Michael Raehpour serves as director of bands in the Andover Public Schools and is currently in his sixth year as an educator. Under his leadership, the Andover High School jazz department has been invited to play twice at the Kansas Music Education Association’s In-Service workshop: 2020 (Jazz Ensemble I) and 2022 (Jazz Combo). He has led many students to be selected as members of the Kansas All State Bands and his ensembles have received numerous Superior ratings at festivals throughout Kansas.

As a trumpet player, Michael has played throughout the Disneyland Resort, events for the Grammy Awards, recording sessions at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, and two performances for former President Barack Obama. In addition, he has performed extensively in the Wichita area and can be seen over the summer playing shows with Music Theater Wichita. Michael has shared the stage and studied with leading musical artists including Wayne Bergeron, Arturo Sandoval, Willie Murillo, Chick Corea, John Clayton, Gordon Goodwin, Wycliffe Gordon, and many more. Michael strongly believes that experiences gained as a performer directly impact his ability to teach and inspire students.

In addition to conducting and performing, Michael’s arrangements have recently spread in popularity across the globe. His arrangements have been heard throughout Australia, Sweden, France, Canada, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and South Africa. In March 2018, Michael’s arrangement of the National Anthem was featured live on ESPN with an audience of 2.9 million viewers and a crowd of over 18,000 people at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

Outside of the school day, Michael enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants. He is married to his wife, Kristi, who teaches Social Studies at Andover High School. They are both very active at their home church, serving extensively with the Worship Arts Team and Youth.

Brandi Swoverland graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in 2013. She was the 5th grade through 12th grade Band Director in the Remington School District for six years before returning to school for her master’s degree. For those two years, Miss Swoverland co-taught college students in the concert, marching, and pep bands at Wichita State University and began assisting the bands and orchestras at Northeast Magnet High School in 2021. 

Miss Swoverland is currently teaching 5th grade through 12th grade band at Andover High School, Andover Middle School, Cottonwood Elementary, Wheatland Elementary, and Robert M. Martin Elementary. 

Miss Swoverland lives in Wichita with her cat. In her free time, she likes to play games, paint, and take her cat for walks!

Abbigail Rakes serves as assistant director of bands at Andover Public Schools and is currently in her first year as a public teacher. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 2026, where she earned awards like Tau Beta Sigma's National Award for Outstanding Leadership, Pi Kappa Lambda's Outstanding Freshman and Junior award, and various honors with the bands program. Abbigail got to travel with the K-State Marching Band frequently, including Ireland, the Sugar Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the Rate Bowl. She hopes to give her students the same opportunities that she got during her time in band both in High School and College!

Miss Rakes currently lives in the Wichita area with her partner and cat. She loves to read, crochet, hike, bowl, and cook in her free time!