Studer to remain as Rider’s band director

Band director Loy Studer will be staying at Rider for the upcoming school year after announcing his departure just a month ago.  

“When you say you’re going to do something, you need to stick to it, and that’s generally something I try to live by,” Studer said. “But business is business, and in the end, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.” 

There were many factors that went into Studer’s decision, but after several meaningful conversations with WFISD district officials and time spent thinking about it, he made his final choice. 

“There’s always a cornucopia of reasons to do anything,” Studer said. “To stay, or to go. When there’s an opportunity to stay, that’s great. It’s not lost on me that WFISD, especially Dr. (Donny) Lee and Dr. (Cody) Blair, want to place value on trying to keep employees, and that’s a good change, because a lot of us are invested. This is our heart.”

Studer, who’s alma mater is Rider, has been the band director for the past 17 years. Last month, he had been chosen to be the band director at Copperas Cove, a Class 6A school in Central Texas. 

“I don’t think anyone questions my love for Rider High School, it’s been a part of my life for a long time,” Studer said. “Having the opportunity to finish off with Rider is one I couldn’t pass off.”

Studer and the other band directors plan to make next year special and honor Rider through its final marching show. 

“We started talking about it way back in October and November,” Studer said. “We wanted it to be something that would reflect how we feel about Rider. The love we felt we feel for Rider, and what it means to the community.” 

Studer feels that the next few years are going to be “a balancing act,” with making new changes, but also honoring the history and legacy of the old high schools.

“This is pretty unprecedented, and that has led to a lot of uncertainty” Studer said. “I feel that for our kids, and that’s the main thing – I want to be there to finish it out with them.”

While Studer’s change of heart may surprise some, it won’t be the last change for the district.

“Things change,” Studer said. “I think that that’s the narrative for the next 12 months. Things are going to change.”