Our Band Directors

Mike Hamann
West Ottawa Music Department Chairperson/High School Bands
Started in 1993 (23rd Year)
With West Ottawa since 2000 (16th Year)
College: Central Michigan University
Hometown: Cadillac, Michigan
Director Of:
High School Marching Band
High School Symphony Band
High School Advanced Percussion
High School Jazz I Band
Macatawa Bay 6th Grade Band
Pep Band

Jay Gainforth
High School Band
Started in 1989 (27th Year)
With West Ottawa since 2005 (11th Year)
College: Central Michigan University
Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan
Director Of:
High School Marching Band (Assistant)
High School Wind Symphony
High School Concert Band
High School Symphony Band (Assistant)
Harbor Lights 7th/8th Grade Bands
Music Theater Production Pit Band

Heide Kenjorski
Middle School Band
Started in 1992 (24th Year)
With West Ottawa since 1996 (20th Year)
College: Eastern Michigan University and Grand Valley State University
Hometown: Alpena, Michigan
Director of:
Macatawa Bay 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Bands

Whitney Brainard
Middle School Band
Started in 2012 (4th Year)
With West Ottawa since 2013 (3rd Year)
College: Grand Valley State University
Hometown: Burnips, Michigan
Director Of:
Harbor Lights 6th through 8th Grade Bands
Macatawa Bay 7th and 8th Grade Bands

Jacquie Shannon
Middle School Band
Started in 2014 (2nd Year)
With West Ottawa since 2014 (2nd Year - student taught prior)
College: Hope College
Hometown: Holland, Michigan
Director Of:
Harbor Lights 6th Grade Band