For the Britton-Hecla band program, the past few years have brought more than their share of changes.
With several different teachers coming through the program and continued difficulty finding and retaining a band instructor, the future of the program became uncertain. This year, when no certified music teacher applied for the position, local community member and longtime music enthusiast Julie Zuehlke stepped up to keep the band playing.
For Zuehlke, allowing the program to disappear was never an option.
“It was unacceptable to me that the band program disappear,” she said. “Music is so important.”
Zuehlke had previously helped with the band for a semester a couple of years ago while the school was between teachers. Although she does not have a traditional music education degree, she grew up as a band student and has spent much of her life involved in music.
She played saxophone growing up and has since worked to learn other instruments, including clarinet and flute. Her own children have their own band, and she has helped children with music lessons.
“I’m a mom that loves music and wants to keep it going and keep it growing for the next person,” she said.
Zuehlke said she views her role as helping keep the program moving forward until a certified teacher can take over. This year, the band has maintained much of its normal schedule, including marching in the Homecoming parade, performing at concerts and providing pep band music at school events. Fifth graders are also beginning to get their instruments, bringing new students and excitement into the program.
The students themselves have played an important role in keeping the program going.
Zuehlke said the high school students have been particularly helpful, assisting younger students and stepping up when needed. She has also marched the band through the elementary hallways to introduce younger students to the program and generate excitement about music.
“We have some of the most talented musical kids here,” Zuehlke said. “They have stepped up to keep the program alive.”
Rather than focusing on marching competitions or traditional contests this year, Zuehlke is looking for other ways to give students opportunities to perform. She hopes to incorporate more solos, national anthem performances and other opportunities that allow individual students to be highlighted.
For Zuehlke, band is about much more than learning to play an instrument. Every student has a role to play, and there is no one sitting on the bench.
“Everybody is part of a team,” she said. “Everyone is equally important.”
Britton-Hecla Middle and High School Principal Carrie James said those opportunities are especially important for a school the size of Britton-Hecla.
“I don’t want to lose electives,” James said. “Extra-curriculars are what brings some kids to school.”
James said Britton-Hecla is fortunate to offer as many electives as it does for a school its size, and there are students for whom music is particularly important.
“We have kids here who music is their thing,” she said. “I’ll fight for that.”
James said Zuehlke has been “amazing” in taking on the position and that she regularly hears positive comments about the pep band.
“People are always talking about how good the pep band sounds,” she said.
The program has also benefited from the support of longtime former band teacher Mike Likness, who taught at Britton-Hecla for 32 years after taking over the program in 1972.
When Zuehlke accepted the position this year, she asked Likness to serve as a resource, and he agreed. He has assisted with the marching band and continues to be available when she needs advice or assistance. “It means everything to me to have a thriving music program in our school,” Likness said.
Likness said he cannot imagine the Britton-Hecla schools without a band program, noting the long tradition of music in both the Britton and Hecla communities.
“Britton-Hecla would lose a significant part of its identity if the community ever allowed the band to disappear,” he said.
Zuehlke said the students have been comfortable working through the uncertainty surrounding the program. She has also tried to create an environment where mistakes are part of learning. “I’m not your average director,” Zuehlke said. “I’ve learned and taught the students that it’s okay and we can all make mistakes.”
The support from the community has helped reinforce that the program is wanted and valued.
Likness said Zuehlke has developed an excellent rapport with her students and brings a positive, enthusiastic approach to the program. “Teaching band is complex, and we are fortunate to have Julie step up to the podium,” he said.
For Zuehlke, the hope is that this year is not simply about keeping the program alive, but about positioning it for its next chapter.
She said Christmas performances are always a highlight, particularly because students can have some say in the music they perform. She hopes to continue giving students opportunities to choose songs, perform with the pep band and find their own ways to enjoy music.
“This program could really grow,” she said. “If we can get a good teacher, the program is ready to take off.”
For now, Zuehlke, the students, school staff and community members are doing what they can to keep the music going.
“There’s a lot of ambition,” Zuehlke said. “Let’s see where it takes us.”
