FROM THE PRESIDENT DAN RUCKMAN

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ROGER HALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS & GREG TAYLOR, OMEA DIRECTOR OF TECHOLOGY

Morale is the state of mind. It is steadfastness and courage and hope. It is confidence and zeal and loyalty. It is élan, esprit de corps and determination.

-George C. Marshall

The retirement of Roger Hall and Greg Taylor was celebrated in front of family, colleagues and friends at the OMEA Professional Development Conference on Friday, February 3rd 2023 in the Union Station Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center. The quote above by George C. Marshall was chosen for Roger Hall’s retirement plaque. Those that have worked with Roger know that the spirit of this quote resides deeper than words on a page. They embody a career that started as a band director and culminated at the helm of OMEA. A career, whereas Executive Director, he was a champion for students, educators, and music education. A career that showed the value of steadfastness, high standards, and service. A career that placed people and relationships above all else. A career that impacted countless numbers of people. In the many congratulation letters that were received, the constant theme was the influence Roger has had on all of those with whom he has worked. Tim Lautzenheizer wrote, “You are living proof that ONE PERSON MAKES A DIFFERENCE, and the difference you have made has benefitted all of us; EVERYONE!” This sentiment was echoed by Peter Boonshaft who said “[you] have led OMEA with such unbelievable skill, have been there for all who ask for help, have been the model of grace, have been a mentor to so many, have been a trusted advisor, and most importantly, a dear and cherished friend…my life and all those you have touched with your kindness are so much better because of you.”

As the first Executive Director of OMEA, Roger Hall was instrumental in creating and refining the systems that have grown OMEA into the strong and professional organization we see today. Everyone who has worked with Roger knows that his influence is woven throughout the organization and the events that have defined the mission of OMEA. His attention to detail, financial stewardship, and vision have allowed OMEA to not only survive financial crises and a global pandemic, but to thrive. His leadership has grown OMEA into the third largest NAfME affiliated music education association in the country. In the words of Jerry Pellegrino Jr. “OMEA would not be what it is today without [Roger] and the staff [he] assembled.”

A word often used in describing Roger Hall’s leadership is vision. One of the first things someone would notice during their initial board meeting was Roger’s ability to look at a situation from every possible angle and distill it down to its very essence. He would stand at the back of the meeting room, listen to everyone’s thoughts, and then confidently walk among the participants to plan how to successfully move forward. Roger’s vision was described by Jim Dowdy in the following: “You’ve guided [OMEA] strongly and safely for over two decades. [OMEA’s] success, even in the face of obstacles such as financial crises and COVID, are a direct result of your analysis, planning and execution.”

Another common theme throughout the many letters was confidence. Those that have worked with Roger value his confidence and poise. When Roger speaks, people listen. But more importantly his ability to listen is what set him apart. Many colleagues expressed their gratitude for Roger encouraging them to be confident, forge their path, and trust their voice. The numerous stories that were shared paint a picture of a caring mentor or in Roger’s own words “a guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage.” This is where so much of the energy and motivation of OMEA leadership would develop during Roger’s tenure as Executive Director. As Mike Crist said of Roger, “You have always been eager to share your ideas and help solve problems. Your com- mitment to excellence has been motivational.”

In any organization it takes more than skills, knowledge and planning to succeed. The zeal with which Roger approached every task was contagious. And while the product is what people remember, it was the work in which Roger thrived. He included in every email this quote from Douglas Lowry: “In the end, it will be about the work; each day’s work a link in the chain that cannot be broken, work given with full consciousness of your knowledge, spirit and will, and with untold extremes of generosity.” Roger’s work ethic and vigor is well known by colleagues and former students as shared in this anecdote by Mark Tryon: “Just last year, your cell phone went off while you were giving a speech to the State Board (ringtone: Esprit de Corps, by Robert Jager) and instead of silencing it and apologizing, you held it in the air for us to listen to the music, stating that this has always been your most important job as Executive Director: building esprit de corps in the organization. Looking back on my time in high school, it wasn’t that you taught me to love making music - it was that you taught me to love making music TOGETHER!”

A lifelong educator, Roger’s teaching and mentoring have never stopped. In the words of Ryan Nowlin, “We are all better for having known you, worked with you, and learned from your unwavering example.” Many individuals may have only been a student or OMEA officer for a relatively short time during his career, but with Roger these relationships were lifelong. He embraced the concept that leadership is about helping others. Here are the words of Mark Scatterday, Conductor of The Eastman Wind Ensemble: “Roger Hall single-handedly changed my life at a time that was crucial to my development as a serious musician. His professionalism, love for teaching, and care for his students significantly helped shape my career going forward, even to this day (40 years later!). I owe this man so much and love him dearly.”

His loyalty to people and relationships (as well as his love for OMEA) was evident when he agreed to aid in the transition of a new Executive Director. Roger continued in the position of Executive Director throughout the search process. When the Board hired Jay Wardeska as the new Executive Director, Roger embraced his new role of Executive Director Emeritus and has mentored Jay throughout the current year. Jay Wardeska describes it this way: “I would think it is a rare occasion when a person gets the opportunity to not only have a lifelong mentor, but to be mentored by that person through many phases of life. I count myself very fortunate to have such an experience and for you to be that mentor for me.”

On behalf of the members of OMEA and the millions of students, we thank Roger, his wife Jennie, and his family for their service and sacrifices over many years of a magnificent career. It is most fitting that Roger’s daughter Stacie summed up his career perfectly when she wrote, “Ever since I was a little girl, I followed you around and watched you do your magic, teaching kids, including myself, the joy of music. I also saw how other students looked up to you as well because you cared about your students. Teaching was never a job for you, it was your passion, and it showed.”

As OMEA’s Director of Technology, Greg Taylor and his work have defined OMEA. Greg has been with the organization for well over 30 years. He began his work as a volunteer during which time he developed OMEA’s first solo and ensemble management program. He eventually was brought onboard in 2012 as a full-time member of the OMEA staff. He has shepherded the creation of the first OMEA website, the marching band, large group, and solo and ensemble management systems, online registration, and so much more.

Greg’s drive, ingenuity, and vision built the infrastructure necessary for OMEA to operate and grow. Most of the functional aspects that are required for the day-to-day operations of the organization have been made possible by his work. In addition, he has been driven to continue to refine and improve these systems. His patience, persistence, and attention to detail are second to none. His leadership is steadfastly focused on the needs of our membership. His expertise, combined with his kindness, sensitivity, and humor have defined the technology position.

There have been times other Music Education Associations have asked how we did something. The answer usually started and ended with, “Find your Greg Taylor” and ended with “You Can’t have ours!”

Dan Ruckman is currently in his twenty sixth year of teaching and serving his twentieth year as the Director of Bands at Coldwater Exempted Village Schools where he directs the 5-12 concert bands, marching and pep band, Cavalier Steel Bands, and music theory. He has served OMEA as a solo and ensemble adjudicator, Past-President of OMEA District 3, and State Secretary. Dan is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Dan holds a bachelor of music education degree and a master of music in education degree from Bowling Green State University.