Bucktail Bids Heartfelt Goodbye to Music Teacher Mr. Kahley
By Christopher Miller
FARWELL – Renovo Elementary and Bucktail Middle/High School is saying goodbye to their music teacher Mr. Brandon Kahley who was instrumental in orchestrating a tremendous shift toward music education during his time at the Renovo-area schools.
“I wanted to create the program that I was in when I was a kid,” Mr. Kahley told The Record.
“I was very lucky growing up in Altoona with the music program at the schools I attended. It was very well-established. I wanted to create something that would give the students some satisfaction in knowing that this was their music program. I also wanted to grow the band numbers but not sacrifice their current abilities as musicians, and to give them a program that they felt challenged in.”
Before Mr. Kahley, the music program at the Renovo-area schools was struggling.
“I think I was maybe the fifth teacher in as many years,” Mr. Kahley mentioned. “When I came in there were five kids in the concert band and six in a drumline. We had no marching band. Since then, we have tripled both of those numbers.”
Mr. Kahley also taught lessons at Renovo Elementary because, he felt, “it needed to be done.”
With being so busy, Mr. Kahley would have to miss days in the classroom for trips and festivals.
“Sometimes that would cause me to have to miss student days, and sometimes if you miss one day, you might not see a student for another week or two because of the way the schedules were.”
Ever since day one of his music education career, Mr. Kahley has kept a binder of his accomplishments including rehearsal plans, programs, sheet music, pictures, and other artifacts to help grow a portfolio of music excellence. These items he adds to his student teaching documents, lesson plans, and concert programs while at Huntingdon Area High School.
From securing better equipment and more instruments for students, to being the recipient of many fundraisers and donations, Mr. Kahley’s time teaching in Keystone Central School District has been full of fun and interesting challenges.
“Have you ever spent time wrapping snare drums and drum sets for your students to open at the conclusion of their winter concert,” Mr. Kahley asked. “The kids had a fun time opening them at their concert that was postponed that year due to weather. We now have an instrument and music inventory that is completely up-to-date and organized for the new incoming teacher.”
Getting sentimental and reminiscent of his time at Bucktail, Mr. Kahley went on to talk about some records that were broken and reflecting on his students’ accomplishments.
“We broke some records in terms of competitions: we had the highest rank in concern band competition which was the highest rating that Bucktail ever received, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) let me send five students rather than four that they usually allow into the program, and I was just notified by the state for how well the school is growing in musicality and interest.”
“I had two students go to regional band who were all top-chair students, I had some very interested people create a booster program for the music program alone knowing that there some bigger trips and rewards coming our way that would cost a lot of money, and $15,000 was able to be raised for new marching band uniforms,” he said.
“I will miss the kids the most and the closeness of that group. They made the job worth doing,” Mr. Kahley added. “You don’t do this (teach) for the paycheck that’s for sure, you do it because it is what you are called to do.”
“My words of wisdom for the next teacher is to not be afraid to try new things, and to do what you want with the program. Don’t let the thought of a small program scare you away,” Mr. Kahley said. “And to ask the school board for another full-time music teacher for general and instrumental music. It’s the only way, I think, that the program can sustain itself.”
“I left my phone number on the desk for whoever comes next. They call me, ask questions or for suggestions,” he said. “I used to meet regularly with teachers of other small organizations, asking me what I did for the program at Bucktail. They had no idea how I was capable of doing what I was doing there.”
Mr. Kahley is leaving Renovo Elementary and Bucktail Middle/High School to become the new Director of Bands at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown overseeing over 80 students in marching and concert bands alone, while maintaining excellence in music education for a program that has won many state and national trophies.
Community members Mary George Rhone and Rich Wykoff sent along their appreciation for Mr. Kahley and all that he did for music at Bucktail.
“I first met Brandon at the Back to School Night. We became fast friends. What he has done to build up the program at Bucktail is not only commendable but a miracle. His enthusiasm and love of music has touched many of the area youth. He was a huge asset to Renovo and to Bucktail. He will be sorely missed,” Rhone said.
“First of all, it was a pleasure to work with Brandon. He threw his heart into his work and made magical musical things happen for our kids and community. There’s no doubt that he will continue working his magic and be a real asset to his new assignment,” said Wykoff.
Student Kedda Bissman offered these kind words to Mr. Kahley on his departure.
“Mr. Kahley was always there for the students and pushed us to our fullest potential. The things he taught us, from how to play certain notes on our instruments, to some of the most important life lessons, will stay with us forever. On a personal note, thank you for seeing my potential and believing in me every step of the way.”
Bucktail Band Boosters is the official booster club for all things Bucktail music related. A dedicated team of volunteers focused on enhancing Renovo Elementary & Bucktail Middle/High School’s music programs through fundraising initiatives and community involvement leads the organization. If you would like to help and be instrumental in the success and longevity of music in Renovo-area schools, please consider getting involved.
Parents, community members, and fans are highly encouraged to be a part.
