Eight years.  This is the amount of time we get to spend with you throughout your journey in the band program.  Last night was graduation, and I watched as all of our senior band family members became graduates.  Mrs. Borst and I are very fortunate that we get to spend eight years with you.  Not all teachers get that opportunity.

As I watched them walk across the stage and flip their tassels, I thought about what they meant to me.  They were, of course, a group of very talented individuals, but that is not what I will miss most about them.  I will miss the way their experiences and personalities helped shape our program.  I will miss the friendly smiles, the drop ins to the band office just to talk, their humor, and of course their work ethic.  What they contributed personally is what helped our program grow.

You do the same thing, and when it is your turn to walk across that stage, I will be reflecting on the contributions you made to make our program even stronger.

I was also inspired last night by the unsung heroes of the evening.  I am talking about the students who stayed longer to make sure everything was cleared out of the gym.  These students made several trips back and forth taking care of things that were not their own, but they did it selflessly to make sure everything was done correctly.  They are the same students who come to me after everything is finished and ask, “Is there anything else?”

You make a difference.  You are noticed.  You are appreciated.

Still reading?  Good!

For the first five people who respond to this email and share a brief story about witnessing someone being helpful or caring in our band program, I will have a donut of your choice waiting for you in the morning.  If you are one of the first five, I will notify you by email. 

Mr. V