Matt Poto joins Dordt University music department as campus community band director

Dordt University’s Music Department has recently announced that Matt Poto will serve as the new director of the Campus Community Band. 

With a degree in music education and extensive experience leading ensembles at a variety of levels, Poto is eager to join a musical community he has long admired.

“Dordt has always held a special place in my heart,” says Poto. “At my previous teaching position at a Christian school in Rapid City, South Dakota, I would bring students to Dordt for the Honor Band. I was always impressed by the level of musicianship I heard from the Dordt ensembles and appreciated the Christ-centered environment of the music program.”

“Having already experienced Dordt from the perspective of a visiting band director, I was excited for the opportunity to become more involved with the music program and continue making music in a community that I had grown to appreciate over the years,” he adds.

As director, Poto is especially looking forward to the way the Campus Community Band brings together musicians from across the Dordt community and the surrounding area.

“One of the things I find so special about the Campus Community Band is the variety of people in the ensemble,” says Poto. “We have Dordt students performing alongside community members of all ages and backgrounds, and I am excited to get to know the musicians in the ensemble, challenge them, learn from them, and create meaningful musical experiences together.”

Outside of directing the Campus Community Band, Poto serves as the high school band director at Sioux Center High School. His wife also works in music education as a choir teacher at Western Christian High School. An active percussionist, Poto continues to seek opportunities to perform outside of his work in music education.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dordt Campus Community Band this year,” says Poto. “Community music has always been important to me because it reminds us that making music doesn't have to end after high school or college. Music can continue to be something that brings people together throughout their lives.”

“I hope that through our rehearsals and performances, we can not only make great music but also build relationships, serve our community, and use the gifts God has given us to glorify Him,” he adds.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.