TWHS Band Director Retiring After 18 Years of Service

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- After 28 dedicated years, unforgettable memories and numerous relationships, Brett Johnson, director of TWHS, band is retiring.

Hundreds of band students, parents and friends surprised Mr. Johnson at his retirement party on Saturday, January 10, 2010 as he walked in with his family in The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

Slideshows, tables with old pictures, finger foods, drinks, candles and an emotional crowd filled the dim room.

Drum majors from previous high schools he taught at as well as assistant directors and former band directors shared their emotions as they gave speeches about his career and how he has changed their lives.

Music caught his attention when he joined his junior high school band playing the trumpet. By his senior year, he became drum major of his own high school band.

One of his well-known quotes expresses his passion for music. "Music is a vehicle that transports us through life."

Johnson earned his undergraduate degree at McNeese State University and completed his graduate work at West Texas A&M.

"I was convinced that [becoming a band director] was the Lord's will for my life," Johnson said.

Johnson began his career directing at Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana and spent five years directing at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler, TX. He has been at TWHS for 18 years, including the time it was McCullough High School. 

Johnson was not just a high school band director. To many, he was a teacher, best friend, excellent father and phenomenal role model.

“He taught me how to lead by example, has become one of my best friends and is one of the best men I’ve ever met,” assistant director of TWHS band, Joni Perez, said. “We have always been able to have fun at work. You don’t find that at many jobs.”

Johnson was well known for treating all the members like they were his children.

   “Mr. Johnson makes a habit of treating each and every one of his students as a member of his own family. Although all of these relationships will stay, his good humor and personality will be solely missed,” senior band member Vince Picone said. “I’ve learned vicariously through Mr. J to put family values above all else, to appreciate the journey and to value it more than the outcome.”

He often ended band rehearsals with a few words of wisdom.

“Most of the valuable life lessons I’ve learned came from Mr. J," senior drum major Emily Maxwell said. "I will miss them.”

Alex Fischer, senior band president, has learned more than just music.

“What I’ve learned that’s most important doesn’t have to do with music," Fischer said. "I’ve never learned from anybody in my entire life how to interact with people, be successful and above all to be a good person. The lesson I’ve taken is that it’s more important to be a good person than a good musician.” 

The father figure he portrays is encouraging to everyone he knew.

“I’ve always heard he was a phenomenal father," senior Stephanie Wilke said. "It really spoke to my heart when he would encourage his son to be the best.”

Others look up to Johnson’s strong support of his kids.

“He is an incredible dad, an awesome friend and he’s inspired me to hug more,” president of the Band Booster club, Gary Williford said.

He not only gave valuable lessons to band students, but to the band parents and his own assistant band directors as well. 

“I’ve been thankful to work on his staff for the past seven years," Perez said. “I’ve learned so much not just about band directing, but also how to be a better person.”

Johnson made sure that the band students were first priority.

“He taught me how to be a teacher and to put the kids first,” assistant band director Chris Allen said. "He is one of the greatest Christians I know. He will continue to be a friend and a mentor." 

Johnson will be remembered for his strong motivation, encouragement and inspiration.

“It’s amazing how many lives he’s touched or influenced over the past 28 years,” percussion director Andy Salmon said. “I think his largest contribution, not just the music but what he’s taught about growing up and about life.”

Johnson will miss the career he has loved for so many years.

“I will miss the relationships I’ve made with students and the staff I’m blessed to work with everyday,” Johnson said. “Besides my faith and my family, TWHS band has been everything to me.”