Carmichael is the new band director at AHS

For a young adult "just out of college," Tanya Carmichael brings an extensive background in instrumental music — teaching as well as performing — to her job as the new band teacher-director at Alleghany High School and Sparta Elementary School.

An Alleghany County native, Carmichael herself was active in the band as a student at AHS.

But that's about as far as the similarity to "Welcome Back, Kotter" goes, as she also has some ambitious goals for the high school marching band, along with praise for the work her students have already done.

"I expect a lot out of these kids. I know they can do it. I did it when I came through here," said Carmichael. "This is the best group of kids I could have ever had."

Of music, she said, "That's my life, basically....I couldn't imagine doing anything else." She began piano lessons when she was four. "I try to play as much I can, still."