New Band Director Hits All the Right Notes

With a passion for music and a drive to inspire, the new band director is ready to elevate the program and connect with students in ways that resonate both on and off the field. The new JR/SR High School band director, Mr. Gunn, has encouraged students while acclimating to the new work environment.
“He has been very smart in how he has handled things and has not made too many changes too quickly, while also realizing the sacred things and has been good about maintaining many of the traditions!” The percussion director, Mr. McCafferty says, “ All in all, I believe it has gone as smoothly as it possibly could!” In the eyes of one of Mr. Gunn’s colleagues, he fits in perfectly, and the students seem to have the same response.
“ I think he is getting more and more used to our band and school every day.” freshman Erin Spritzer explains, “There are days when he does ask how things might work in our eyes and we are more than happy to help him get settled here.”
Many could say many students and staff are finding Mr. Gunn to be the perfect person to fill the beloved Mr. Jones’ shoes.
“It’s good, he’s open to new ideas and always has the band’s best interest in mind.” junior Alex Graff says, “I feel like he is more open to other ideas than Jones was. Jones would not do it if he had to put a lot of work into it, but Gunn would at least entertain the idea” Now this isn’t to say Mr. Jones won’t be missed and wasn’t loved, but it’s nice to have a new perspective.
Students seem to be relieved to be let off the hook for weekly 7 am practices. With band members saying they like less 7 am practices. But when it comes to the first couple of games, Spritzer says, “ I think we do need one or two more because there are times when it feels like we are very behind on things.”
As if things couldn’t get any more surprising, Mr. Gunn is also in a small band called “Professional Development” “Mr. Gunn plays in a Jazz Combo with a couple of former students and teachers. The band plays a diverse range of jazz standards, and also contemporary pieces in a jazz style!” Mr. McCafferty says. These former students and teachers are from his employment at Taylorville High School.
Generally, when a long-time High School Band Director retires, there are a lot of kids who drop out of the program. The problems so far have been minimal and the overall good attitudes and the acceptance that things are naturally going to be different has helped in the transition as well. Students and staff seem to be having excellent experience and attitudes towards the change. “ Mr. Gunn is good to work with and he is trying his absolute best to teach us all in his way.” Erin Spritzer says. But that’s not it, “I believe “it” (Mr. Gunn replacing Mr. Jones) has been a really good fit! I have known Mr. Gunn for about 20+ years and it also helped having him teach at RIS last year! We get along very well and he values my input on things!” Mr. McCafferty exclaims.
This year, and hopefully the following years, will be bright and successful for the band and music department thanks to Mr. Gunn.