Staff Spotlight: Mike Dynes

Known by many for his booming voice and competitive nature, Mike Dynes has revitalized the Bettendorf music department.

Dynes has possessed a love for music since childhood but did not want to become a teacher until taking a college course that changed his perspective on music. Prior to joining the Bulldogs in 2003, Dynes taught music for an Indian Reservation in South Dakota and in Mediapolis, Iowa.

Dynes currently teaches Wind Ensemble, Freshmen Band, Jazz Combos, and AP music theory. In addition to teaching within the school, Dynes instructs the Marching Band alongside Chris Saito.

Under the instruction of Dynes and Saito, the Bettendorf Marching Band has frequently received a Division I rating at the Iowa state competition. This past year, the band received a Division I rating with a score of 81.1, their highest score in years.

“The music department has grown so much with Mr. Dynes. He has a great head on his shoulders and an even greater head of hair,” Tienna Trettin said.

Not only passionate about his work in the school but also passionate about music education as a whole, Dynes was the High School Honor Band Festival Chair for SEIBA in 2017, an honor band made up of students in the Southeast Iowa area.

Throughout his 15 years of teaching at Bettendorf, Dynes has done more than put together a successful band. He has created a lasting positive impact with his students.

“I first met Mr. Dynes my freshmen year. I initially thought that he was very scary, but over the years, I learned that he is a very considerate person that really gets to know his students,” senior Melanie Klein said.

Not only is Dynes popular among the student body, but also highly regarded among his colleagues. Current orchestra director Megan Cooney joined the Bettendorf staff because of Dynes.

“Mr. Dynes is the reason that I applied for the job. He called me when I was working in Muscatine and encouraged her to work for Bettendorf,” Cooney said.

For as long as Dynes teaches at Bettendorf, members of the music department can expect to improve their instrumental skill, grow friendships, and occasionally hear, “Mike Money in the house.”