Longtime Hays USD 489 music educator will leave a legacy

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Hays High School Band Director Craig Manteuffel admitted he probably “shocked” the community when it was announced early this week he was leaving the district after 19 years to join the Kansas State High School Activities Association this summer.

“I think a lot of people thought I would retire from here, and I really had plans to do that” Manteuffel said. “Then I had people contact me from around the state and said I should look into the (KSHAA) job, because is a very important job. It’s not dealing with kids directly, but it affects kids across the state of Kansas and that is what my whole life has been about — helping kids.”

Manteuffel’s job duties as assistant executive director will include administration of KSHAA sponsored high school events across the state from musical festivals to debate competitions.

Manteuffell and Rachelle Lumpkins discuss future of HHS band without longtime leader, "He has been a big influence in my life," Lumpkins said. — Manteuffell and HHS Sophomore Rachelle Lumpkins discuss future of HHS band without longtime leader, “He has been a big influence in my life,” Lumpkins said.

Manteuffel said he is feeling a “whirlwind” of emotions these days, but said the hardest part was telling his students — many he has known since they were sixth graders — he would not be their band director next year.

”It’s tough to leave that type of situation. … job changes do come around, so you just have to deal with the emotions,” he said. “And it is really hard to leave the kids …. but you know the Hays kids — they will adjust. … We have some wonderful musicians here, so the new person can come in and take the ball and roll with it.”

HHS Sophomore Rachelle Lumpkins is one on those many students Manteuffel has taught since sixth grade. She said there were times she wanted to quit band, but it wasManteuffel who encouraged her to stick with band and fulfill her dream of becoming a music educator.

“Mr. Manteuffel, over the years, has tried to get to know each and every individual band person on a personal level, and that is just amazing as a teacher,” Lumpkins said. “I can handle this, but I’m not ready to let him go yet, but I know I will be.”

Hays High Senior Alex Crowley is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall as a music education major and said Manteuffel was a “great” influence on him.

Hays High Senior Alex Crowley prepares to practise the trombone, stating Mantueffel taught him the importance of hard work. — Hays High Senior Alex Crowley waves from the band’s practice room, stating it was Mantueffel who taught him the importance of hard work and discipline.

“I learned a lot from him about discipline and improving yourself,” Crowley said. “I know he feels very sad about (leaving) and I do too, but I think (the new job) is a great thing for Mr. Manteuffel. I feel it will all work out in the end.”

Hays High School Principal Marty Straub already has assured the students the position will be filled, a gesture Manteuffel said he appreciated.

“That made me feel really good that (Straub) would come in to reassure (the students),” Manteuffel said. “In these times with all the cuts from Topeka … the kids are worried because they have had teachers leave and the job not be filled, and it says something about our district too that they want to keep the excellence going on the instrumental side of music.”