The school year is now underway, and I think we are all starting to feel settled in. So, it’s time once again to start Mr. V’s Words of Inspiration!

It is good to be back in the school routine and to watch all the amazing things you do. I love my job, and I consider myself very fortunate to be able to teach in this great school district and community of ours.

This has been a great start to the school year. I can see and feel the energy. I have been inspired by all the students who have gone above and beyond. There is a strong work ethic, and the leadership I see coming from all of you is amazing.

For my first topic, I want to talk about culture.

I am really proud of the culture and sense of family we have established in our band program. This weekend, I was inspired by a picture that was sent to me from the Homecoming dance. Even though neither Mrs. Borst nor I were there, a group of band students (drumline and pit) gathered together to take a picture. Some of the people in the picture knew each other well, while others maybe did not know each other quite as well.

The best part was that it was all about inclusion. It was about bringing people together and making everyone feel like they belong and are part of the family.

That is the kind of culture every band director hopes to see in a program. It is not just about making great music or putting on great performances. It is about the people around you. It is about supporting each other, including each other, and making sure everyone knows they have a place here.

Seeing that picture was truly one of the highlights of my weekend.

It’s going to be a great year, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Keep taking care of each other, keep including each other, and keep building the kind of band family we can all be proud of.