Kelso Daning
Co-Director of Bands
Mr. Daning earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Saint Joseph’s College in 2013, and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Ball State University. He spent 4 years teaching band in Rensselaer, returning the program to Gold Ratings in concert band and State Finalists in Marching Band for the first time in over 17 years. Mr. Daning then spent 4 years at Twin Lakes High School, and during that time led the marching band to ISSMA State Finals, led the Middle School Bands to 4 consecutive ISSMA All-Music Awards, and led the Percussion Ensemble to a State Championship (PSCA Class) in 2021. He arrived to West Lafayette in 2021 and is working to continue a long-standing tradition of excellence. Mr. Daning lives in Lafayette with his wife and 3 boys. He enjoys all things Star Wars, Notre Dame & Colts Football, and NCAA Basketball.
Ashley Wening
Co-Director of Bands
Ms. Wening earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in May 2025. During her time at IU, she performed in the Wind Ensemble each year on flute and piccolo, spent four years in the Marching Hundred—serving two years on the Undergraduate Staff—and was a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. A Castle High School alumna, Ms. Wening was a four-year member of the Castle Marching Knights and a State Finalist with their Advanced Concert Band. She has four years of teaching experience in private flute instruction and high school band camps—working with several award-winning programs. She spent three seasons with the Fishers Marching Tiger Band, including two BOA Grand National Finals appearances, and has also worked with Pike High School’s Marching Band. Ms. Wening completed her student teaching at Greenwood Community High School and Middle School, where she assisted with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz band, Percussion, and Grades 6–8. She is passionate about building student connections, fostering the joy of music-making, and creating a positive, energetic classroom environment.