Band Family

Okay, so the whining about the equipment is just going to have to wait.

I will try to put into words what I will miss the most about teaching high school band. I don't think there is any other teaching position, besides my colleagues in the orchestra and choral world, where you have the privilege of having the same students for 4 years. You've heard me talk about the band family - I have not only had students for 4 years, but I have had as many as 4 students from the same family - developing a relationship that spans 11 years. Now you may say that is a double-edged sword. But it has been my experience that if you are dealing with a "band family", a bond is developed that surpasses minor concerns along the way. This makes a job a part of your life like no other. I have a deep respect and regard for those kinds of relationships that go much further than a mere 11 years at one job, or for that matter, a career of 36 years. Thanks to the families of Sebi, Juan, Agustin; Kyle-Rose, Cara, Kevin,Casey; Emily, Maggie, Mike, Matt; Malcolm, Matt, Sara, Hayley; Kyle, Cameron, Kincade - spanning from 6-10 years, and the many, many families that I have had two siblings, twins, cousins, etc. too numerous to mention, but truly memorable. This is not to mention the lasting friendships I still maintain with former band students and parents - thanks Scott, Dan, Daryl, Carol, Susan, Malcolm, Willie, my dear adopted son, Mark, and all the others who are and will be in my heart - you know who you are! The support that I have received by all my band families, most particularly in the last 11 years, has been tremendous - my sincere, deep and profoundly humbling thank you.