Buggs Brings the Band Back Together
Band rehearsals were interrupted on Oct. 14 by Dr. Allen to bring the band a positive announcement. Little did they know, Mr. Buggs, the new band director, would now be teaching and guiding the band. The band eagerly anticipated getting to know their new leader. The band members recalled the transition.
“[It was difficult] not having a band director […] a source of authority that you can come to,” senior Mercedes Gonzalez recollected.
In a period of uncertainty, the band went three weeks without a director. Drum major and senior Mercedes Gonzalez guided the band until a replacement for the previous director was found.
“No one said it was going to be easy, but they did say it was going to be worth it.”
From Edward Waters University, Mr. Buggs was previously a band director at James Weldon Johnson, and therefore has a lot of experience in teaching music. With jazz being his favorite type of band, teasing and fun revolve around his knowledge of jazz. He strives to make this band the best in the area, starting from scratch and paving his own path.
“It’s that I’m here [and] I’m not going anywhere [...] so, it’s a matter of how well I [do whatever I need to do to] this program to enhance it. [To make this program] more of what I want to see in a band,” Mr. Buggs stated.
Mr. Buggs is currently the fourth director of the band in the past three years. Now with Mr. Buggs, they can rebuild and gain a stable environment after constant changes within the course. Once final changes are made, Mr. Buggs looks forward to gaining more members next year to participate in the band.
If you are interested in being a part of the band, see Mr. Buggs in the band building.