Senior Band teacher Christopher Houze is one of  12 new faculty and staff members hired for the school year. Houze takes over for Carol Allen as band instructor after her retirement last year. Houze, who interned for Allen in the fall of 2009, said is enjoying his experience as a teacher.

“I love West Shore so far,” he said. “I think it’s different from any school I’ve taught at before and I like being able to teach middle school and high school.”

Houze said he doesn’t feel much of a difference in the school’s environment from when he interned on campus six years ago.

“I think there’s just some new faces, but it feels the same to me,” he said.

Senior Jordan Stowers likes what she sees — and hears — so far.

“Mr. Houze has put the band in a really good place and is teaching really well,” the jazz trombonist and saxophonist said.