Huron Valley Schools is welcoming two new educators to its music department as the district prepares for the upcoming school year, bringing experienced leadership and fresh energy to its high school band programs.
Anthony Berardi has been named Director of Bands at Milford High School and Head Director of the Huron Valley Marching Band, while Leo Schlaifer will serve as Band Director at Lakeland High School and International Academy West, as well as Assistant Director of the Huron Valley Marching Band.
District officials say both educators bring a passion for music education and a commitment to helping students grow as musicians and leaders.
Anthony Berardi
Berardi joins Huron Valley Schools with a strong background in music performance, conducting and music education.
He earned a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance and K-12 Instrumental Music Education from Wayne State University and a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting from Western Michigan University.
Most recently, Berardi served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Michigan University's Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, where he assisted with university bands, athletic bands and the conducting curriculum. During the spring of 2025, he also served as Acting Director of Athletic Bands, leading the program during Western Michigan University's national championship hockey season.
Prior to his work at WMU, Berardi taught instrumental music in Detroit Public Schools Community District and L'Anse Creuse Public Schools. He has also been a member of the instructional staff for both the Walled Lake and Novi marching bands.
Berardi said he is excited to begin the next chapter of his career with Huron Valley Schools and looks forward to leading Milford's band program and the Huron Valley Marching Band.
Leo Schlaifer
Schlaifer joins the district as Band Director at Lakeland High School and International Academy West, while also serving as Assistant Director of the Huron Valley Marching Band.
A graduate of Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education, Schlaifer recently completed graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Since then, he has worked as a substitute teacher in Ann Arbor Public Schools and as a private lesson instructor in Dexter Community Schools.
A saxophonist and woodwind specialist, Schlaifer also enjoys playing brass instruments and brings a broad musical background to the classroom.
Originally from Minnesota, Schlaifer enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking and baking with his partner, Kirsten, and relaxing with their cat, Carla.
He said he is looking forward to becoming part of the Huron Valley Schools music community and working with students across the district.
With Berardi and Schlaifer joining the team, Huron Valley Schools is set to begin an exciting new chapter for its band programs, continuing its tradition of providing students with outstanding musical experiences both in the classroom and on the performance field.