I’ve spent most of my life looking forward. Always, the next concert, the next show, the next camp, the next fundraiser. It wasn’t until my invitation to join ABA that I looked backward at the path that led me to where I am today as the director of bands at Lassiter High School. It’s been a journey filled with unexpected twists, countless performances, and the support of family, mentors, and colleagues, but most importantly, wonderful students. The road to ABA has been a mosaic of cherished memories and experiences that deepened my faith, love for music, and education in general.
Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, I was immersed in a city rich with history, culture, and, of course, music. My father was a successful high school band director, and I was the consummate band brat. Hanging in the band room, doing homework during his sectionals, running scores and treats to adjudicators during festivals. My dad was my hero, and I hung on every word, every lesson, and every experience. While most kids listened to the car radio, my youth was spent listening to a mixture of NPR and adjudicator tapes on rides to and from school. His students affectionately called me “JT, Jr.”, and I truly thought I was his assistant, calling out fingerings and marching in step with his students during practice; but most importantly, absorbing the pedagogy that would eventually seep into my teaching.
I was introduced to the trombone in 1985 for my tenth birthday. As a gift, I received trombone lessons, and my dad said, “Surprise!” and I did my best to hide my disappointment as I truly wanted an Optimus Prime Transformers figurine, not the Conn “peashooter” hand-me-down trombone. Nonetheless, the trombone and the consequent relationship with Carl Polk, my private teacher, proved to be the best birthday gift I have ever received. After a few awkward years, the trombone became my creative voice, my therapist, and source of catharsis through the tribulations that typically mark adolescence. I would have to say my single-line instrument success forged the foundation of my musicianship. It taught me how to interpret lines and how to become truly excellent at something. I would say on the path to ABA, nothing mattered more than my commitment to musical excellence on my trombone. It is the foundation of all I would eventually become.
By 2007, my career took a significant turn when I joined Lassiter High School as an assistant band director under the legendary Alfred L. Watkins. Working with Alfred was a transformative experience. I had never worked so hard in my life. It was like I was trapped in the band version of “The Devil Wears Prada,” and Alfred’s role as Miranda Priestly was Oscar-worthy. His uncompromising standards pushed me. Why couldn’t I play grade 5 music with the third band? Why couldn’t I find time to sectionalize before or after school? I’ve never worked harder, laughed harder, and ultimately been so fulfilled. Alfred’s standards were high, EXTREMELY HIGH; but we were working for a common goal and in him I found a kindred spirit, and a dearest friend. Alfred had such a profound impact on me as a mentor, and I learned from him the importance of excellence in every aspect of the band program—musically, aesthetically, and culturally. I also learned some semblance of work-life balance.
By 2015, I was appointed the director of bands at Lassiter High School, a pivotal moment in my career. What followed were significant achievements but also perseverance through challenges like COVID-19 and collaboration with new colleagues and students. Little by little, the young teacher faded, and I became the veteran. Band parents went from being older than me to younger than me, and somehow, without noticing, I had a treasure trove of accomplishment and experience behind me. I guess I never noticed because it was always about that journey and not the goal.
Receiving an invitation to join the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) was a humbling moment in my career. I distinctly remember the terrifying prospect of having the best bandmasters in the country analyze the recorded performances of my students and me. What would they say? What would they think? Would I get a pass for the glaring mistakes because after all, there are no perfect performances? I am a profoundly spiritual person. There are no accidents. Ultimately, I know what is for me will be for me, so I just waited and waited for months as I continued to grind away at being the best band director I could be and focusing on the journey.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible mentors, musical friends, students, parents, and colleagues who made this possible. Most of all, the journey would be nothing without my wife who has supported and tolerated my goals and challenging schedule every step of the way. There is always sacrifice involved in being a band director, and as people ask for more, it’s often our spouses that give and sacrifice the most. Now, I’m back to looking forward, and I’m excited for the future and the opportunities to continue growing as a musician, educator, and advocate for music education.
AmericanBandmasters.org
