SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MENOMONEE FALLS
MENOMONEE FALLS, WISCONSIN
MFHS Hires Band and Orchestra Director
Top student Planton has skills of “master teacher”
MENOMONEE FALLS (May 27, 2015) - Menomonee Falls High School is pleased to
announce it has hired Meredith Planton to join its music staff for the 2015-16 school year.
Planton has completed her work as a graduate assistant with Prof. John Climer, Ph.D., at
the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in its graduate program in instrumental conducting.
Only two such positions in this competitive program are awarded each year and it is rare that one
is granted to a new graduate.
Planton comes to MFHS as a celebrated student at UWM as well as UW-Stevens Point
where she completed her undergraduate work in 2013. While at UWSP she was awarded the Pi
Kappa Lambda music scholarship for outstanding contributions to the department. Her
references describe her as being “far ahead of her peers,” “one of the top five students” in 18
years of collegiate teaching, and “in a word, (Merry) is a star.” As a classroom teacher, she is
described as having the classroom skills of a “master teacher.” In addition to her work in
instrumental music, Planton also has a minor in dance.
"I am ecstatic to be joining the team at Menomonee Falls High School and to be a part of
such a highly regarded music program! I look forward to collaborating on many levels with staff
and students," said Planton.
She will join a music staff at the high school that includes John Woger, who conducts
orchestra and the bands, and Brian Scheele, who directs the choir.
Woger shared his support to the addition of Planton.
“Having worked with Miss Planton at UWM, I am confident in her ability to be a
valuable member of the band and orchestra team,” he said. “Her musical knowledge and
experiences make(s) her a perfect fit to continue our tradition of excellence.”
“We are thrilled to bring in a musical scholar and a rising star of her caliber,” said
Principal Corey Golla. “I’m excited to see the synergy that develops between Meredith and our
outstanding music staff.”
Planton replaces Michael Zens who has accepted a position near his home in Franklin.
Menomonee Falls will also be adding Kristin Tan to the high school staff as a string
consultant. Tan presently conducts the orchestra at North Middle School and is a strings
specialist. Adding her expertise to the high school program will allow the high school to enhance
the support to the strings program to a new level.