Dustin Vanderveer has served as Director of Bands at Bay City Western High School since July 2022, leading a comprehensive instrumental music program for students in grades 6–12. The program includes concert bands, marching band, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups, and is built on a foundation of musical growth, teamwork, and pride.

Mr. Vanderveer is committed to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment where all musicians feel supported and challenged. He emphasizes strong fundamentals, consistent effort, and accountability while encouraging students to develop confidence, leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Beyond performance, Mr. Vanderveer believes band plays an important role in helping students build character, empathy, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. He values strong partnerships with families and the community and is grateful for the continued support that helps the Western band program thrive.

Elizabeth Watz

Elizabeth Watz serves as the trumpet instructor for Bay City Western High School’s band camp. A proud Western Bands alumna, she previously held leadership roles as both a trumpet squad leader and drum major during her time in the program.

Elizabeth is currently attending Grand Valley State University, where she is studying health sciences with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist. While at GVSU, she was a member of the Laker Marching Band for two years and served as trumpet section leader during her sophomore year. She continues to stay active musically through participation in basketball pep band and the Legacy Band of Saginaw when home on breaks.

Now in her fourth year working at Western’s band camp, Elizabeth values the opportunity to support the program, work closely with the trumpet section, and collaborate with fellow staff members. Western’s band program has played a significant role in her personal growth, and she is passionate about continuing to share the joy of music with students through this program.

Aron Callard

Aron Scott Callard is a freelance trombonist and teacher in the Mid-Michigan area. Since moving to Michigan in 2022, Aron has been lucky enough to perform with many local groups such as the Saginaw Eddy Concert Band, Saginaw Elite Big Band, and the Mid-Michigan Brass Band where he serves as the Principal Trombonist. He has also had the opportunity across the state with groups such as the Fröhliche Musiker Blasorchester and the Soggy Bottom Big Band in Flint, Michigan. Beyond this, Aron also leads two ensembles. The Loiselle-Callard Big Band where he serves as one of the main composers/arrangers as well as the conductor for the group and his Funk-Rock brass band, Prospect Brass Band.

As a Teacher, Aron believes in teaching students to be as well rounded as they can, relying on good fundamentals to achieve what they are trying to accomplish. Since beginning to teach in Michigan, students in Aron’s studio have accomplished things such as auditioning and getting into MSBOA All State Band, high scores at State Solo and Ensemble, and even going into college for music.