Milan George Tepshich, known to students as "Mr. T," is the Director of Bands at Shaler Area High School and serves as the Music Department Chair for grades 7–12. He leads the Shaler Area Marching Band and teaches a variety of courses, including Honors Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II, Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Music Theory.

Under his leadership, the Shaler Area Marching Band, Concert Bands, and Jazz Ensembles consistently earn top honors at regional and national competitions. The Marching Band has performed at prestigious events such as the Magic Kingdom Parade at Walt Disney World, the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., the International NATO Parade of Nations in Norfolk, Virginia, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.

Mr. Tepshich is an active member of NAfME (National Association for Music Education) and PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Education Association), and is the Past President of the Allegheny Valley Band Association. His students regularly audition for and perform in PMEA, NAfME, and Allegheny Valley honors ensembles.

He earned his B.A. in Music Education with a concentration in percussion performance from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master of Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. West is the Shaler Area Elementary School Choir Director/General Music Teacher and Assistant Marching Band Director. Mrs. West graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Music Education and a concentration in french horn and completed her Masters of Music Technology from the University of Valley Forge in August, 2016.

Ms. Stewart, a Shaler Area Alumni, is a history teacher at Shaler Area Middle School as well as the Dance Team Sponsor. Ms. Stewart was a member of the dance team when she attended Shaler Area High School. Ms. Stewart graduated from Duquesne University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and went on to receive her middle-level certificate add-on. She is earning a master’s degree in educational psychology from PennWest University. 

Michael LaBella holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a concentration in Bassoon, along with minors in Chamber Music Performance, Music History, and Special Education. He has worked with competitive ensembles such as the Norwin High School Marching Band and served as an assistant with the Blackhawk High School Winter Guard. A proud graduate of Shaler Area, Michael is excited to return to his alma mater as a teacher within the district. In addition to his teaching role, he also serves as the Stage Manager for Shaler Area High School.