Joel Gittle, the esteemed director of bands at Manhattan High School, is set to retire in June 2026 after an impressive 36-year career. He has dedicated his final year to showcasing the talents of his students, ensuring they take center stage during this bittersweet transition.
Gittle’s journey began after he graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1987 and spent four years working with a professional Drum and Bugle Corps in Casper, Wyoming. His move to Manhattan was prompted by an opportunity offered by Stan Finck, the director of bands at Kansas State University (K-State) at the time. Gittle joined Manhattan High School in 1989 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant while still performing as a percussionist with the Drum and Bugle Corps.
One of the highlights of his tenure has been the chance to travel with the band. Under Gittle’s direction, the Manhattan High School marching band has participated in notable parades in Chicago and Houston, as well as marched down Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. He reflected on these experiences, stating, “Those trips, with the amount of planning that goes into them, and seeing our kids marching down the street in Chicago and marching down Main Street is quite a moment. Some of them had never even been out of Kansas before, so it’s fun to see their faces.”
While the travels have been rewarding, Gittle has faced challenges due to the growing size of the band and the associated costs for instruments, uniforms, and travel. He mentioned the importance of fundraising, noting, “If we funded public schools appropriately, it would solve a lot of problems that we see today. Especially for performing arts, we need to fund-raise for a lot of what we do, and in a large 6A school district, it’s tough to have the money to do everything you want to do.” Despite these hurdles, Gittle acknowledged the strong support from Manhattan High School’s administration, stating that convincing people of the importance of the performing arts has been integral to their success.
Gittle’s multifaceted role extends beyond band director; he teaches at both Anthony Middle School and Eisenhower Middle School, serves as the Performing Arts chair, and is the director of Secondary Music. “I get here an hour before school starts, I answer emails for about 45 minutes, work on our web material, then we teach our classes,” Gittle explained. His commitments often extend beyond school hours, with after-school events such as concerts and games keeping him engaged with students.
The collaboration between performing arts and athletics at Manhattan High School is another aspect of Gittle’s tenure that he values. He shares a close friendship with Mike Marsh, the school’s athletic director, highlighting the strong community spirit that permeates the institution.
As Gittle approaches retirement, he expresses a deep fondness for the students and colleagues he will leave behind. “The kids, I come in every day anxious to see them,” he said. “There are days when I might feel a little down, but I’m not down anymore after the first hour of band. They’re some of the best people who walk the halls of Manhattan High School.”
Looking forward, Gittle plans to enjoy more personal time alongside his wife, Jari Gittle, who is also retiring. He noted, “I can’t wait to have some time to do some things. I’m going to work part-time, but I look forward to the time we can spend without bringing school work home every night.”
Interestingly, Gittle’s retirement coincides with that of Frank Tracz, the director of bands at K-State, who will also conclude his career next June. Gittle remarked, “Manhattan’s going to see different leadership at both levels.” He remains confident that both institutions are well-prepared for this transition as they pass down the conducting batons.
As Gittle reflects on his final year, he emphasizes the joy of each concert and event. “As a public school music teacher, the world has never been my stage; that’s always been reserved for the students I teach.” His legacy at Manhattan High School will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts of his students and the broader community long after he steps away from the podium.
