On Campus STAFF PROFILE:
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Mr. Billy Flood Written by Mickie Roberts
Dallas, Georgia native Billy Flood remembers running around as a toddler singing movie soundtracks and pretending to be in a spacetraveling rock band. It was not until middle school when the quietest kid in school thought it would be pretty funny to pick up a pair of sticks and learn the loudest instrument – the drums. It was the love of this instrument that led him to Berry College in Rome, Georgia to pursue his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and then later to the University of Georgia for his Masters in Music Education and doctoral courses. While in college, he kept an insanely busy schedule by playing the drums at some point for almost all of the student worship groups, doing jazz jobs around town, teaching private lessons, and instructing school drumlines. He also drummed in most of the garage bands at school. Fifteen years ago, Billy began his teaching career at Mount Paran as Band Director. In his early years, he also taught chorus classes, the occasional string player, and even preschool music. Although he spends much of his time working with the marching band, he recognizes the importance of working closely with the music teachers in all grade levels. To this end, Billy collaborates often with Ms. Sarah Scheibe (lower school music), Mrs. Julie Duncan (chorus), and Ms. Jennifer Laminack (orchestra). Billy says they all share a unified approach to the importance of music instruction, regardless of which path the students take: “We seek to provide them with the raw materials to enjoy music however God leads them, whether it is singing in a church choir, playing trumpet in a community brass band, learning banjo for a bluegrass festival, composing their own music for YouTube videos, or attending a local jazz concert.” He goes on to say that “a musically educated public will theoretically make consumer choices that elevate the cultural and spiritual life of our nation (i.e. maybe it isn’t completely ‘All about that Bass’ all the time).” As a band director, Billy loves to see progress. Just as a sculptor starts with a block of stone and through incremental steps creates a work of art, he enjoys the act of continually refining the work of his students. It is clear that Billy’s dedication to the refinement of his students has paid off with many awards and special recognitions for Mount Paran’s band program. This year was undoubtedly the best competitive year with an undefeated marching band, a fantastic Outback Bowl performance, great individual achievements at District Honor Band, All-State Concert Band and Jazz Band, Governor’s Honors, GISA All-Select, UGA JanFest, and college marching band auditions. Billy states, “In looking through the trophy cases outside the band room, I remember the people, events, processes, and struggles that led up to those awards more than the competitions and festivals themselves.” Those thoughts keep him focused on the future of the arts at MPCS. W
dedication to refining the work of his students has paid off
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WINGSPAN | Summer 2015