Brandon Lamb Brings a New Era of Fine Arts

For Brandon Lamb, the district’s new Fine Arts Coordinator, his love for theater started in high school, right here at West Valley. His first show was 32 years ago and he still feels that same excitement today. “I LOVE the positive impact we, as educators, can have on a student’s life,” says Mr. Lamb. “It’s especially meaningful when you see the light come-on in a child’s mind.”

Mr. Lamb is ready to bring more theater and fine arts to students in his new role with the school district.

“I started teaching in West Valley in 2009 while I was still working at Yakima Valley College,” says Mr. Lamb. “I began with a small drama class at the middle school. That class soon turned into a full drama program. A year later, I left my college job to teach drama full-time in West Valley and, since then, I’ve taught music, drama, and art across the district.”

This year, Mr. Lamb will teach two Theatre 101 classes at West Valley High School while also coordinating Fine Arts for the entire school district. His classes at the high school are open to any student in Grades 9-12. He will also lead a brand-new after-school program called West Valley Children's Theatre.  High School students will serve as mentors for our elementary students to perform live shows at all six elementary schools this school year.

“It’s really exciting,” says Mr. Lamb. “A group of high schoolers will learn a full show. Then for two weeks, they will visit an elementary school and teach the show to students after school in Grades 3 through 5.  At the end of those two weeks, the students will perform two shows – one for their classmates during the school day and another show for families in the evening.”

Mr. Lamb has plans for students from the Mid-Level Campus as well. In December, High School students will visit the Mid-Level Campus to teach mask-making and puppetry.  And, in January, the secondary students will visit each elementary school with a one-week puppetry unit for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2.

For Mr. Lamb, this work is about more than putting on a good show. “It helps with the social and emotional side of learning,” he says. “It gives all students a sense of belonging and a safe space to be.” Research indicates that students who participate in after-school activities have better attendance and greater academic achievement than students who do not. With the passage of the four-year levy, the school district will be able to fund additional activities for students this year, such as the West Valley Children’s Theatre.

Beyond the school district, Mr. Lamb shares his love of theater with the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Warehouse Theatre Company, where he also acts and directs. 

Programs like West Valley Children's Theatre are another example of WVSD’s Strategic Plan and Culture of Excellence being brought to life. The West Valley School District wants every student to feel valued, safe, and ready to learn. Through the Fine Arts, Mr. Lamb helps students find that sense of belonging.

We can't wait to see all our WV Rams take the stage this year.

2026-27 WEST VALLEY Children's Theatre Performances

• Wide Hollow - Oct 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm
• Cottonwood - Nov 6, 2026 at 6:00 pm
• Summitview - Mar 12, 2027 at 6:00 pm
• Apple Valley - Mar 26, 2027 at 6:00 pm
• Mountainview - May 7, 2027 at 6:00 pm
• Ahtanum Valley - May 21, 2027 at 6:00 pm