by Ismael Swiney
After three years of building a strong and spirited band program at Captain Shreve High School, band director Mr. Joby Miller has decided to resign, leaving behind a legacy filled with passion, growth, and meaningful relationships with students.
Making this decision was difficult for Mr. Miller.
“It was a very hard decision. I have enjoyed my time here, with my students, my admin, and my coworkers. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a program. However, ultimately, being six hours away from my home and being homesick and missing my family led me to make the decision to resign.”
Though speculation normally surrounds reasons for resignations, Miller made it very clear that his decision to leave was not made because of dissatisfaction in his relationship with the administration and/or students.
“It has nothing to do with me being dissatisfied with the administration or the students. I told them on Friday, and mean this sincerely, that if I could take this school with everyone in it and move it back home, that would be perfect.”
Miller is moving to his wife’s hometown to continue his band director career. Although he has only spent a short time at Shreve, he has made a significant impact on many students’ lives outside of music.
“I hope I have inspired them to give 110% effort every day. I hope when they look back on our time together, they will remember the memories we created, not only the music we made.”
There are many students who agree with this statement. They all talked about Miller’s dedication and great personality.
Sophomore John Murray recalled his first thoughts when he heard the news: “I was shocked. It was so unexpected – I never thought he would leave. Mr. Miller helped me improve and motivated me to keep improving.”
Jasmine Johnson, a sophomore, described Mr. Miller as someone who created a safe and open environment for kids to be who they are and show off their skills.
Mr. Miller has brought laughter to the students of Shreve and will be missed dearly by them.
Madison Barber, one of Mr. Miller’s seniors, mentioned the high standards and commitment Mr. Miller had to excellence.
“During my All-State audition, he made me play all of my scales as well as practice each one until I could play them well — he really pushed me to become a better person as well as a better musician.”
Drum Major DeJuan Bowman said he didn’t believe Mr. Miller would actually go through with it at first.
“I thought he was just joking—like how we pranked him on April Fool’s. So the fact that he has pushed me to be more dedicated to my own leadership abilities was something I didn’t know I could do until he showed me.”
Miller has said that one of his greatest accomplishments as a band director is watching his students move on to the next chapter of their lives.
“It really means the world to me. Not everyone that I teach will continue in band, but for the ones that do, the opportunity to watch them continue is something that I will always cherish.”
Miller also offered one last message to his students before he leaves Captain Shreve.
“Have fun, work hard, and never do anything halfway.”
Although Miller’s time as a band director at Captain Shreve is quickly coming to an end, the culture, confidence, and dedication he provided to his students will live on for many years to come.