University of Minnesota School of Music. Dr. Ploeger has received 7 American Prize awards for excellence in music composition, more than any other individual. His compositions are played around the United States. He also has released three solo albums of standard trumpet repertoire.These
can be listened to on any streaming service. Dr. Ploeger is also a published author. His method book, “Complete Sight Reading ,” is used to teach music reading to trumpet players of all levels.
507-562-6007
Pam Kruse
Private Instrumental Lessons
Pam Kruse teaches individual private band lessons at Pipestone Area Schools. Her position allows all students in the Pipestone Bands to receive a private lesson on their instrument on a regular basis. Prior to teaching lessons, she was an elementary music teacher in the district for over four decades.
Pete Hansen
Percussion / Drumline
Pete Hansen coaches the drumline and teaches private individual lessons to percussion students. He is the founder of Groove Percussion in Sioux Falls and a Pipestone graduate.
Bob Carlson
Private Lessons
Bob Carlson is the former band director at Pipestone High School and Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD. He has been a music educator for more than 40 years. He has been named the Outstanding "Bandmaster of the Year" for South Dakota, and Outstanding Music Educator for the upper midwest. At Pipestone, he teaches private band lessons to our beginning 5th graders.
Tylar Dormaier
Private Lessons
Tylar Dormaier is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in music. Tylar teaches private saxophone lessons at Pipestone.
2024 Marching Band Staff
Emily Savage - Colorguard Advisor
Kaylee Backlund - Colorguard Instructor
Maia Morrison - Colorguard Instructor
Pete Hansen - Percussion Advisor
Owen Minet - Drumline Technician
Ashton Weston - Frontline Instructor
Sophia Poppen - Assistant Percussion
Trinity Endsley - Sound/Audio Technician
Delanee Vanzante - Woodwind Technician
Noah Disbrow - High Brass Technician
Colton Pottratz - Low Brass Technician
Mackenzie Griffith - Visual Technician
Synced-Up-Designs
Marching Band Show Design
The Pipestone Marching Arrows are proud to work with Synced-Up Designs as their show designer. As one of the leading design companies, they provide custom drill, original music, visuals, colorguard, choreography, uniforms, and props.