My high school band director was and still is, a very influential person in my life. He will literally help you at any time of the night, and that love that he showed to his students, and me, helped me get through high school. No matter what I had to say he would always lend an open ear and in return would give a thoughtful answer.

The little talks we had helped me a lot. I have always struggled with confidence in my musical abilities because it was never my forte. Despite these barriers, I had he always assured me I could clear them.

When I joined college band I auditioned on an instrument I had never played before and while the audition was easy, it was nerve-wracking. After I made the line he congratulated me and said "I knew you would make it," reminded me that even though he isn't my director anymore he still believed in my musical abilities.

My high school band director taught me not only discipline but perseverance. I mean, after all, we were known as "The Tiny Band That Could" (and we did). Because of the lessons I learned on and off the field, I believe I am stronger mentally and I often push myself until I get where I want to go and I don't stop along the way.

My band director always put us up with the top dogs in the area, setting our standards high and pushing us to achieve more than we thought we could. In high school we played at some of the best stadiums in the south because of this, Bryant-Denny, The Georgia Dome, and Jordan-Hare to name a few. Now in college band, we travel often, and I can add Lucas Oil to my list of top-notch stadiums.

My band director was able to see the ability inside of the kid and could help that kid bring it out and mold their talent. I do believe that I would not be where I am today without the marching arts or the band director I had for 5 years. For that, I could never thank him enough.