Staff
Patrick Kealey, Director
Mr. Kealey is extremely grateful to be a part of the Hempfield Band family! Originally from Johnstown, he is a graduate of Richland School District. His music degrees are from Syracuse University where he served the SUMB as Drum Major for three seasons and afterwards on staff for two seasons. After teaching middle school band in the East Stroudsburg Area School District, he's very excited to be back home in Western PA. Go Spartans!!
Nancy Flinner, Assistant Director
Assistant Director, Nancy Flinner, retired from the West Hempfield Middle School classroom in June 2023 where she was the choral director and taught general music. She also was the first in Hempfield to begin a feeder program for the Colorguard in middle school. Previous to being an assistant director, she was a member of the summer band staff beginning in 1998. Mrs. Flinner received her Music Education degrees from Edinboro State College, IUP and Duquesne University. As the Music Director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Point, since 1979, she directs the bell choirs, vocal choirs and special music. On a personal note, Mrs. Flinner wants to thank her daughter and son-in-law for their continued love and support. Also thanks to the Hempfield Band Parent Association and the Hempfield Area Administration for their continuous support of the music program and the staff. But most of all, thank you to our dedicated students who work so hard and do such a wonderful job.
Cassidy Ayers, Assistant Director
Cassidy Ayers is a 2011 graduate of Hempfield and a 2015 graduate of Duquesne University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. This is her sixth year teaching full time in the Hempfield Area School District, where is she currently the chorus teacher at Wendover Middle School. Prior to teaching at HASD, Cassidy was the PK-8th grade music teacher at Mother of Sorrows School. She is excited to be heading into her 10th year with the band, and her 4th year serving as assistant band director at her alma mater. Cassidy would like to thank the Band Parents Association and the students for all of their hard work and dedication to the program, along with her husband and family for their constant support.
Ali Troutman, Bandfront Director
Ali Troutman is a 2016 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing. Ali has been twirling for 27 years, and coaching for 13 years. This will be her 12th year working with the Hempfield Band. Last year was her second year taking over the Varsity Twirlers who took 2nd Place at the TIA Atlantic Coast Championships in the Advanced Scholastic Twirling Division. She also coached the Hempfield Elementary Cadet Twirlers. The Cadets are now 3x TIA Section 8 Cadet Champions! She is excited to be able to give back to her alma mater and is looking forward to a wonderful marching season. Ali would like to thank her family, boyfriend John, and daughter Brynlee for their endless love and support, the Band Parents Organization, and all of the students for their continuous hard work and dedication.