INTERVIEW: Eric Stambaugh, Director of Bands at Buhler High School

Bowen Boyack of KBN: Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to get this job as a Band Director at Buhler.

Eric Stambaugh:  This will be my 15th year at Buhler.  My inspiration to take the job in 2004 was very easy for me to make.  Being a graduate in 1994, I had a true passion to go back to my old stomping grounds to give back to my community and the music teachers that taught me.  Ray James, Jim Freeman, Jim Phillips, and Joe Graves to name a few.

BB: Tell me a little bit about the Band Program here at BHS.

ES: Our instrumental program is unique.  We have a little over 400 students 5-12 with a total of 4 band directors.  We team-teach everything and every classroom has 2-4 directing helping and assisting.......whether that is on the podium or pull out lessons.  Our high school has 3 concert bands, marching band, jazz band, 2 pep bands, brass, flute, saxophone, and clarinet ensembles.  As an instrumental team we aspire to give our kids as many playing opportunities as possible.

BB: What inspired your musical selections this year for marching band?

ES:  This year's Grand Canyon music really challenged us musically.  The show was inspired by the music  Eric Whitacre, Philip Glass, and David Gillingham.  We loved that we were able to tell the story of the 18 mile long, 1 mile deep canyon that is carved by the  Colorado River.

BB: What competitions did you go to this marching season and what ratings/scores did you get?

ES:  We went to Capital City in Topeka.....received Band of Distinction there.  Went to Park Hill Marching Competition north of KC and received 1st Place there.  And 3rd place at KBA.

BB: Tell me about the upcoming trips you will be taking within the next 3-4 years.

ES: Jazz Band will be going to Winter Park Music Festival this spring break.  Next year the band has three options of where we will be going:  Boston, Florida, or a cruise.  We take a trip as a large group every other year and Jazz Band goes skiing on the off years.  Kids vote on their trips, I just give them the options.

BB: What concert band repertoire are your bands playing this year? When are your upcoming performances?

ES: We host state Large Group at Buhler for the second year.  The Wind Ensemble is currently working on Shortcut Home, Midnight on Mainstreet, Groove Music, In Heaven's Air, and Amparita Roca.

BB: Looking forward to 2019, any plans you would be willing to share?

ES: Next year's marching show is Dragons: An Untold Story.  We have a lot exciting things planned for this show.  We are heading to Shawnee Mission, KBA, and another competition to be named later.

Thank you so much, Eric. I wish the best of luck to you and the Buhler Bands in the future.