After 25 years in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, Steckel Elementary School wished a happy retirement to music teacher Stephen Reisteter Dec. 1.

In addition to his contributions in the classroom, Reisteter is a mainstay in the Lehigh Valley’s performing arts. As a musician, he performed with legends like Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops and The Temptations. As a director, he conducted numerous performances for Civic Theatre of Allentown. And as a composer, his work has been played by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Over the past year, the school district has replaced half of its music department staff. Four new teachers are adjusting to their first year as Zephyrs.

Shawn Wydrzynski rotates between the middle school and Steckel Elementary. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in music education and his master’s degree from American College of Education.

“The Whitehall-Coplay School District is a very close-knit district and community,” Wydrzynski said. “I have the pleasure to work at both the middle school and Steckel, so I have gotten to meet a lot of teachers, administration and staff members who love their job and working with the students.”

Kevin Miller is the new instrumental music instructor at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School and Zephyr Elementary School.

Miller received his bachelor’s degree from Moravian College in music education. He is a member of the Nazareth Community Band, Valley Community Orchestra in Bethlehem and Quakertown Band. He has played the trombone since elementary school.

Edward Hong is the new music teacher and chorale director at Whitehall High School. Hong received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Temple University and his master’s degree from Florida State University.

“Whitehall has established a high-performing, highly respected music program here in the Lehigh Valley,” Hong said. “It has been a joy learning about and working with these talented young student musicians.”

On Dec. 1, Nicole Huie replaced Reisteter at Steckel and Gockley elementary schools.

With most schools holding winter concerts over the past few weeks, technology specialist Dave Parvel has been instrumental in setting up audio, video and sound for the teachers’ inaugural performances.