Dear Mr. Mohler,

I don't know where to start. I guess I should start by saying thank you so much for everything. You mean so much to me, as well as other band kids and parents. So from all of the students you've taught in elementary school and high school, thank you for everything that you've done for us.

When I first met you back when Maddison was in fifth grade, you were just beginning in the district and you were an amazing influence to not only your students, but my little sister as well. I started taking lessons from you a little while after that back in the good ol' woodwind days, and I immediately learned so much from you and continued to do as such throughout my music career.

As the year progressed and you had the blessing of having my other happy little sibling, Olivia, you helped me prepare for solos for auditions for things like County and marching band.

You saw me at my best, and my worst, and still continued to push me towards my goals when I honestly felt like giving up. Thank you for that.

My Junior year of high school was tough; my former band director retired, leaving us with only the drum majors to lead and conduct the band. I remember when the principal came in and announced that you would be coming in to fill-in as a teacher, and I felt as if the angels were singing hallelujah and my prayers were answered.

At first, it wasn't easy for everyone to make the adjustment, especially you. You worked not only at the elementary school but also the high school, and you didn't complain even once. You helped out whenever any student needed it and still kept a goofy, happy grin on your face.

Eventually, you became our full-time band director. Some of the band was not to pleased because they preferred the (lack of) direction of our old director, but you had us work together as a whole and made us the best performers we could be for ourselves and our audiences.

There were good times and there were bad, but over all, the band had a great year.

Around County Band auditions, I reached a rough spot in my life; our former director, who I looked up to, broke my heart. I remember coming into lessons the next day all upset and I kept messing up, and I honestly didn't care anymore.

I ended up not making County Band and it was utterly devastating to me. After all I went through that month, I was ready to give up music for good, but you wouldn't let me. You continued to do private lessons with me and helped me work on skills that I needed to improve upon.

When the next County Band audition came around, I ended up making it, thanks to you. That was the year I really started to look up to you after seeing how much you cared for each and everyone of your students and would do anything to help them succeed touched my heart. Seeing you conduct us and how your face lit up whenever you cued the cymbals (light e'm up!), I made a connection with you, and that was one of things that inspired me to become a music teacher.

Thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and never letting me give up. You've taught me a lot of lessons over the years, and the most important one being to always keep trying.

I wish you luck this year with marching and concert band! I miss you!

Sincerely,

Haylee

P.S. Band,Ten Hut, Pride!

Also, Throw Back with Class Of 2016 Drum Major Kayla Huebner, with the little man that stole all of our hearts Luke.