March is Music in Our Schools Month, a time to celebrate the impact of music education and the educators who make it possible. One such dedicated educator is Adam Ladd, the Band Director at Anthony Wayne, whose passion for music and teaching has shaped countless students' musical journeys.
A Lifelong Love for Music
Adam’s interest in music began at Clay High School, where the band program was a well-respected tradition. With his older sister in the band and a strong influence from long-time director Chuck Neal, joining the band was a natural choice. Adam picked up the trumpet in the 5th grade, drawn by its “cool factor” and standout solos. As he progressed, he took lessons from Neal, continuing after a new director, Brian Gyuras, took over the high school band.
His passion for music led him to audition at Bowling Green State University, the University of Toledo, and Ohio State University. With his heart set on OSU, Adam made it into the marching band and played for five years. During that time, he gained invaluable experience that shaped his approach to teaching and leadership. “I never really ‘decided’ to go into music education, per se, but it just kind of happened,” he said. “There were leadership opportunities with the band when I was in high school that I really enjoyed and the progression to becoming a teacher happened naturally.”
Adam is now in his 14th year of teaching, with the past 10 years at Anthony Wayne. He leads several ensembles, including the 5th, 7th and 8th-grade bands, and assists with the 6th grade and high school bands. With over 115 students in the 5th-grade band alone, managing different skill levels is a challenge, but one he navigates with enthusiasm and the support of his fellow instructors, Roy Young (AWHS Bands) and help from band assistants Bob Krichbaum, Tracy Behrman, Patty Bringolf and Bruce Corrigan.
Fostering Musical Growth
One of Adam’s favorite aspects of teaching is seeing student musicians progress over time, starting with students at Fallen Timbers Middle School, where recruitment for the band is both structured and organic. “We perform a concert for the 5th-grade students and see who is interested,” Adam said. “Some students join because of older siblings or other connections, but for most it’s an opportunity to try something new.”
That first year of band is focused on setting students up for success, by ensuring they have the fundamental instruction needed to reduce the likelihood of developing bad habits that can hinder their performance as they build skill.
By junior high, students have more opportunities to explore their interests through pep band, jazz band and solo and ensemble contest. They also start to take on more challenging pieces of music. “I really like teaching Temple of Sinowava by John O’Reilly with the 8th graders,” he said. “It’s technically demanding, but not out of reach. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when they master it.”
By high school, students find themselves immersed in a larger musical community where they make connections with other people who enjoy making music. “They find other students to mingle with, make friends and find their musical niche,” Adam said. “It also offers opportunities for older students to take on a mentorship role.”
While he enjoys teaching all grade levels, Adam admits to having a soft spot for 8th graders. “They are still enthusiastic about trying new things but mature enough to rehearse well. It’s exciting to see them develop independence and play more complex music,” he said.
This development as musicians and young people is one of the most rewarding parts of working with students from fifth grade through their senior year. “The change in them from age 10-18 is astronomically huge,” he said. “The process of maturing over those years helps them develop as a musician and we find that many naturally lean into it as they build skill.”
A Commitment Beyond the Classroom
Being a band director extends well beyond school hours. Between football games, concerts, parades and competitions, Adam and his students dedicate many evenings and weekends to performances. “It’s a lot of time, but I see it as a challenge—I often wonder, ‘how good can I help these kids be?’” he said. “And if they want to be here and to participate in music, I want to be here to support them.”
He also acknowledges the sacrifices involved. “On the flipside, I have two young kids at home. When I’m here, I’m not with them—and I do think about that,” he said. “We can play something like 13 football games, and then with concerts, contests, parades, and travel—it means we do have to say no to requests once in a while.”
Traveling with students and managing equipment can be demanding, but Adam credits well-established routines and a dedicated group of students. “The events are fun. We have good kids who want to be here. We spend a lot of time together and have developed routines,” he said. “It’s a system that runs pretty well and usually goes smoothly. We get a lot of compliments on the students’ behavior, and it’s fun to take them out.”
The Impact of Music Education
Adam believes that Music in Our Schools Month is essential for highlighting the value of music education. “People enjoy the band’s performances, but recognition months also help to highlight what goes on behind the scenes—how music impacts students’ lives,” he said.
He emphasizes that music fosters responsibility, teamwork and selflessness. He said students benefit from being responsible for their practice and preparation and understanding that it directly impacts the success of the group. “Playing music together is like contributing positively to a giant group project,” he explained. “You cannot be a successful band when people are acting selfishly. Everyone has sacrifices to make and learning that give and take to be successful together is important.It can be incredibly motivating.”
Beyond learning an instrument and the value of collaboration, Adam sees music as a powerful tool for personal growth. “Music touches so many aspects of our lives. Learning music for the sake of knowing more about it changes the way you interact with music for the rest of your life,” he said. “You never listen to music the same way again.”
Encouraging students to stay engaged in music amid a sea of extracurricular options can be a challenge, but Adam believes in letting their enjoyment guide them. “We try to pick great music and give them plenty of opportunities to participate,” he said “There is something for everyone, whether they want to be in a serious ensemble or play more casually.”
Through his passion for music education, Adam continues to support and encourage young musicians at Anthony Wayne Local Schools. His commitment to their learning helps to ensure that they find music exploration and performance challenging, yet enjoyable - making it a rewarding experience that they will treasure for a lifetime.