By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Union High School Band Director Josh Bartz Thursday night bestowed the Chieftain Spirit Award on junior trumpet player Elizabeth Kolden.
"This is the essence of Dowagiac band," he said, "but it's not something that can be taught or coached. This is not something that can be asked for, nor is it something that they work hard to get. It's dedication and desire to be in Dowagiac band.
"She was selected for her consistency, attitude and work ethic. She spends countless hours practicing and preparing so that she always knows her part. She's always early for rehearsal, often talking to and getting to know younger students. She also volunteers for absolutely everything and is involved in every aspect of the band program."
Drum Major Aislinn Frantz, who won in 2007, received the runner-up senior award, named for Patrick S. Gilmore, a 19th century American bandmaster and concert impresario. She plays horn and tuba.
"I'm doing theater and creative writing, but I don't know where yet," said Aislinn, who waited six hours to see Barack Obama in South Bend, Ind. "Either Western, U. of Iowa or Brown."
The Gilmore recipient "must display a sense of leadership, dedication and the work ethic necessary to become an outstanding musician," Bartz said. "This individual exudes those qualities and more. She daily works to improve herself, her section and the band. She has taken on leadership roles and whenever a task is needed done, I can trust that it is not only done, but in a timely manner and to the best of her abilities. Her ability to lead is way beyond her years and there's no question in my mind that she will do amazing things in her life. She will truly be missed in this program."
Bartz created a new Director's Award he presented to seniors Samantha Stone and Alyson Wheeler.
"These two individuals have been steadfast in their work ethic and, all too often, very unnoticed. Much of the work they did was behind the scenes," Bartz said. "These two young ladies have been a tremendous asset to this program, but more often than not weren't on the billboard."
Aislinn and junior Drum Major Chelsea McIntyre got lapel pins and share a title "which comes with a lot of glory, but also a lot of behind-the-scenes grunt work. These two students have gone way above and beyond expectation while serving in this role – everything from having the field set up and ready to go when practice is ready to start to 'uh-oh, Mr. Bartz's loudspeaker is about to die' so she runs home and gets not two, which is what was needed and requested, but 16, just in case the first 14 didn't pan out," Bartz said. "When I was in my undergrad, one of the things I always said was that I would have a fantastic program if it was like the one I student taught in, where you walk into rehearsal and an elder member of the group started prior to the director arriving."
In mid-February, Bartz walked in to find Wind Ensemble already rehearsing for festival.
Aislinn delivered a moving tribute to Dowagiac Middle School Band Director Katie Hahn.
"When we heard Mr. (Tom) Stansifer was retiring, we were very concerned," she said. "We were happy he would have more time to go fishing, but we were very worried about who they would find to replace him. We expected some inexperienced, lame, first-year teacher who didn't know the first thing about high school kids. Maybe we'd get one of those teachers who try to prove themselves their first year by being overly strict and trying to show up the other band director. With Mr. Bartz, we'd gotten very lucky by getting such a great first-year teacher. We didn't expect lightning to strike twice."
"The first day of band camp, we couldn't even find the new assistant band director," Aislinn said, "but everyone was wondering who that new, quiet blonde girl was and why she didn't have an instrument."
Hahn's "ability to identify with us goes far beyond her stature," Aislinn continued. "She understands life as a student and is able to keep control of the band without being overbearing. The transition between band directors can be very difficult – especially for upperclassmen. But Mrs. Hahn fit into our program incredibly well, so the transition was very smooth. Ever since her first day, Mrs. Hahn has been an essential member of our band family. With her, she has brought this crazy, kookie, silky energy that can't really be described.
"Whether she's throwing her baton at the first few rows of the band, as if to say, 'Play it again,' Mrs. Hahn is a good sport. That means we love you. Mrs. Hahn is extremely involved with the bands. She has established a color guard and jazz band at the junior high in the two years she's been here. Last year she was in the pit orchestra for the high school musical and we had so much fun. This year we literally begged and bribed her to come back. She did and we had a great time. Mrs. Hahn is an insanely talented trombone player and her brass knowledge has been a great addition.
"The best teachers are the ones who honestly enjoy what they're doing that you can tell how much fun they're having. Mrs. Hahn is one of those teachers. When she steps onto the podium, you can tell that this is what she loves doing. You can tell she enjoys every facet of her job. Marching band rehearsals can go pretty late or start pretty early and it's not always the best weather. Rarely will you find Mrs. Hahn without a smile on her face. She always puts a positive spin on things. Mrs. Hahn is fun to be around, understanding and helpful and everything we could ask for in a band director."
Alyson Wheeler shared a school essay she wrote about Bartz, a testimonial to the teacher she credits with changing her life for the better.
Freshman year, Bartz succeeded Jeff Comfort.
"From the moment I met him, I knew he was unlike any other 22-year-old I knew. At his first band camp he was in charge of almost 100 kids. Directly out of college he was taking on this huge responsibility. I looked up to him" and his "confidence and authority," so much so that when she completed sophomore year chair placement third behind two seniors, "It made me so happy. From that day on, I did not want Mr. Bartz to think any less of me. Without even knowing, he had made me a better player. I played to the best of my ability and with greater confidence than ever before," Alyson said.
"I wanted Mr. Bartz's respect as a musician. I did not want him to think I would slack off because I got third chair as a sophomore. Junior year I was named co-leader of my section, which made my leadership skills soar. I learned so many things and I'll never be able to thank him enough. That same year I also became Mr. Bartz's teaching assistant. Without knowing, he made me want to be a better student and actually a better person. I never wanted Mr. Bartz angry at me or to tell me I did something wrong. I wanted his approval. He was like the big brother I never had. Many people go through high school, graduate and forget all about their teachers. That will not happen," Alyson said. "I can honestly say that if I did not have Josh Bartz as a teacher, I would not be the person that I am today."
Seniors presented Bartz with a baby blanket with a photo of the pyramid they made at band camp, a gift card to his favorite eatery and apparel to outfit his entire growing family – plus a "Man Cave" sign for his remodeled basement. Bill Davis pointed out that the class montage of senior photos is the first to have every hole filled.
His 2-year-old daughter, Annabelle, can wear her shirt emblazoned, "My Daddy's Band is Better Than Yours." The new baby can wear a onesie with, "My Daddy Plays Saxophone and He Rocks." For Mrs. Bartz, a "Marching Band Groupie" top. For the director himself, who favors a "ridiculously loud and obnoxious shirt that we can't even hear over," according to Aislinn, another in a bright color with the inscription, "Half Time is Game Time."
Junior Chelsea Thompson bequeathed her Snake Award to bass drummers Leana Allen, a sophomore, and Steven Baylock, a freshman, because "they are extremely funny."