Photography // Laura Arick and Carmel H.S. Bands
This month, Carmel Monthly proudly features a special transition within one of the most esteemed high school band programs in the nation. After more than three decades of service, Michael Pote, Director of Bands at Carmel High School, is retiring after 35 years of teaching, 32 of those at Carmel High School.
Succeeding him is longtime colleague and fellow educator Kyle Young, who has served on the Carmel Bands staff as an associate director since 2013. Together, their leadership exemplifies what makes Carmel Bands a national powerhouse: shared leadership, collaborative spirit and an unwavering commitment to student growth through music.
The Pote Era: A Legacy of Teamwork and Excellence
Michael Pote’s impact on the Carmel High School band program can be measured not only by national championships and musical milestones, but by the culture of collaboration he helped build from his years working with former esteemed director Richard Saucedo.
“I was very fortunate when Richard [Saucedo] asked me to come on to the team here, Carmel, in 1993,” Pote shared. “As the school and community grew, so did the quality of everything we offer — performing arts, sports, academics. More students meant more resources, and we used those to do better things.”
Pote was quick to credit the team-based philosophy that has sustained the program’s excellence. “In the band area, it’s not one person; it’s never been one person. It’s always been this incredible team effort,” Pote emphasized. “We all understand what our strengths are and what others do better than us. That’s what’s made it easy to go 32 years here.”
That culture extends beyond the directors to include students, parents, administrators and staff. “Everyone is equally responsible for the success of the program,” Pote said. “We always ask: How can we make this a better experience for our students?”
Iron Sharpens Iron
Carmel bands’ national acclaim didn’t happen in a vacuum. Pote spoke candidly about the importance of learning from peer programs across Indiana.
“We are working in a competitive environment,” Pote said. “But when a Center Grove [band program] or Avon [band program] is doing great things, we learn from that. Lawrence Central in the early 2000s was doing things we hadn’t thought of. And now we’re watching and learning from Avon and Castle [High School bands]… we’re each other’s biggest supporters.”
Pote continued, “That’s the concept — iron sharpens iron. If there weren’t great groups in our state, we wouldn’t be at the level we’re at.”
When asked if he ever imagined Carmel reaching such national prestige, Pote replied, “Probably not. In the ’90s, it was a very good band program. Richard Saucedo’s leadership left us with an incredible foundation. We’ve just been fortunate to continue to build on it.”
A Thoughtful Succession
When Saucedo retired in 2013, Pote and the team brought on Kyle Young — not just to fill a vacancy, but with succession in mind.
“We saw in Kyle the qualities of someone who could take over my role eventually,” Pote said. “It wasn’t about filling an open position. It was about preparing for the future.”
Young came to Carmel with an impressive background from the Mason City School District in Ohio.
“Mike and I met when he came to work with my previous band,” Young recalled. “He saw what we were doing and valued it. So, when I applied here [CHS], he was the one who said, ‘Let’s take a look at this guy.’ That speaks volumes about Mike’s character and vision.”
From the beginning, Young said he felt heard and valued. “It’s never been a top-down approach,” Young said. “Mike always listens, genuinely. If I’m passionate about something, he’ll say, ‘Run with it.’ That kind of trust builds strong programs.”
Mentorship, Student Leadership and Lasting Impressions
Young praised Pote’s commitment to every student, regardless of experience level.
“Mike’s effort in teaching all of our grade and ability levels with the same enthusiasm is something that’s really quite special,” Young said. “Our youngest members get the same care as our most advanced students.”
Young continued, “And there’s a culture and expectation of excellence that was set long ago. Our students teach that expectation to each other. Older students mentor younger students. It’s beautiful to see.”
The Future of Carmel Bands
Looking ahead, Young is leading a team that includes returning directors Chris Kreke (department chair), Matt Black (associate director) and two new hires: Ethan Wilkinson and Connor Granlund.
“Ethan served as director of bands at Castle High School, a phenomenal program in southern Indiana,” Young said. “He student-taught with us and is someone we knew would be one of the great teachers in the state.”
Most recently, Granlund led the band at West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School as co-director.
“When [Granlund] was here, it felt like we already had another full-time director in the room,” Young shared. “He’s going to bring incredible energy and ideas.”
Young emphasized the importance of chemistry as the new team takes shape.
“Our goal is to develop the same trust and synergy we’ve had for years. Everyone here works at their maximum level, and that creates a really refreshing and inspiring environment.”
A Career Highlight
When asked about a favorite memory from his 32 years at Carmel High School, Pote shared a deeply personal one.
“In 2016, our show ‘Adagio Presto’ won the national championship,” Pote said. “It was my son’s freshman year, and sharing that with him and my wife, Greta, who’s also a band director, was incredible.”
Pote added, “I remember telling my son afterward, ‘Don’t expect this to happen again — it takes a lot of luck and timing.’ And then we won the next two years in a row. He looked at me and said, ‘Remember what you told me?’”
A Grateful Farewell
As Pote prepares for his next chapter — consulting and supporting other music programs across the country — he took a moment to reflect.
“It’s hard to put into words what it has meant to be part of this community,” Pote said. “It’s been an honor, and something I’ve never taken for granted. I’ve been fortunate to teach here for 32 of my 35 years in education. And to do that in a community that values the arts the way Carmel does — it’s truly special.”
Looking Ahead
For Young, the mission remains clear: maintain the culture of excellence while embracing new ideas.
“There’s something really exciting about new energy and fresh perspectives,” Young said. “Our job is to keep evolving, and I think we’re in a great place to do that.”
As one era ends and another begins, the Carmel High School band program remains in expert hands, built on decades of tradition, teamwork and a community that believes in the transformative power of music.
