On Monday, November 12, Fossil Ridge High School band director Ian Faires announced that he would be leaving Fossil and be returning to his home state of North Carolina at the end of the semester.

The reason, he explained, was due simply to his personal well-being. “That’s what’s familiar to me,” he offered, referring to his place of origin. “That’s where I was born and raised.” Faires continued to explain that a return to North Carolina would be most beneficial to his health. Reflecting on the regular practice and recent success of the marching band he stated that, “A lot of that stuff, when you add it up and when you look back, you say: what did I sacrifice? And for me, right now, I sacrificed my health.” Besides returning home to recover his welfare, Faires offered that he was looking to find assistance in this endeavor from those he is familiar with. “I need to be in a place where, if I do end up getting better, I’ll have a support system around me.”

Despite his departure, Faires finds no qualms with the school. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Fossil Ridge,” he cited. “I actually have really enjoyed teaching in the music department. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know everybody and kind of working together and collaborating.” Faires will exit the program after having directed a show that won first place at the Colorado Bandmaster’s Association State Championship. “I think the best part has been just getting to know everybody and working alongside some very talented individuals,” he provided, “and of course, the students themselves are so talented here.”

We wish Faires the best upon his leave.