DIRECTORS AND STAFF
JAN VERBOOM
Co-Director of Bands
In his 12th year at Valley Center and 24th year of teaching instrumental music, Mr. Jan Verboom Co-Directs all the Instrumental Ensembles 5th through 12th grades at Valley Center. Mr. Verboom is a Graduate of Wichita State University where he performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, WSU Pep Band, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensembles, Steel Band, Marching Percussion, and “Shocker” Marching Band. Mr. Verboom is a former student of Dr. J.C. Combs, Myles Mazur, Brad Bone, Dr. Victor Markovich, and student teaching with Dr. Charles Menghini in the Olathe School District.
He began his music education career as the Percussion Instructor at Wichita North High School and was Assistant Band Director and District Percussion Coordinator in the Goddard Public Schools for twelve years prior to coming to Valley Center. Mr. Verboom has been involved with a number of ensembles and organizations as an Instructor or Percussion Arranger including Goddard, Buhler, Derby, Olathe North, the Kansas Lions International and State Bands, the Performance Arts Foundation, the Kansas Masonic Band, and the Quad City Knights Drum and Bugle Corps along with providing private percussion instruction to students. As an instructor, clinician, adjudicator, and performer, Mr. Verboom has traveled through the United States, Canada, and England.
He was chosen as a “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” in 2002 and is a member of MENC, Kansas Music Educators Association, and the Kansas Bandmasters Association.
AMANDA JOLLY
Co-Director of Bands
Ms. Amanda Jolly has taught in Valley Center for the last ten years, and is in her eleventh year of teaching. Prior to teaching in Valley Center, she taught 5-12 band, choir, and general music in Kingman, KS, and middle school band at Fort Riley Middle School. Ms. Jolly is a graduate of Kansas State University where she majored in Instrumental Music Education and Vocal Performance. While at K-State, she was an active performer in the music department's top instrumental and choral/vocal ensembles, as well the K-State Pride of Marching Band's Head Drum Major for two years.
In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Jolly has maintained a private flute and vocal studio and is the music director for Riverside Christian Church in Wichita. She is a member of KMEA and MENC, as well as an alumni of Tau Beta Sigma. She was nominated as a USD 262 Shining Star in 2016, which recognizes outstanding employees.
Julianna Sorenson
Color Guard Instructor