Playing his swan song: West Holmes band director says 'it's time' to call it a career

MILLERSBURG − Brian W. Dodd's "dream job" is coming to an end.

The 24-year West Holmes Local Schools educator and leader of the high school band program is retiring at the end of the school year.

"I still can’t believe I’ve been paid to do this because I enjoy this so much,” Dodd said. “I get paid to make music with the kids."

Dodd helped establish the West Holmes Marching Band as one of the premier programs in the state during his tenure at the school.

"This has been a labor of love," he said of his 38-year teaching career that began at East Knox where he taught for 14 years. "This has been our lifestyle; it is something my wife, Lori, bought into, accepting all the hours away from home. We did this together."

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Dodd called his career rewarding, and couldn't point to a favorite memory because his experience has been so vast and has involved many families.

“I’ve been very blessed. I’ve had a really good career, working with so many great people, along with great kids and great parents," he said.

He noted that some days he taught music, and other days he used music as a tool to help his students get through their teen years.

“I look at these kids as my kids,” Dodd said. “In some ways, I’m not ready to give this up, but a part of me says it’s time.”

Turning students into musicians

West Holmes guidance counselor Alison Gardner was a band member and part of the marching band when she attended West Holmes High. She graduated in 2004.

“Mr. Dodd is one of those teachers who you know cares about each and every student,” Gardner said. “He has a passion for being there for them, to not only make them better players within the music department, but also better people, making sure they feel supported in what they’re doing outside of band, from athletics, clubs or in the classroom.

“As a counselor, I know he is always looking out for the kids,” she continued. “He is one to come here if he has concerns. It’s great to see another teacher in the building who sees the concerns over a student’s mental health as well. He’s a well-rounded teacher.

Gardner’s brother, Eric Rogers, a 2003 West Holmes grad, was also a band member, who went on to play in The Ohio State University Marching Band. Rogers pointed out Dodd's influence in helping him become part of “The Best Damn Band in the Land.”

Rogers performed in the marching, jazz and pep bands, as well as the symphonic and concert bands under Dodd’s direction.

“I was in five different groups of his and parlayed that into going to Ohio State,” he said. “I spent the most time with Mr. Dodd, but it was also Mike Pacula and Roger Wheeler. They all did a lot for me. When I decided to go to Ohio State, Dodd was all for it. As an OSU alum, he knew the ins and outs of it. They really helped me become a musician at the next level.”

Rogers said Dodd and Pacula put in extra time helping him learn the marches, the music, and made sure he was prepared for his tryout.

“Even during crazy busy times like band camp, they found time to work with me,” Rogers said.

Rogers remembers that Dodd made band fun, bringing a unique energy.

“Dodd had a different feel and a different taste in music, and he took the West Holmes Marching Band to the next level,” he said. “He was like, this is what’s coming next in music entertainment. He keeps it interesting and keeps it fun.”

Grandfather of seven will keep music in his life

Dodd remembers incorporating the light show, the spinning drum platform, the dancing band, the band trips to Florida and Pittsburgh, and an upcoming trip to Nashville as some memorable moments.

“The biggest thing for me is seeing the growth of the kids every day, and the way they push themselves to get better and better,” he said, referring to a mural on the wall in the band room that notes, ‘A band doesn’t have pride because of how good it looks and sounds, but it looks and sounds good because it has pride.’

“I love seeing how hard these kids work every day,” Dodd said. “The more challenges I give them, the better they seem to do. These kids work hard. They enjoy being a show band. They like to entertain. They want the audience to have fun, and I think they have fun as a result of it.”

Dodd said he's honored and excited to be a part of West Holmes band and credits the many before him who got the program moving in the right direction.

"I’m looking forward to watching the Steve Butcher years now as things develop in the future," he said. "I feel the pieces are in place to see things continue.”

Dodd plans to continue serving as director of the Ohio State Fair Band. This is his eighth year as director, having been on the staff for 17 years.

“That was supposed to be a one-year thing,” Dodd said. “I kind of messed up in reverse. They liked me and I’ve stuck around. I may be done as the West Holmes band director, but I’m not done being a director.”

Dodd also looks forward to enjoy spending time being a grandpa.

“I have seven grandkids now,” he said. "My wife gets to go out and spend time with the grandkids while I'm in school. My oldest granddaughter will be marching at Mapleton next year, and I want to be able to go see her march. And I also want to spend some time with my mother.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: West Holmes Band Director Brian Dodd retiring at end of school year