He has seen the Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Marching Band take part in the 2005 Macy’s Day Parade and land a spot in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade. Under his guidance, the Golden Regiment was a 2007 National semifinalist at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana and the Wildcat Wind Symphony, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble continue to rake in award after award. But the most rewarding success story that comes to the mind of Blue Springs High School Director of Bands Tim Allshouse is simply a student maturing as a musician and as a person.
“We had a senior trumpet player that was first chair. His freshman year, he really struggled with it, but he stuck with it and grew and became a great player and just a great kid,” Allshouse said. “It’s those kinds of stories that make you feel good. That’s the fun part of being a teacher, seeing those kids every year that come in at all different levels that become part of such a group effort.”
Allshouse has been directing that group effort since 2000, when he was named Director of Bands after longtime director Doug Watts retired. Allshouse joined the school district in 1996 and credits a close-knit, talented staff, great kids and fantastic support from the administration and community for keeping the storied Golden Regiment tradition intact.
“Doug did an amazing job and he made it really easy for me when I took over,” Allshouse said. “But what makes it even easier is we have the best staff in the world – I really mean that. Each of us brings our own talents and we just love each other. We communicate so well and music just brings us all together.” The staff includes Assistant Director of Bands Kent Rausch and Lisa Evans and Director of Orchestras Debbie Wasko.
With many options available to band students, the group becomes a multi-faceted, multi-talented corps of young musicians. Class ensembles include Wind Symphony, Concert Band and Freshmen Concert Band (2 sections). During the fall, most students participate in the Golden Regiment. At the end of the marching season, students are offered a variety of groups including Wildcat Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Full Orchestra and a variety of small instrument ensembles.
“There are so many options, we hope that students can find their niche and then choose to get involved as much as they wish,” Allshouse said. “The best part is having every facet of the performance come together. Knowing that marching band is a total team effort and depends on everyone involved teaches so many life skills, including cooperation and preparation. It is also as competitive as you make it, but mainly it is about those weeks and weeks of hard work that pay off in a huge sense of accomplishment.”
The band department has had its share of accomplishments since Allshouse took over, such as the Macy’s Day parade and the upcoming Rose Bowl Parade, but Allshouse says those high-profile performances are all about the process of getting there. “The journey is what makes those types of events so special,” he said. “It teaches kids the value of discipline, learning how to perform and depend on each other and teaches many life skills.
“Music defines culture and it can unify communities, countries and the entire world. You can pick up a clarinet and play and it doesn’t matter where that person next you is from – they can pick up and play right with you.”