Tips That Click Phi Beta Mu


Memories of Mentors


A mentor is defined as “an experienced and trusted adviser”. We all need guidance, but this is especially important in the early years of a teaching career, where correct decisions can set the course for success. I thought that it might be interesting to survey a few successful band directors to see who their mentors were during their first year of teaching. I had some very interesting responses and have made these into two columns: Part Two will appear in the next edition of Ala Breve.


Chuck Eady is currently the band director at Pleasant Grove High School and began and built the outstanding band program at Briarwood Christian School. He has also served in many leadership roles in the Alabama Bandmasters


Association,


including a term as President. Chuck has helped many young band directors, but enjoyed talking for a minute with me about the help he received in his first year of teaching. “I began my career in Memphis, Tennessee, moving there after completing my degree at Florida State. When my wife and I first arrived, I did not have a teaching job but quickly found one starting a band from the ground up at Evangelical Christian School. I knew I was going to need help and advice, so I went for a visit to Art Theil and Sidney


one of the top local junior high directors, and George Pokorski, who taught over the bridge in Marion, Arkansas and also performed in the Memphis Symphony. These two gentlemen were not that much older than me, but had already developed reputations as outstanding teachers. They listened, gave counsel, showed me the ropes around the area, and helped me network with the other directors in the West Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association. It was hard work building a successful program at ECS, but the help of David and George kept me on the right path, especially at the crucial time at the beginning. After ten years in Memphis, I was recruited to come to Birmingham to start the program at Briarwood. I was much more seasoned teacher by that time, but the first thing I did was search out an older teacher to mentor me. In my estimation, you never outgrow the need!”


McKay at Memphis State University to see whom they might recommend to help guide through my first years establishing this program. They led me to David Ryan,


Roland Mouchette (center) is recognized for his outstanding contributions to music education by Phi Beta Mu Awards Committee member Steve McLendon (L) and Chairman Tommy Brannon (R)


ala breve


Dr. James K. Simpson has one of the most distinguished records of achievement of any music educator in this state. He was the Director of Bands at the University of North Alabama (then Florence State Teachers College) and followed that with a lengthy stint as department chair at the same institution. Dr. Simpson was always a leader in the Alabama Bandmasters Association and the Alabama Music Educators Association, and earned a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame of both groups. Many of us don’t realize that he started his career as a young band director in Mississippi. When I asked Dr. Simpson about his first mentor, he did not hesitate for a moment in coming up with the name. “I was very fortunate to have been an assistant to Bob Jordan at Canton High School early in my career. I had taught my first year at Union, Mississippi and was returning from my service commitment when Mr. Jordan hired me. The experience was unreal….it was like going to school


all over, but better! I could actually see the theoretical aspects of what I had been taught in my classes being put into practice in an effective manner. I think a very important skill I learned from Mr. Jordan was how to communicate information to student in a very efficient, yet understandable manner. This helped keep a good flow going to the rehearsal. He was also a good communicator with parents and others. After a couple years, Bob left Canton and went to be on the faculty of the University of Mississippi. I stayed at Canton as the head director, but was so fortunate to return to the University later as a student and could resume my relationship with my mentor. I am so lucky that we have been friends to this day”.


Who are the mentors that have meant the most to you? Stay tuned for more mentor memories, and feel free to send me your story.


Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to developing excellence in school bands in Alabama and their instruction.


Please email pemin@mac.com with comments and suggestions for this column.


Kim Bain is presented the Outstanding Band Director Award by Phi Beta Mu Awards


Committee member Theo Vernon and Chairman Tommy Brannon


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