Directors
Bryan Jaeckel serves as Band Director at River Falls High School, in River Falls, Wisconsin, a position he has held since 2004. Jaeckel earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where he studied Horn with Prof. Andrew Parks and Conducting with Dr. Richard Mark Heidel. In 2020, with a desire to enhance his leadership skills, he decided to pursue a Master's Degree in School Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Throughout his tenure as Band Director, Jaeckel has fostered growth and consistency within the River Falls Band Program. Under his guidance, the Marching Band has achieved an impressive 13 State Championships, and his Jazz Bands consistently garner recognition at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, earning the prestigious title of Honors Band twice. Furthermore, his students have received numerous individual honors, awards, and scholarships.
In addition to his responsibilities as Band Director, Jaeckel serves as Advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, a Member of the Building Leadership Team, Auditorium Supervisor, and Assistant Director of the Theatre Program at River Falls High School. Beyond the school, he has contributed his expertise to the Capital Sound Drum Corps in Madison, Wisconsin, and held the position of Brass Caption Head for the River City Rhythm Drum Corps in Minneapolis, MN during their inaugural seasons.
Jaeckel is an appointed member of the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Committee and a regular presenter at the Wisconsin State Music Conference, where he has shared insights on various Marching Band-related topics.
Bryan enjoys spending time relaxing and traveling with his wife, Jill, and their children, Benjamin and Abigail. He attributes his passion for music and education to his former band directors, with special acknowledgment to Mrs. Janet Tweed, Mr. Sam Robinson, and Dr. Richard Mark Heidel.
Mr. Alex Plum
Mr. Alex Plum is a Band Director at River Falls High School and is currently completing his fifth year of teaching. As a director, Mr. Plum works with each of the three high school concert ensembles and co-directs the competitive River Falls High School Marching Band. Plum also directs the auditioned jazz band “Basie Jazz Ensemble” as well as the pit orchestra for the high school theatre productions. Outside of school, he is musically involved as the interim director for the River Valley Community Band, and a sub in local big bands. Before joining the River Falls High School Music Department, Mr. Plum completed his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. There, he was active as a student conductor, and trombonist in the Wind Symphony, Eau Claire Jazz 1 Ensemble, the Blugold Marching Band, and the Trombone Studio. While in college, Mr. Plum marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2016 to 2017 as a Baritone and Trombone soloist.
In Mr. Plum’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah, their son Andy, as well as their two dogs (Nellie and Tonks). Mr. Plum is also a cross-country skier and competes in the annual American Birkebeiner, a 50 km race held each February in Hayward, WI.