Wening Website Photo

Ashley Wening

Co-Director of Bands

Ms. Wening is entering her 2nd year as Co-Director of Bands at West Lafayette Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in 2025, where she performed all of her years with the Wind Ensemble on flute and piccolo, was a four year member of the Marching Hundred, and the Big Red Basketball Band. She was also a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. A graduate of Castle High School, Ms. Wening was a member of the Castle Marching Knights, performing in ISSMA and BOA competitions, as well as making Grand National Finals. She performed with Castle’s Advanced Concert Band for three years, performing at ISSMA State Finals. She completed her student teaching at Greenwood Community High School and Middle School, working with their concert bands, marching band, pep band, and winter percussion. Ms. Wening has experience teaching private flute lessons and working with award winning marching band programs, including Fishers High School and Pike High School. She is passionate about helping students grow as musicians and individuals while creating a positive and engaging learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Maltipoo puppy, Cece.

Drew

Drew Rhoda

Co-Director of Bands

Mr. Rhoda joins the West Lafayette Band program after teaching at East Tipp Middle School from 2022-2026 and Portage High School from 2010 to 2022.  He is married to Annelise Rhoda, the assistant director of bands at McCutcheon High School and they have two daughters, Audrey and Estelle.  He earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a Minor in Wind Conducting at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2010.  During his time in Bloomington, Mr. Rhoda performed with the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the University Orchestra.  In addition to those ensembles, Mr. Rhoda was also a member of the percussion ensemble, Marching Hundred, Big Red Basketball Band, Crabb Band and even played in the band for an IU baseball game.  Mr. Rhoda graduated from Northeastern Jr./Sr. High School in Fountain City, Indiana, and performed at the Indiana State Fair Band Day as a percussionist, as well as a drum major for the Marching Knights.  Mr. Rhoda is excited to return to teaching high school, while also having the opportunity to teach both jr. high and intermediate school students.  In his free time, Mr. Rhoda enjoys watching motorsports, being outside, and making music.