Catasauqua High School has a new marching band director and music teacher.

Robert Arnold has taken over the high school music program. He replaces longtime district music teacher Richard Milne and former marching band director James D'Annibale, who now serves as an assistant. Milne retired in June.

Arnold will be teaching concert band, choir, music theory and music humanities classes.

He says his love of music stems from his family's influence. He plays the saxophone and piano.

"I have always been extremely passionate for music," he said. "Growing up, I participated in every musical activity that I could be a part of. I grew up with a lot of musical influences. My uncle was a music educator and my father went to college studying music."

An Easton Area High School and Kutztown and West Chester University graduate, he completed student teaching requirements in the Catasauqua and Northampton school districts.

Arnold said he particularly enjoyed his student teaching experience in Catasauqua.

"Ever since I student taught in this school district with Mr. Milne, I knew this was where I wanted to teach," he said. "I love the atmosphere here and the students are great."

According to Arnold, the CHS Roughies Marching Band is an impressive musical unit comprised of students who have a strong work ethic.

"They are a very dedicated group of musicians who are always striving to be better each and every performance," he said.

Arnold is confident the band will remain a force to be reckoned with.

"The band will continue to be successful through the hard work that each student is providing," he said.

So far, Arnold has been impressed with the district's music program.

"Once [students] arrive at the high school, there are so many opportunities to partake in," he said. "Everything they do helps develop them into stronger musicians."