Conducting

s eptember 5, 2020

My senior year, in high school. First stood, in front of band. Conducting, as a drum major. Not something, I had planned.

Others, pushed me towards, unique, leadership role. Did not realize, at the time. My future, had been told.

During my youth, mind was set. A soldier, I would be. Yet high school band, experience. Changed college plans, for me.

Enrolled, in ROTC. Army, preparation. While pursuing, a degree in, music education.

Career, in band directing. Was catching, my interest. Became drum major, college band. Striving, to be the best.

Spent so much time, conducting. Embedded. Part of me. Was thinking more, about teaching. Still, joined military.

My first job, was my first love. A soldier, serving country. But as each month passed, at Fort Bragg. Was dreaming, to be free.

Free to conduct, the music. To be, a band director. To teach. Inspire. Create a band. Build program, from the floor.

Opportunity, arrived. Put uniform aside. Picked up baton. Never looked back. With students, found my stride.

The teaching, and conducting. Were merging, into one. I taught with words, and with hands. From dawn, to setting sun.

Conducing, was the icing. While teaching, was the cake. Though time and trials, found recipe. Success, is what I baked.

Life lessons, taught to students. In ways, some did not see. Till later on, in lives they lived. The things they learned, were key.

For me, the story simple. Was given, a great gift. The chance, to conduct in high school. Enabled me, to shift.

Altered, how I saw myself. The person, I could be. Opened my mind. Opened my heart. Imagination, freed.

Standing, in front of my peers. Saw world, in a new way. Changed my perspective, of myself. More serious, than play.

Conducting, was the spark plug. That set me, on my way. Without that chance, I cannot say. Just who, I’d be today.

Conducing, was the icing.

While teaching, was the cake.

Though time and trials, found recipe.

Success, is what I baked.