shofita.baych@isd194.org 

EVE, CHE, OLE

Shofita Baych (show-fee-tuh, bay-ch) is in her 6th year of teaching beginning band students and her 3rd year working in Lakeville. She is the 5th grade band director at Eastview, Christina Huddleston, and Orchard Lake Elementary schools. Shofita has taught a wide array of musicians, ranging from beginning band students all the way through adults. However, she has a special place in her heart for teaching beginners!

After graduating from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, Shofita began her teaching career abroad. She taught band to 5th-12th grade students in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. After teaching in Bolivia for 2 years, Shofita moved to Duluth, MN where she taught middle school band. She worked in Duluth for a year before moving back to the Twin Cities and continuing her teaching career in Lakeville. She is currently finishing up her Masters of Music in Music Education through Concordia College Moorhead. 

Shofita is excited and committed to continue to grow the band program here in Lakeville. She believes that band is for everyone, and that every single student deserves the opportunity to join band. She believes in fostering a sense of community and belonging through music making. 

Outside of teaching, Shofita loves to perform. She currently is a substitute flute player for Minnesota Symphonic Winds and plays percussion in the Minnesota Valley Community Band. She has also performed with a variety of other high caliber ensembles, including the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Sierra, and was a substitute member of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. 

In her free time, Shofita loves to spend time with her 2 cats (Melog and Maggie), hang out with her friends, visit local cafes and restaurants, practice Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi, attend lots of concerts, and travel whenever she is able to. She has been to over 16 countries and is always planning her next trip!

christopher.gough@isd194.org

CVE, HVE, OHE

Chris Gough is in his 10th year of teaching elementary band here in Lakeville. He is the 5th grade band teacher at Cherry View, Oak Hills, and Highview Elementary. Chris loves working with beginner musicians taking their first steps into the wonderful world of band! 

Chris started his teaching career up north in Crookston, MN. During his time in Crookston, he taught band in grades 5 through 12. Additionally, Chris instructed the marching band, jazz band, numerous solo/ensemble performances, and his students participated in honor bands all over the state. Students from Crookston participated in collegiate honor bands from the U of MN, UND, St. Olaf, and St. Thomas. His students also successfully auditioned for MBDA honor bands at all levels and the MMEA All-State Bands. 

Here in Lakeville, Chris has been committed increasing the enrollment of students in band. Not only that, but it is important to Chris and to the improvement of band as an activity that access be available to any one who wishes to participate. It is never too late to join, and we welcome everyone. 

Outside of elementary teaching, Chris helps to teach marching band at Lakeville South High School during the summer and fall months. As a trombonist, Chris performs with the Minnesota Symphonic Winds, an adult concert band based in the Twin Cities. Prior performing ensembles include the University of North Dakota Trombone Choir and the U of MN - Crookston Concert Band and Jazz Band. Chris conducted the pit orchestra for the St. Anthony Community Theater's Production of 'Singing in the Rain' in 2013. In 2022 and again in 2024, Chris was a conductor/clinician for two of the Minnesota Band Directors Association 1st-year honor bands (NE and SE regions). 

Chris spends his free time playing basketball, pickleball, and disc golf, and loves jamming video games with his identical twin brother and friends. Chris and his wife recently welcomed their first child Charlie into the world (a future trombone player for sure). 

TBA@isd194.org

JFK, LME, LVE

Check back soon to find out who our new 5th grade band teacher is!