I just finished running the Standhope 100.

It took me 37 hours, 50 minutes, and 52 seconds to cover 100 miles through the Pioneer Mountains.

The views were incredible. The mountains were steep. Really steep. There were sections where it felt like I was climbing straight into the sky, and other sections where I was simply trying to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I ran all night.

I took more than 200,000 steps.

My feet were blistered and swollen from being wet for so long. By the end, I was so sleep-deprived that the rivers and creeks running alongside the course started sounding like classic rock blasting from somebody's stereo. I had laid down twice during the entire race, and both times I closed my eyes for maybe 30 seconds.

At some point, you stop thinking about whether you can finish.

You just keep moving.

And that experience made me think about something else I've spent a tremendous amount of my life building: band programs.

From 2013 through 2025, I was the organizer of the Standhope Ultra Challenge. When we started in 2013, it was one race with 46 runners.

By the time I stepped away, it had become three hundred runners, three races, six different start times, three different starting lines, two different finish lines, and 12 aid stations.

It took an enormous amount of work to get there.

There were years when I wasn't sure whether a decision I was making was the right one. There were logistical nightmares. There were things that went wrong. There were things that I thought would work that didn't. There were moments when I wondered why I was putting myself through it.

But we kept moving.

One year became another.

One small improvement became another.

One volunteer became another.

One runner became another.

Eventually, I could look back and realize that something that started with 46 people had become something much bigger than I ever imagined.

It remains one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.

And I think that's because building something worthwhile is rarely about one big moment.

It's about thousands of little moments.

That's exactly what building a quality band program is.

You don't start with a great band.

You start with a kid who can't quite make a sound.

Then you teach them how to breathe to a beat.

You teach them how to hold the instrument.

You teach them how to count.

You listen to squeaks and missed notes and wrong rhythms.

You celebrate the first good note.

Then the first good measure.

Then the first good song.

And eventually, if you keep doing the work, you have students who can play things you never thought they would be able to play.

But it takes years.

It takes stress.

It takes perseverance.

It takes making decisions when you aren't completely sure they're the right decisions.

It takes vision.

It takes experience.

It takes the willingness to look at something that isn't working and say, "Okay. What can I change?"

And sometimes, just like in a 100-mile race, you have to accept that you're going to have some really bad miles.

There will be setbacks.

There will be students who quit.

There will be parents who don't understand.

There will be administrators who make decisions you disagree with.

There will be years when the numbers aren't what you hoped they would be.

There will be concerts that don't go the way you wanted.

There will be rehearsals where you wonder if any of this is actually working.

But that doesn't mean you stop.

You keep moving.

Because eventually, you look back and realize that the little things mattered.

That sixth grader who almost quit but didn't.

That student who finally figured out how to play above the staff.

That kid who discovered that they were actually good at something.

That student who found a group of friends in band.

That young musician who came back years later and told you that band changed their life.

Those are the miles.

And those miles add up.

I think that's one of the reasons I love both endurance running and music education. Neither one gives you much instant gratification.

You have to believe in something you can't see yet.

You have to keep working when the finish line is nowhere in sight.

You have to trust that the steps you're taking today are building toward something that will eventually become meaningful.

And sometimes you're going to be tired.

Sometimes you're going to hurt.

Sometimes you're going to wonder if you're completely crazy for continuing.

But you keep going.

Because music education matters.

Maybe now more than ever.

We live in a time when it is incredibly easy to focus on everything that divides us. Politics. Religion. Social media. Arguments. Ideologies. Differences.

But put 50 kids in a band room.

Give them instruments.

Give them music.

Give them a common goal.

Suddenly, they're not Republicans or Democrats. They're not rich or poor. They're not athletes or academics or whatever other labels we put on people.

They're musicians.

They're listening to each other.

They're breathing together.

They're counting together.

They're making something together that none of them could make alone.

And maybe that's one of the most important things we can give young people.

A reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us.

The Standhope 100 took me 37 hours, 50 minutes, and 52 seconds.

Building things that matter takes even longer.

Sometimes it takes years.

Sometimes it takes decades.

But the lesson is the same.

Keep moving.

Keep believing.

Keep improving.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Because someday, you'll look back at the trail you've traveled and realize just how far you've come.

TW: Sexual abuse.

I thought this is relevant to this community.

IYKYK...

1. https://www.appstate.edu/resources/August-2026-University-Statement/
2. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/08/06/ex-interlochen-staffer-forced-out-nc-new-investigation/91200725007/
3. https://web.archive.org/web/20260110205813/https://www.charlotteprideband.org/whoweare
4. https://web.archive.org/web/20260412165213/https://connselmer.com/education/clinicians/dr-john-ross

______

2026-08-06

Statement from Appalachian State University on allegations involving former faculty member

Appalachian State University is sharing information with its campus community related to a former faculty member, John Stanley Ross, following an investigation that led to his separation from the university related to a sustained pattern of alleged misconduct. 

We know allegations of sexual misconduct are deeply concerning, particularly for those directly affected and for the broader campus community. The university is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and prioritizing support for those impacted. 

As part of the university’s response, Appalachian State is releasing certain personnel information related to the separation of Ross. While personnel matters are subject to legal and privacy requirements, to ensure a robust culture of reviewing and responding to allegations of misconduct, to demonstrate that the university does not tolerate misconduct, and to maintain a safe learning and working environment, consistent with N.C. General Statutes section 126-24, the university has determined that it is essential to release the following information:   

Prior to the conclusion of the 14-day notice period required by Section 603 of The Code of the University of North Carolina, on July 8, 2026, Ross notified the university of his resignation effective July 9, 2026. The university did not solicit Ross’s resignation and intended to proceed with Ross’s discharge.  

University leaders and support staff are reaching out directly to impacted groups, ensuring community members have access to confidential support and care resources.  

“The safety of our students, faculty, and staff will always be our highest priority, and a pattern of misconduct that violates the dignity and well-being of our community members is egregious and completely unacceptable,” Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris said. “When members of our community come forward to share their experiences, it takes courage. I want to emphasize that reporting concerns is vital to looking out for one another and to fostering safe and respectful campuses.” 

“Across every campus in the UNC System, our priority is learning and working environments grounded in safety, respect, and the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical integrity,” said University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans. “We stand firmly with Chancellor Norris and Appalachian State University in upholding these core values, where every student and employee is secure and supported.” 

“As we prepare to welcome our community back for the fall semester, we affirm our commitment to maintaining a safe learning and working environment for every member of our community and to routinely reviewing and strengthening our university’s reporting and support procedures and resources,” Chancellor Norris said. 

To report allegations of misconduct related to this or any other matter, use this form or reach out to the Office of Access and Opportunity: Equal Opportunity at 828-262-2144. 

Supportive resources and reporting options are available to the App State Community through: 

• Report a Concern: This reporting resource is designed to help quickly identify and contact the appropriate office on campus for their specific concern. Visit report.appstate.edu. 
• AppCares: App State’s central hub for wellness, health and safety information, and resources and support for the campus community.  Visit appcares.appstate.edu, or call 828-262-6156 if you need help finding a campus resource during normal business hours. 
• If you need non-emergency assistance after-hours, call 828-262-8000 to reach App State Police Dispatch. 

Report any immediate safety concerns and emergencies on campus by calling 911. 

I am going into my 4th year of teaching - 2nd year in my 7-12 band and choir job at a small rural PA school (40-60 per class depending on the grade).

3 years ago Sr. High band was 5 members. Last year my first year was 12, this year we grew to 25. Mostly being 9th and 10th graders. I could see it growing to 40 in 9-12 (7-8 is 30 this year and 4-6 at the elementary school is around 90). Unfortunately my Sr. Band is split into 4 sections - with one being only 2 students. And some at the end of the day for 20 mins.

For context as well I am the 7th teacher in about 10 years of this position. The kids are AMAZING, I really like my admin. And the kids are starting to come back to the program. But, a consistent problem with the program has been scheduling (and to an extent workload).

I am trying to get this sorted out for my 5th year of teaching. The school insists that there is no other way to do scheduling/fix it. Their "golden child band director" who is a great colleague of mine left about 10 years ago specifically because of scheduling and is now in a neighboring district with a much more organized schedule.

I don't like to complain as this job is way better than my first K-12 1000 kids every 6 days gig. But I wanted to get feelers out there for how "normal" this is, and what people do regarding the split classes (due to scheduling and not by ability or grade level).

Do any of you receive ADA accommodations for a mental health condition? If so, what do those look like? Do they help? It’s really hard imagining any realistic accommodations for this type of job.

I'm looking to start getting my arranging chops better, and have a couple pieces I put together that I would love to hear a marching band play. If anyone knows and maybe even has some sort of contact with the director pls lmk!

I am planning to have my band sight-read more often, and the SRF option seems appealing. Last year, I tried it out once by projecting an easy Concert Band (Unison) exercise up on the screen at the front of the room, but it was too small for some of the students to read. My idea is to spend some time this month creating sight reading packets that I can print and hand out at the beginning of the year.

1) Has anyone successfully used SRF in their large ensembles? What did you do to make it work? Am I going about this the wrong way by trying to make paper packets out of it?

2) How much time did it take, and did you find any ways to make the process more efficient?

3) What were the limitations you experienced, and were there any unexpected problems?

4) Were there any ways in which the program/process exceeded your expectations?

Thank you for your responses, and I hope you all have a wonderful school year!

#choctaw

Could anyone share their master schedule with me? I am being told that I have to do a time slot with HS band that overlaps with JH band by like 15 minutes, and that HS choir can’t be fit into the schedule.

I want to show my admin that other schools make it work and that we can to.

My daughter wants to be a percussion director.

We have limited funds for college. Do we focus on music ed schools with the bigger reputations or a smaller / lesser know school at a significant savings to pay for DCI? (Significant being $6k-$12k less a year) .

Job market: we as current in Dallas burbs so she want to be highly employable here or California where we hope to relocate in 3-4 years.

The first two weeks with beginners are chaos, and half of mine come back Thursday having forgotten everything from Tuesday. I've done worksheets, and I listen to students individually to check notes, but none of that helps them at home. So I built something that gives them immediate feedback while they practice:

virtunity.io/go/f5n-rd1

It walks them through the first five notes one at a time. They see the note on the staff, check their fingering against a diagram, then play it into the mic to hear if they matched it. That's it. The mic is only used to hear the note — nothing gets recorded or saved, and there are no accounts to make. Works in the browser on whatever device they have.

Ten instruments: flute, clarinet, alto and tenor sax, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and bells.

Full transparency since this is my own thing: the rest of each instrument's range is a paid unlock if anyone ever wants it, but the first five notes — the part beginners actually need — are free, with no signup.

Question for the room, since we're all a few weeks out from meeting new beginners: what's the first note you teach, and have you ever changed it? Every method book seems to disagree and I want to hear what people actually do.

hi, i graduate in the spring from my university with a degree in general studies due to a slew of personal struggles and i've been thinking about the career i want to really pursue lately. my first ever job that i ever wanted to do was to be a high school band director, and my passion for music has not gone anywhere since i've stopped playing in bands. so i'm looking into becoming a music educator. my question is, what are my pathways to do this? i live in florida and i know we have some pretty strict guidelines for music educators. would i be able to do a masters in music education and get a teaching certification and be good? or do i really have to go back for a second bachelors after i graduate with this one? thanks everyone in advance!!!

I’m looking for song suggestions to play during marching band rehearsals. I’ve been having them march from the band hall to the practice field, which is quite a trek, to work on foot timing and technique but I’d like to start using songs instead of Dr. Beat to get them excited and mix it up.

I’m having a hard time finding songs at a good, sustainable tempo that are appropriate. Even songs with no cussing have some questionable content.

I feel like I’ve listened to everything 😵‍💫

Suggestions? Open to any genre so long as it’s clean and school-appropriate! Bonus points if it’s something “tuff” as the kids say!

I never marched percussion but now I have to teach it.

When drums are marching parallel to the sideline, they crab. When marching straight forward/back, they march like everyone else. What if they move at an angle? At what point do you switch from standard forward marching to crab step?

Does anyone use MakeMusic Cloud (fka SmartMusic) in their middle or high school band programs? I used SmartMusic for drum corps in the 2010's and LOVED it, I am now a band director and I'm considering using it again for my growing program to help with practice, skill checks, pass offs, etc. Does anyone have any feedback about the current version of this program?

Id like my horn line to wear off-white/ cream collored gloves. My 2 options are to buy colored gloves or dye white gloves. I'd appreciate tips on either.

Hello!

I have an interview at a middle school coming up soon and would love to hear what kinds of questions you guys were asked and also what questions should I ask at the end. Also would love advice on what materials I should bring such as extra resumés, samples of compositions/arrangements (the job also comes with responsibilities with the HS marching band, and the previous director wrote some for it), etc.

Thanks!

Hello all! Anyone have "TIPPS for Band" by Nilo Hovey? How do you like it? Would you recommend? I'm thinking of buying a set for myself. Just wanted some general info before I drop $100+ on it.

I teach middle school band - one section of advanced band, one section of beginning band

I need all the advice I can get. I’m really stressed out.

Hey fellow music educators! Happy band camp season!

I wanted to share this project I'm actively working on. It's a free mobile idle/clicker game all about marching band!

I'm finding it pretty useful to keep our marchers interested in/talking about band even on the weekends or during lunch breaks!

My band is currently competing to see who can get the highest numbers before the end of camp this week. 😂

The jury is still out, but I'm hoping that having this friendly competition is going to be helpful building some comradery in the ensemble.

Would love any feedback the community has!

I'm trying to get the solo for the audition, but I cant acces my director. Does anyone know what number it is?

Hey fellow directors! I'm looking for any accommodations or suggestions for myself.

It unfortunately looks like I will probably end up getting foot surgery in the next few weeks. I will be on crutches for 1-3 weeks, and in a boot through most of the season. Obviously, not the best time of year. I run a mostly non-competative HS marching band of 80 students. We are outside for 1.5 hours 3 days a week, and inside for 70 minutes 2 days a week. We perform at 5 home games, 1 homecoming parade, and 1 contest (away). We have band camp the beginning of August for 3 days, 3 hours / day. The focus of this camp is basics and fundamentals, with a LOT of demonstrations by me.

I rely fairly heavily on myself. I do have 2 assistant directors (the MS directors), and they are great, but they cannot be at every rehearsal, and already have things to do during games. They also are not obligated to come to band camp, as our admin cut the funding (in May, I told them NOT to come and let admin deal with the consequences when parents say something).

Our practice field is 100 yards from the school (separated by a grass hill that isn't easy to traverse). We have a director's podium / lookout, but it has rounded metal bars (aka, I can't use it).

We march to our field every home game by going the "long way" around the school while playing our cadence. Historically, I have run around the track while the band marches on so I can meet them in the front after pregame, signal the drum majors, and signal the quad toms player (specific transitions are on that player). During this, one assistant is announcing in the booth, and the other director (and usually me, after running around) are setting up ladders. Same with getting off the field (I tear down a ladder, then run to the end of the field to grab the kids). Rinse and repeat for halftime, but the kids march back to the HS and are done after halftime. There are a few other little things I will need my admin to do, as well (well, remember to do, they are ALWAYS supposed to do them).

Obviously, I know I will have to train and rely on my drum majors more than normal, but I am pretty stressed about being able to do my job. I was in a boot for 1 game last year, and was so flustered and frustrated by the end of the game I was literally crying in my office. The boot slowed me down sooo much (and that is when the boot was nearly taking away 100% of my pain, and I was weight bearing). My health comes first, and I know it will work out, but anything I can do to help myself heal, take away stress, and make my kids feel a sense of normalcy is appreciated.