Sometimes a new face really isn’t that new at all. Such is the case with new Chilton County High School band director Chris Pugh.

Pugh is technically new, but in actuality CCHS is familiar territory. He taught at the school from 2005-2007, while the band director at the time was on military leave.

He taught in Washington and Marengo counties before taking last year off to be with family. Once he was aware of the opening, he leapt at the chance to return.

“When I came here before, I enjoyed it,” he said. “[I had] great kids, great parents. The kids are working hard and have been very agreeable.”

Pugh said his goals as band director were to help students get the most out of themselves.

“I tell kids it’s not where you start, it’s not where you start or end, but how far you travel getting there,” he said. “I want to motivate kids to excel, and how to do things the right way. Musically we’re fine; we want to build self-discipline and confidence.”

He also said the CCHS band plans to enter several competitions this fall.

“We are going to two marching festivals,” he said. “One on October 1 at Huntingdon College, and one October 29 at Gordo. We also are going to Troy’s Band Day on October 15.”

In addition to building the high school program, Pugh said he wants to strengthen the middle school band.

“My personal goal is to focus on the beginning band level,” he said. “I want to get it healthy, because the high school band starts there.”