Colleagues,
During these last few weeks of school, I will be shining the spotlight on our fellow region 6 band directors who are retiring at the end of this school year. My hope is that you will get to know them, help celebrate their accomplishments, and contact them as a resource and mentor in the future.
Our next spotlight retiree is Bruce Morgan.
"Make sure it has good tone, even wrong notes have to sound pretty"
Bruce has taught K-12 music and band directing in Cross Plains, Aspermont, and Clyde. He has many great memories from his years of teaching including, "hearing your bands name called to advance to the state marching contest, teaching kids whose parents you taught, every sweepstakes award, and hearing students who have come back to visit say what a good influence you were on their lives."
His best memory actually happened when he was at Aspermont and earned a division 2 at marching contest. When he saw the sheets, he literally picked up Louis Thornton and twirled him around a couple of times. Bruce's excitement was well deserved because before he arrived at Aspermont, the band had received many 3s and 4s in marching band.
Bruce says, as most of us do, that he heard and/or stole many quips and quotes from other directors. "Everything that happens in the band hall is my fault." Is a quote that has lots of truth and is difficult to wrap our heads around. Once Bruce learned this and put it into his teaching, his kids started to learn more. "don't ever not ask a question!" Bruce says to reach out to the "old timers", learn from them how to listen, what to teach and when to teach it. Most importantly, "be open to improvement"
Bruce is looking forward to being able to spend time at home during the months of December and January. He's definitely looking forward to enjoying a relaxing Christmas season.
We wish Bruce all the best as he opens the next chapter of life. May all the years ahead bring him great joy and relaxation. If you would like to keep in touch with Bruce, here is his personal email address: morganbruce25@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Steven Dojahn
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