A Porterville native has returned home to take over as Granite Hills High School’s band director.

Dallan Christenson attended Westfield Elementary, Pioneer Middle School and Monache High School, where he marched under Dale Anderson for four years.

“I had Dallan all four years in band,” Anderson said. “He is a wonderful person and a wonderful musician. I’m really excited about him taking over that program.”

Anderson said it is exciting to have someone who knows the community.

“Every new venture is a life experience but he will get the support he needs,” Anderson said. “He will have the support of the community and from those of us who know him as a musician. I know that it is going to be a big job for him but he’ll learn how to do it.”

Christenson, a 2001 graduate of Monache — the same year Anderson retired — attended Brigham Young University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary music education and instrumental emphasis last spring.

While at Brigham Young, Christenson participated in many of the university’s musical ensembles: philharmonic orchestra, symphonic band, symphony orchestra, trombone choir, pep band and marching band.

He also played with the BYU Cougar Marching Band in four football bowl games — one Liberty Bowl and three Las Vegas Bowls — and played in two NCAA basketball tournaments. He spent a year as director of the BYU Pep Band that played for the women’s basketball games.

Christenson has been married to Patience Christenson for three years. The couple met in the BYU Cougar Marching Band. Both were in the trombone section together for the marching band and symphonic band, Dallan Christenson said.

The couple has twin boys, Zachariah and Marriner, who will turn 2 later this month.

“I am excited to be back in Porterville and contribute to the fine music programs and traditions that Porterville holds,” Christenson said. “The band students at Granite Hills are great kids with a wonderful spirit. I feel privileged to work with such fine kids and help the music program and Granite Hills High School grow.”

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047 or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.