Duncan, who was selected to help lead the visual team for the Phantom Regiment from Rockford, Illinois, was a member of the same drum corps while he was in college. Wallace on the other hand, was invited to join the Cadet and Bugle Corps in Allentown, New Jersey, one of the most winning drum corps in the world, as a Tuba Technician. Both TISD Band Directors will spend the early weeks of their summer vacation working with their respective corps before competing against one another at the end of touring season. Duncan and Wallace recognize the incredible honor accompanying the invitation to tour with Drum Corps International, but are more so excited about how this experience will directly benefit their students at Terrell High School and Furlough Middle School.
“There simply is no better professional development for marching band and drum corps,” Wallace said. “This is going to be great for Terrell, because I am strengthening my brass knowledge while Scott is strengthening his visual knowledge. It will hopefully create a pipeline for our students to be exposed and eventually participate in this activity.”
When asked how the two felt about spending the first month of their summer break on the road teaching, Duncan and Wallace were quick to respond enthusiastically.
“Marching band has been a passion of mine ever since I was a student,” Duncan shared. “To have the opportunity to be surrounded by it, even during summer break is precious to me.”
“This is an opportunity for me to be exposed to words and knowledge much greater than my own,” Wallace added. “It is worth it.”
Also quick to commend the dedication and passion of his teachers is Terrell High School’s Band Director, John Young.
“Their willingness to spend their summer vacation this way speaks volumes of their commitment to learning and growing in their field of music education,” Young said.
We could not agree more, Mr. Young. Thank you Mr. Duncan and Mr. Wallace for your excellence and service to your craft and to the students of Terrell ISD. Drum Corps International is lucky to have you, and so are we!