By: Rilo Wilkes
Federal Hocking is a school that since its conceptualization has always prided itself on its band. Marching, concert, jazz: Fed Hock has all things music, and while this still holds true today, if you ask any of the members today about their experience, they’ll all mention the constant change in directors.
The instability in the directing staff started early last year, when the band director of 13 years, Julia Brewer, announced that she would be leaving the school for a position at Ohio University.
This announcement was a somber one, as Brewer had cultivated a really nurturing environment. A senior band member Raen Ridgway would agree with this wholeheartedly.
“She always had a supportive environment and was very kind.”
Former band member and senior Cassidy Lockhart said this about Brewer.
“She was kind… she was really understanding.”
Brewer hadn’t made this decision lightly; she had a deep love for the students and teaching in general. But a combination of unfair conditions from school leadership and a difficult incoming class encouraged her further to take her new position.
A little while after the departure of Brewer, a new band director came along. The name of this new director was Hannah Stiles. Stiles is an amazing saxophone player who had been a member of Ohio Universities Marching 110.
While Stiles had seemed like the perfect teacher, and in some senses she was, a major challenge was put forth by the fact she lived in Columbus. This made her commute an hour and a half both ways for a total of three hours a day.
Stiles taught at Federal Hocking for just about a year. Throughout the majority of her time at Federal Hocking, it had seemed that she would have a permanent position, however, due to an oversight on the part of the school, her license was put entirely on hold.
For Stiles to continue teaching, which remains her passion, she would need to get a number of college course hours, something that wasn’t possible while making the commute from Columbus to Federal Hocking.
Another factor is that Stiles thought it would be good for her in the long run to be closer to home.
“I find it bitter sweet… I think my mental health will be better.”
Beyond this as well Stiles is very thankful for the time she got with her students, believing that she got just as much value out of it as they did, if not more.
“I’ve learned more from you guys than you learned from me… I’m so much better at all the instruments, especially the clarinet. And my error detection has gotten exponentially better.”
Stiles was an excellent teacher, as all of her students would contest, she was especially proud of how open her students were to change.
“I’m proud of you guys like a lot… You guys make me feel better about doing something new.”
Stiles hopes to continue teaching in the future, but the job market for teachers in Ohio isn’t amazing right now.
“I had an offer but it was half of what I’m making right now.”
The entirety of her band is continuing to wish her luck as she keeps striving on to the next parts of her life. This affection the band has for her stems from the constant amount of giving she did for them. Including her last gift, giving her email to the band for any questions, letter of recommendations, or just to say hi.
“I love all of you guys.”
The question of the next director started to poke its head. While Brewer had left more suddenly, leaving a vacant position for around a month, Stiles had given the kindness of staying for a while longer to not only help find a qualified candidate, but also help to transition the position into the director’s hands.
Thus the newest director, Madalyne Staight, was selected. This newly appointed teacher was an old friend of Stiles, and an old roommate as well. The selection of Staight had not been a challenging one. Beyond being amazingly qualified, Stiles had this to say about Staight.
“We took all the same classes at the same time… for the easiest transition she was the best option.”
This transition hasn’t been perfectly easy though. For Staight, this transition was still overwhelming; however, she appreciated how well Stiles set it up and the solid foundation that the students have.
“Stiles had it set up good… We have a good foundation.”
Even with the overwhelming nature of taking over classes in the middle of a year, Staight’s first impression on the school wasn’t a negative one, as she found it to be comforting.
“Classes are very small… very homey.”
Going forward, Staight hopes to push the band class to play more challenging music, as well as to push herself to better her teaching.
“I love trying new things with teaching.”
While there have been some unsure periods of time for the Federal Hocking band, Staight believes she’ll be staying around for a while.
“As long as I’m happy, and having a good time.”
While the Federal Hocking band has not always had the easiest time with their directors, you can be sure this ever changing and growing group of musicians will have no trouble pushing forward, and they’re all excited to see how their newest director leads the way.
