Dean Westman 'retires' from The Cadets

After a great summer and a run of two fabulous years, Dean Westmen has informed George Hopkins, Director of the Cadets, that he will not be returning for 2005, at least in the capacity of caption director.

Dean has a 5 year old daughter, Abigail, and lives in Sugarland, Texas with his wife, Adrianna. Over the summer, it became clear that Dean needed to spend more time with his developing family. Indeed, there are hopes of adding to his "team" in the months ahead.

In discussing his time with the Cadets, Dean was clear as to his love for the corps. "This past year gave me the opportunity to work with the greatest group of young people I have had the pleasure to teach. Their work ethic, their personality, their commitment to excellence it was a real joy. They created a great brass section and it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this very special summer in Cadet history."

Dean returned from the 2004 tour to Stephen F. Austin High School where he serves as band director. In 2003, The Stephen F. Austin Bulldog Marching Band was named as Regional Champion at the Bands of America Houston Regional and was awarded 3rd place in San Antonio at the first-ever BOA Super Regional. Under his direction, the Bulldog Marching Band placed 5th at the 2002 Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This was a first for any Fort Bend ISD marching band. The Bulldog Band was also named Regional Champion in 2002 at the BOA Huntsville Regional and has performed at two consecutive UIL Texas 5A State Marching Band Championships. In 2004, the band will return to Indy in search of yet greater success.

George Hopkins, in accepting Dean's decision said, "I was hoping Dean would be here for 10 years. He is a great educator. His passion for youth and success are clear. He is also one funny guy. We will miss him, that is for certain. At the same time, I have come to respect the commitment the Cadets can be for young married couples. We play long and hard and the time away can be difficult. Dean is doing what he feels he needs to do for his family and I respect and admire him for his decision and how the situation was handled."

An announcement on Dean's successor will be announced soon. According to Hopkins, "Decisions have been made. There are some arrangements to settle before the announcement. Needless to say, we believe the Cadets brass line will be in good hands for the 2005 season and beyond."