Maddy's High School Band

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1225 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1225

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Maddy’s High School Band

Our alumn, Maddy Banahene, is in her fourth year as the band director at West Valley Junior High School in Yakima, WA. Last summer, she finished her Master in Music Education at UO and three years earlier she also earned her BM in clarinet performance and Music Education at UO.

This year, her band is playing at the WMEA Conference and I had a chance to catch up with her during the busy preparations.

How did your band get picked for the WMEA conference? What repertoire are you performing?

Last year, I submitted recorded, live performances of my 7th grade, 8th grade, and jazz bands to WMEA. Both my 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band had the honor of being selected to play! The 8th grade band is performing at the Opening Gala Banquet night of the conference and they are playing a full concert which includes Fire! by Gary P. Gilroy, the premiere of Sweet Suite by Evan Howard, Rain composed by Brian Balmages, Allied Honor by Karl L. King, and Prairie Dances by David R. Holsinger and conducted by our high school band director Dr. Ronald Gerhardstein. The jazz band is part of a workshop about concepts for beginning jazz band. Since the jazz band only plays for two-thirds of the school year and re-starts half its members from square one, so this was a huge honor. The groups are so looking forward to performing!

West Valley Junior High School 8th Grade Band

How did your experience at UO prepare you for your current job?

The UO helped prepare me for my current job by providing me with a varied and challenging curriculum with real-life experiences. Both in public schools and in class we were constantly observing different teaching styles, writing lessons plans, practicing teaching, and discussing current and relevant pedagogy that was music specific – not just general education classes. My time at the UO was spent gaining knowledge, references, educational connections, and experiences that have been invaluable in helping me be a prepared, proficient, and confident teacher.

What's the most important thing that you took away from doing your undergrad here at the UO?

I took too many things from my undergrad to name just one thing, but the most important things that I took away from my undergrad were to learn from your teachers’ experiences, to write down everything, and to keep organized. With the reference points I gained from my undergrad, I always have resources that keep me inspired and motivated, give me ideas, and help me to answer any number of questions I have. I especially think my first year would have been much less successful would I have not had the number of guidance points along the way.

West Valley Junior High School Jazz Band

What tips would you give to students who are preparing to be music teachers?

I would tell any student who wants to be a music teacher that they should take more notes than they think they will need – that one piece of information that you decide not to write down is usually the one thing you wish you had.

Not all universities have professors who are teachers. It might sound odd, but the number of professors at other universities who have not taught in public school is staggering. Listen to what your teachers have to say! You might not always agree, but you will learn something - learning is just as big a part of teacher as teaching is.

Last, I would also say that college is a special time, make sure not to waste it. The UO is a great place to think and learn, so fill your brain up!

GO DUCKS! Quack!