HMS Band

July, 17 2016

​

Dear Band Members,

​

I hope that you’ve had a great summer.  I’ve missed all of you.  I’m writing because I have some unexpected news that I would like to share with you…

​

After much consideration, I have decided to take a position as an Educational Consultant with Amro Music Company and will not be returning as band director to HMS this school year. 

​

I know that this will most likely come as a surprise to you.  It was not something that I had planned; it came about within the last several days.  Please know that I didn’t make this decision because I was unhappy or dissatisfied with our band in any way.  I am proud of each and every one of you and of everything that we have accomplished together.  You have all become family to me, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. 

​

The reality of having to leave you guys made making the decision to take another job very difficult.  In the end, I decided that this new position will allow me to help band directors all over West TN grow their band programs like we have ours at HMS.  It will allow me to bring more students into band rooms and put more instruments in the hands of talented kids like you.  We’ve done great things together, and I hope that I’ll be able to help other band programs develop like the one at HMS.  You have all been part of that growth and development, and you should be proud of it. Like me, you know that music education is an important part of the school experience.  I’m moving into another role so that I can help promote music education on an even bigger scale.  In this new job, I’ll be visiting HMS and will see you from time to time, which I’m very happy about.  So this is not goodbye forever.

​

Please remember that what we have built as a band has very little to do with me, the director, and most everything to do with you—the students.   You bring the talent and the energy that is needed for greatness, and you have the hearts of champions.  Never forget that—not even on the worst days.  If you do, just remember that Mr. Spraggins believes in you and knows that you can accomplish anything you wish.  Bring your talent and your energy and mix it with hard work, good attitudes, and dedication, and you’ll never fail.  Keep your heads high.  Be warriors. 

​

You’ll have a new director soon.   Please be kind, attentive, patient, helpful, and hardworking students for him or her.  Don’t make comparisons to me—good or bad.  We all have our own approaches, and different doesn’t mean wrong.  Be open-minded.  I know great things are in store for you guys.   We’ve laid a solid foundation, now you must continue to build on it.  Take what you’ve learned so far and keep going!  There’s no limit to what you can learn from music.  It’s something that will change your life and make your life better.   It’s something you’ll carry with you forever—in good times and bad.  Remember “When words fail, music speaks.” (Hans Christian Anderson)

​

Please pass this letter along to those who may not have access to the text alerts or websites and to the former members of our band who have moved on to high school.  I’ll keep the HMS Band Website that I created up for a time so that you will have access to the stories, pictures, and videos of your accomplishments.   You may send comments through the website using the form below if you’d like.

​

I’ll end by encouraging you to never forget the great times we’ve had together.  I know I never will.   Thinking of you guys always brings a smile to my face!   Thank you for sharing your talent and your time with me these last few years.  You’ve changed my life for the better.  I can’t wait to see what each of you will accomplish!  Until next time Warrior Band, I’ll see you down the road…

​

Your friend and biggest fan,

​

Mr. Spraggins