Photo by Tori Greene

Mr. Shadman helps student in band

Steve Shadman marched into Legacy high school’s band hall as students filed in, ready for the busy season ahead. Excited murmurs started up as Mr. Shadman stepped onto the director’s podium to introduce himself to the band for the first time.

“I was the band geek of my class,” Mr. Shadman said. “I went into college as a business major but was offered the opportunity to go into the band program. I turned to band and never went back.”

Mr. Shadman played the clarinet in his high school marching band. Starting college he did not plan on going into the music education field but the program’s director soon offered him the opportunity to join the school’s music education program. He switched his major from business to music education and continued on to become a band director.

“I was exceptionally nervous teaching instruments I didn’t know,” Mr. Shadman said. “It took me three years to become comfortable with being in charge.”

Mr. Shadman began his first year of teaching during the fall of 1999. He did not know much about the instruments he was teaching, adding to the anxiety of his new job. After meeting his students and getting to know them, he slowly got used to his job. He learned new things about the instruments he was teaching and gained a reputation over the next few years.

“I love working with the same kids every year and seeing them mature from teenagers into adults,” the band director said. “My favorite part of this job is getting emails later on telling me how much the student benefitted from this program.

Mr. Shadman works with the band students every day during the school year. In addition to working with several of the students during the 45 minute class periods, he also instructs after school rehearsals most days after school.

All of the time he and his students spend together builds up, creating a tight bond throughout the band. The band director develops a unique relationship with his students, making his career pay off even more at the end of the year. He often receives emails from graduated students thanking him for their time in the band program and telling them how much it helped them later in life.

“There are different responsibilities here at Legacy. The interaction with the parents and how they help the band is different than I’ve ever seen,” Mr. Shadman said.

The band director previously worked at Summit high school for four years before coming to Legacy. He had heard about Legacy while he was in the district and never thought he would get the chance to work here. Stepping in after the previous band director, Mr. Fugett, was a challenge he was willing to accept. Immediately he was welcomed by parents and students alike.

“Although we have a new director, we are still as efficient as before. There’s still the same positive atmosphere throughout the band,” Mr. Hoffman, the band’s assistant director, said.

The band program did not slow its productivity despite a new band director. The students have adapted to new changes that have been put into place, such as how they get onto the field for a half time show or how they look during a performance.

“This is a dream job,” Mr. Shadman said. “I never imagined I would be fortunate enough to be here.”