Mrs. Victoria Griffitt serves as director of bands at Andover High School. She teaches 5-12 band alongside Michael Raehpour and Brandi Swoverland at AHS, Andover Middle School, Cottonwood Elementary, Wheatland Elementary, and Robert M. Martin Elementary. 

Victoria began teaching in 1998 in her hometown of Hays, KS after receiving a Music Education degree from Fort Hays State University. She taught high school band, jazz band, marching band, orchestra, music appreciation, music theory, choir and pop singers. She also directed the pit orchestra for the musical productions. 

Victoria's next teaching experience was in Derby, KS where she taught a multitude of 5-12 band ensembles (and beginning orchestra) during her 18 year stay. Under her direction, ensembles consistently received high ratings at music festivals including two first place awards at the Worlds Of Fun Music Festival (2018/2019) and Best Overall Performance at Frontier City Music Festival (2022). Her groups were invited to perform at Kansas Music Education Association’s In-Service workshop: 2015 (DMS 7/8 Advanced Band and DMS 7/8 Jazz Ensemble) and 2017 (DNMS Jazz Ensemble). Victoria has taught private lessons for 28 years and counting. She has had many drumline students continue to play for KSU, KU, OSU, Pittsburg State, Benedictine College, FHSU, Emporia, Colts and Jersey Surf Drum Corp and Rhythm X WGI.

Victoria holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology (WSU 2011) and is working on a Master’s Degree in Conducting (WSU).  She was invited to present on Communication, Culture and Connections in the Classroom to Wichita Public Schools (2024) and the Women Band Director International Summer Conference (2024) in Grand Rapids, MI. One of Victoria's favorite activities is serving as a band clinician and adjudicator. She enjoys working with musicians to further there musical growth and motivation which she has had a multitude of experiences with recently. During the summer, Victoria serves as a percussion specialist and jazz instructor at High Plains Music Camp and Bethany Music Camp. She has the pleasure of performing with the Wichita Wind Symphony and the Delano Wind Ensemble. She assists with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert Band. She has served on Kansas Percussive Arts Society board as treasurer and the executive board for the John Philip Sousa Middle School Honor Band. Her professional affiliations include: NAfME, Kansas Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, Women Band Directors International, Phi Beta Mu and a lifetime member of both Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Iota. 

Victoria's family includes her husband Scott of 26 years, sons Benjamin and Samuel, Lucy the fearless golden retriever, and Cleo the 18 year old cat. Victoria loves performing or taking in live music whenever possible, adventuring to a beautiful spot to hike and explore, or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Her favorite defining quote is from Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Michael Raehpour serves as assistant 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!