From Opera to Mariachi

PRESCOTT – In September, long time music teacher Rebecca Wilson moved from the band room to the classroom and began teaching fourth grade at Prescott Elementary School. Jeremy Irland was hired as her replacement and is very much enjoying his gig as the district's new K-12 music teacher.

Irland's down-to-earth attitude and contagious enthusiasm belie his impressive resume. The Canadian-born opera singer lived in California and Seattle before moving to our area in junior high, but says he considers Walla Walla his home.

Irland earned his undergraduate degree in music education at Walla Walla Col...