In this conversation, Lafe Cook, a renowned school band director in Tennessee, shares his background and experiences in the music education field. He discusses growing up in the National Park Service, his move to Tennessee, and his journey as a drum major at the University of Tennessee. Lafe also emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and connections among band directors and the need for more collaboration and inclusivity in the Tennessee music education community. Lafe discusses his experiences as a band director at EC Glass and Dobyns-Bennett. He emphasizes the importance of creating a legacy and connecting with students on a personal level. Cook also shares his optimism for the future of band in Tennessee and offers advice to young teachers.

Keywords

Lafe Cook, school band director, Tennessee, National Park Service, drum major, University of Tennessee, camaraderie, connections, collaboration, inclusivity, music education, band director, legacy, connection, optimism, advice

Takeaways

• Lafe Cook grew up in the National Park Service and lived in various locations across the United States.

  
  



• He moved to Tennessee when his father became the superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

  
  



• Lafe shares his experiences as a drum major at the University of Tennessee and the challenges he faced.

  
  



• He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and connections among band directors and the need for more collaboration and inclusivity in the Tennessee music education community. 

  
  



• Teach like yourself and don't try to imitate others

  
  



• Develop a strong foundation in pedagogy

  
  



• Focus on teaching fundamentals and playing music that is appropriate for your students' abilities

  
  



• Create a legacy and instill a sense of pride in your program

  
  



• Connect with alumni and maintain strong relationships with them

  
  



• Be optimistic about the future of band in Tennessee and recognize the talent and dedication of young teachers

  
  

Sound Bites

• "I never expected to be drum major. I'd never prepared to do it in any way mentally or literally."

  
  



• "I pick up the brick and in my desperation, I throw it through the pane glass part of the door."

  
  



• "Dr. Julian says, come here to me. And he says, you go tell Sid McKay he's an SOB."

  
  



• "Jim Croft wanted to conduct the freshman because those students came to Florida state to be in band because of him."

  
  



• "All those people are just people. They're just people and they have been fortunate to be in situations."

  
  



• "Teaching kids the lifelong skill of playing an instrument is your job."