Music Staff
Watertown High School
Sarah Hafenstein
Chamber Orchestra (Honors Ensemble), Philharmonia, Concert Orchestra,
Elements Choir, and PIT Orchestra for our Musical Productions
Mrs. Hafenstein joined the Watertown Unified School District in 2004 as a general music teacher at Schurz Elementary School. In 2009 she took on the role of Orchestra Director at both Riverside Middle School and Watertown High School. Prior to teaching in the WUSD, she was on the String Staff in the Wauwatosa School District. Mrs. Hafenstein holds a BME degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, has also completed graduate work in String Pedagogy from UW-Madison and has achieved her National Board Certification. Mrs. Hafenstein, like her colleagues is also a member of NAfME and WMEA. Currently, Mrs. Hafenstein is honored to be the on the Administrative Team for the WSMA High School Honors Project, serving as Honors Chair. She is represents String Education on the WSMA Festival Committee, and serves as a Level 2 adjudicator working at both the District and State Levels. In addition to directing both Chamber Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, Mrs. Hafenstein also directs the Pit Orchestra for the annual Fall Musical. Outside of music, Mrs. Hafenstein enjoys being active with her family. They camp, hike, bike, kayak, swim, and enjoy the outdoors. She currently resides in Lake Mills with her husband, Jason, and two sons, Michael and James.
Reid LaDew
High School Band, Music Technology, Guitar, Pep Band, Music Department Team Leader
Mr. LaDew joined the Watertown Music Staff in 2007 as a band director and general music teacher. He currently directs the Wind Symphony and teaches Soundscapes and Class Guitar. In addition, he co-directs the Marching Band, Pep Band and runs Sound for the Musical. Mr. LaDew earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2006 and his Master’s degree in Education in 2018, both from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. He is currently a member of several organizations including the National Association for Music Education and the Wisconsin Music Educators' Association. Mr. LaDew occasionally performs as a saxophonist with the Hartland Community Band, Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra, and the Watertown Municipal Band. Outside of school Mr. LaDew is an auto enthusiast and has a passion for motorsport. He enjoys competing and wrenching on his own cars. Mr. LaDew resides in Watertown with his wife, Jackie, two young daughters, Cadence and Braelyn, and his son Emmett.
Chad Martin
High School Band, AP Music Theory, Music Technology, Jazz Ensembles
Mr. Martin joined the Watertown High School Staff in 2016. Currently, he directs the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and teaches AP Music Theory and Soundscapes. In addition, he co-directs the Marching Band, directing the Jazz Ensembles, and assists with the musical pit orchestra. Mr. Martin earned his Bachelors in Music Education from DePaul University in Chicago in 2016, where he studied Trombone with Charlie Vernon of the Chicago Symphony and Mark Fisher of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and a Masters degree from the VanderCook College of Music. Mr. Martin is originally from Bay Area of California. He enjoys playing Trombone in several groups including the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra, Watertown Municipal Band, and Hartland Community Band. In addition, he is a big sports fan, always watching and cheering for the Giants, Packers, Warriors, and DePaul Basketball.
Ryan Moldenhauer
High School Choir, Show Choir, Carolers, Musical Director
moldenhauerr@watertown.k12.wi.us
Mr. Moldenhauer, a 2007 graduate of WHS, earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from UW-Madison in 2011. He currently teaches Select Voices, Elements Choir, Concert Choir and Choral Ensemble, directs the fall musical, and leads the WHS Carolers and show choirs (Femme Fusion, Men in Blue, and River City Rhapsody). Teaching at WHS provides Mr. Moldenhauer the opportunity to pursue his passion and give back to the program and the community has has given him so much. He looks forward to sharing his strong work ethic and enthusiastic personality with his students each year.