Kesterke named new director of bands at Adrian College
Posted Thursday, July 10, 2025
Author: Mickey Alvarado
ADRIAN, Mich. — One of Lenawee County’s top band directors, Dan Kesterke, has been selected as the new Adrian College Director of Bands.
Kesterke has served as director of bands at Siena Heights University since 2018 and also chaired the music department, leading the marching band, concert band, pep band, percussion ensemble, brass ensemble and woodwind ensemble.
“We are excited to add Dan’s talent and specialized leadership to our talented music department and to begin a new era for the Marching Band at Adrian College,” said Frank Hribar, Adrian College vice president of admissions and student affairs. “We have been working to redevelop our marching band and having one of the top band directors in southern Michigan join our program should attract talented students looking for a strong college music program led by a respected director and teacher.”
Before joining Siena Heights University, Kesterke served as band director for Adrian Public Schools from 2008 to 2018.
He teaches courses such as music theory fundamentals, music theory, music technology, advanced conducting, secondary music methods, instrumental methods, woodwind methods, string methods, brass methods and percussion methods.
Kesterke said he decided to take the position at Adrian College because this will be his 23rd year living in Lenawee County, and he and his family have deep roots in the area. His wife teaches in Adrian Public Schools, and his children attend school there.
“With Siena closing and this opportunity opening up, it gave me a reason to stay here,” Kesterke said. “If this is a good fit, it will benefit everybody.”
One of the first things Kesterke plans to do at Adrian College is talk with the band members and get their input.
“I’d like to hear what changes they’d like to see,” he said. “It’s about understanding who’s here, assessing the condition of the instruments and facilities, creating a list of priorities, and working through it.”
Kesterke said Siena’s marching band has seen solid growth over the past three years. Last year, it had 72 members.
“We were one of the biggest NAIA marching band programs for a school our size,” Kesterke said.
His position at Adrian College will be split between leading the bands and teaching classes.
“I think I’m prepared for this transition, and I hope to confidently and competently help our students succeed.”
For more information about Adrian College’s music programs and marching band, visit adrian.edu.
