Annandale Band Director Claims Racism

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
A lot of FCPS schools REQUIRE kids in symphonic band to be in the marching band. They can’t get a lot of kids to join, so to go to the higher level classes they have to join. Consequently, their musical performances often outshine schools from other districts who take students at all ability levels. I don’t know the policy at Annandale. But if you’ve got a lot of kids who don’t want to be there in the first place, who are then treated strictly, they will turn on you in an instant.

Every FCPS school, except TJ, requires the higher bands (at least) to be in Marching Band. The Virginia culture of marching bands is all about the bands and not about the kids and what’s best for them.

I grew up in Texas, which has a very strong band culture. And yes, marching band is required for the upper level bands. Of course it is. That's best for the band and best for kids. A strong band is fun for kids, and needs everyone, all the members. Not just some of the members.

I grew up in the northeast with no marching band culture but a fabulous classical and jazz band culture. Kids could choose what works best for them because the antics of marching band are not for everyone. They continually put kids last here and the band (and all the wins it gets to proclaim) first. Except at TJ, of course, where they realize that some kids have multiple interests or want to take challenging courses that keep them from either band class or marching band. The Texas post sounds like it was written by a band teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
A lot of FCPS schools REQUIRE kids in symphonic band to be in the marching band. They can’t get a lot of kids to join, so to go to the higher level classes they have to join. Consequently, their musical performances often outshine schools from other districts who take students at all ability levels. I don’t know the policy at Annandale. But if you’ve got a lot of kids who don’t want to be there in the first place, who are then treated strictly, they will turn on you in an instant.

Every FCPS school, except TJ, requires the higher bands (at least) to be in Marching Band. The Virginia culture of marching bands is all about the bands and not about the kids and what’s best for them.

I grew up in Texas, which has a very strong band culture. And yes, marching band is required for the upper level bands. Of course it is. That's best for the band and best for kids. A strong band is fun for kids, and needs everyone, all the members. Not just some of the members.

I grew up in the northeast with no marching band culture but a fabulous classical and jazz band culture. Kids could choose what works best for them because the antics of marching band are not for everyone. They continually put kids last here and the band (and all the wins it gets to proclaim) first. Except at TJ, of course, where they realize that some kids have multiple interests or want to take challenging courses that keep them from either band class or marching band. The Texas post sounds like it was written by a band teacher.

Antics? Like American Pie, "One time at band camp.......", that was exaggerated. If you mean hazing, all organized activities are unfortunately susceptible. I do remember in my HS in MD, there was only one band. In the fall we did Marching, in Winter, symphonic/concert and in Spring, Jazz. I hated Jazz Band, but it was all or nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
A lot of FCPS schools REQUIRE kids in symphonic band to be in the marching band. They can’t get a lot of kids to join, so to go to the higher level classes they have to join. Consequently, their musical performances often outshine schools from other districts who take students at all ability levels. I don’t know the policy at Annandale. But if you’ve got a lot of kids who don’t want to be there in the first place, who are then treated strictly, they will turn on you in an instant.

Every FCPS school, except TJ, requires the higher bands (at least) to be in Marching Band. The Virginia culture of marching bands is all about the bands and not about the kids and what’s best for them.

I grew up in Texas, which has a very strong band culture. And yes, marching band is required for the upper level bands. Of course it is. That's best for the band and best for kids. A strong band is fun for kids, and needs everyone, all the members. Not just some of the members.

I grew up in the northeast with no marching band culture but a fabulous classical and jazz band culture. Kids could choose what works best for them because the antics of marching band are not for everyone. They continually put kids last here and the band (and all the wins it gets to proclaim) first. Except at TJ, of course, where they realize that some kids have multiple interests or want to take challenging courses that keep them from either band class or marching band. The Texas post sounds like it was written by a band teacher.

Antics? Like American Pie, "One time at band camp.......", that was exaggerated. If you mean hazing, all organized activities are unfortunately susceptible. I do remember in my HS in MD, there was only one band. In the fall we did Marching, in Winter, symphonic/concert and in Spring, Jazz. I hated Jazz Band, but it was all or nothing.

When you said you grew up in the Northeast I thought you meant New Jersey, NY or New England. Not Maryland. In Va and Md there is a strong marching band culture that goes back generations. There might be a school here and there where it’s not a big deal. But for many schools in this area, the marching bands and color guards are usually much stronger (and larger) than the football teams as football has waned in popularity. In fact some of these local bands, color guards and drum lines compete in competitions all school year. They also march in the halls to drum up spirit throughout the year.

And yes, the local band teachers do yell and are strict. Especially on the football field during marching practice, via a megaphone. But they are also passionate, compassionate, etc. Competition is cutthroat here. Like coaches, the band directors make it known when they are displeased. There’s no room for any antics.

[Anonymous]

I am from CT- someone else posted the MD thing.

I don’t mean antics from the kids- I mean the school. Making it a fall sport by starting August 3rd. The popular but not musically complex pieces along with themes, props, etc. Marching band music in high school is fun and loud but it’s not like a trip to the symphony. Tag day, perfectionism on uniforms, 3 competitions in the fall, travel competitions, extra rehearsals, earning a t-shirt by memorizing your music, challenging another student to move up a chair, having to be in marching band even if it takes away your summer to relax or work to make money for college or work an internship…..

All so they can have one more trophy and one more year where they get the top scores. It’s about the band teachers. Not about the kids.

If it’s not obvious, I have one band kid and one orchestra kid. Orchestra is a much kinder, supportive, classically minded experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

It still sucks for him though that some jock who came over to Annandale from Justice was able to tank his career in one year after he’d previously gotten a decent evaluation. Seems like the “good old boys” were more interested in running him out of town than providing any constructive feedback or mentoring. And just because schools like Annandale and Justice have mostly minority students doesn’t mean some of the administrators can’t be bigots!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Annandale HS band director has claimed he was unjustly terminated from his position due to racism.

https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2023/06/fairfax-co-band-director-says-there-was-a-coordinated-effort-to-get-him-fired-parents-are-outraged/

Putting aside whether racism made a difference or not for a minute: It is true that you have to speak to students in a "Disney voice" or they will get their feelings hurt. Administration could slam most every teacher at any time for not following all the educational jargon and "standards" for each daily class.

They guy thought band was a sport and tried act like a coach. It turns out band kids don't want to be treated like athletes.

I always thought marching band was really strict with the band director shouting at the students when they messed up the routine. In that sense the band director is like a coach. Band directors aren’t all soft spoken like in that old movie Mr Holland’s Opus.

I guess there are enough students who think band is more like a class than a sport. No one would put up with their bio teacher screaming at them like a football coach, band seems like it's in between. This guy seems to have veered to far towards coach

I mean why are we okay with coaches screaming at kids? I had a hockey coach in middle school who screamed at us and shot pucks at us (full blast) when he was angry. It was terrifying. He also made us sprint until someone threw up after a bad game
Why is that okay? Abusive behavior is abuse when a coach does it, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

All this social media posting definitely is not okay. Some teachers might learn from this experience and make changes but he just sounds angry and like he doesn’t see his responsibility in all this. That’s unfortunate.

[Anonymous]

Just talking to the press could have gotten him fired. FCPS employees are not allowed to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

All this social media posting definitely is not okay. Some teachers might learn from this experience and make changes but he just sounds angry and like he doesn’t see his responsibility in all this. That’s unfortunate.

It doesn't appear that anyone advised him about this, do he didn't know better and didn't change. He just got fired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just talking to the press could have gotten him fired. FCPS employees are not allowed to do so.

He talked to Youngkin. The press was after he was asked to resign.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

It still sucks for him though that some jock who came over to Annandale from Justice was able to tank his career in one year after he’d previously gotten a decent evaluation. Seems like the “good old boys” were more interested in running him out of town than providing any constructive feedback or mentoring. And just because schools like Annandale and Justice have mostly minority students doesn’t mean some of the administrators can’t be bigots!

He may have gotten warnings and mentoring and refused to follow it. There is clearly more to this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately, we can only hear this guy’s version as the school is not able to share about personnel matters. Teachers are really difficult to hire right now, and there’s a lot that mediocre teachers can get away with simply because there are so few qualified candidates to replace them. In other words, he really had to be awful for administrators to go through this process. My educated guess is that the decision to non-renew was not done lightly and without specific evidence.

High School band positions are coveted in FCPS. There are many elementary and middle school teachers who have aspirations to teach at the HS level. I disagree in this case that there are few qualified candidates.

Sure, there may be many that want that position. But after June 1, there are no transfers unless a principal agrees to release the teacher. These days, many will not release because hiring behind is really tough, even for music teachers. Teachers have until June 15 to resign.

I teach general music and chorus and we had to hire las Summer due to my colleague’s summer promotion, it was slim pickings for sure. I guess I did not look at when he resigned I assumed it was before the transfer deadline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s flat and not engaging, yet his band has won countless awards as soon as he set foot in the band room. It appears that you all have the facts! Just say it already! You don’t like the fact that a black male is acting black.

Most of the high level kids will be in private music lessons and private orchestras. He wasn't really teaching much at all. I don't care what race he is. I care that he's teaching, and he's not. Posting on social media live during work hours is not ok. Posting students pictures, saying their names online is NOT ok. He lacks judgement and boundaries. He's far from professional regardless of his race. Not everything is about race. My child is in all kinds of band and orchestra - school, private, private lessons and he was not even comparable.

All this social media posting definitely is not okay. Some teachers might learn from this experience and make changes but he just sounds angry and like he doesn’t see his responsibility in all this. That’s unfortunate.

I have asked teachers to remove posts with my kid in it. It’s inappropriate and they lack common sense.

[Anonymous]

Band directors in the DMV know which competitions are easy and which are tough. When you sign up for all the easy ones and win can you really claim you're challenging your students to be the best? And is it fair to claim your are first in the state when only 3 other VA bands show up, and none of them the truly competitive ones? So who was he trying to win for, his ego or the kids? My child overheard him berating his leadership at one competition when they didn't place first. It was obvious his ego was hurt and he was lashing out at the kids. His social media posts clearly point to how highly he thinks of himself. That rarely translates into an actual quality person.