Since my last post, I’ve been inducted into Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. The induction ceremony took place on March 11, 2023 on the campus of Furman University. Phi Beta Mu was established as a result of the respect and appreciation our founder, Colonel Earl D. Irons, had for his professional associates, school band directors. He envisioned an organization that would honor outstanding band directors whose dedication and devotion to their profession was paramount, but whose admirable traits and services were not necessarily known nationally. There are currently over thirty chapters with only one chapter being allowed per state.
I’m very appreciative of Mr. Linard McCloud who was my lead sponsor. Words can not express how much it means to me that he would think enough of me to put forth the effort to sponsor me for membership in such a prestigious organization. He is a great person and one of the best educators, and mentors I know. I am also grateful to Ronnie Ward and Bobby Lambert who both served as co-sponsors.
After the induction, I was on a natural high for several days. This induction and recognition motivated me to be a great educator once again. For a while I had been struggling with wether teaching was something I wanted to continue to do. It’s become somewhat difficult for me at times. I struggle some days to motivate myself to go to work which is coupled with trying to motivate myself to serve my students to the best of my abilities due to mental, emotional, and physical issues that I’ve been dealing with. There’s been some challenges when it comes to implementing and reimplementing things into the band program that are needed to keep progressing. But there has been a lot of good.
My co-directors, Austin Green and Kevin Mclellan, have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support me as I transition back to working full time. They have been instrumental in helping to meet the needs of the students and band program as a whole. They along with support from my wife, Mr. McCloud, and close friends and family are the reason I’m still teaching.
There have been several moments since March 3, 2022, the day I returned to work, in which I thought my days of being a band director had passed. I was ready to pursue another career path, but two sayings kept coming to mind. The first was the saying, “See It Through.” My buddy Michael Clark would often check on me while I was in rehab. He continues to check on me till this day. If he ever suspects I’m having a rough day or if he knows I have a tough task ahead, his last words to me are always, “See It Though.” The second saying is “Persevere Until Something Happens (PUSH).” We say this at the end of band practice everyday. We say this as a means to instill the work ethic and tenacity our students need to be successful in life. Lately there’s been plenty of days were I’ve had to lean on this mantra to get through the day and or difficult moments.
I’m still on a high from my induction into Phi Beta Mu. I’m still motivated to provide the best experience I can for my students. But I’m not naive to the fact that everyday won’t be an easy day. I will have to “See It Through.” I will have to “P.U.S.H.”
Until Next Time...
P.U.S.H. Because No One Fights Alone. #WrightStrong
Persevere Until Something Happens (P.U.S.H.)
Pictured: Mr. Linard Mccloud, band director of Burke High School in Charleston, SC, pinning Adrian L. Wright, Band Director of Dillon High School in Dillon, SC.