AWM names new band director

AWM names new band director

Randal Box takes the reins of high school band program

WM School District Ask Randal Box what his favorite genre of music is and he gives answer that tells you much of what you need to know about the new band director at the Academy of West Memphis.

'It's whatever I'm listening to,' he said. 'I don't limit myself to genres or styles of music. I love jazz, country, classical, rock, rhythm and blues. I just have a great love for music.'

Box, a native of Nashville, comes to West Memphis with a resume so full of accolades it's more than this allotted space can hold. He has spent the last 27 years as the band director at Brentwood (Tenn.) High School.

Box's bands at Brentwood appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade twice, the Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship in 2003, the Orange Bowl in Miami in 1997, the Sugar Bowl in 2000, the Alamo Bowl in 2007, The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade three times and the Waikiki Holiday Parade and Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

But perhaps his most notable recognition came in 2007 when his Brentwood marching band was featured on country superstar Brad Paisley's hit recording 'Online.' The music video was named the Country Music Association Video of the Year and the band performed live with Paisley for an audience of over 30 million viewers on ABC Television's international broadcast.

They also performed with Kenny Chesney at LP Field in Nashville on Chesney's 'Brothers of the Sun Tour' with Tim McGraw in 2012.

'I'm looking forward to coming to West Memphis,' Box said. 'It's going to be interesting to go back to the beginning.'

The beginning for Box was in another Eastern Arkansas town, Pocahontas, where he got his start in teaching in 1979.

Box's basic philosophy of teaching music is to 'develop musical experiences that enhance students' over- all educational experiences.’

'I will provide a suitable background in music instruction for the students in West Memphis,' he added.

'It will be beneficial for those who elect to continue the study of music after graduation. I also want to develop a life-long appreciation for music and a continuation of musical activities.'

Box's bands at Brentwood were also finalists multiple times in 'Bands of America' regional championships in Indianapolis, St.

Louis, Atlanta, Powder Springs, Ga., and Jacksonville, Ala. His bands were semifinalists four times in the Bands of America Grand National Championships.

'I believe that every student can achieve,' Box stated. 'Not every student can achieve the exact same amount, but every student can achieve. One of the most important things from a music teacher is we use music as a vehicle to teach much more than just music. I can't imagine a life without the ability to make music with young people.'

By Billy Woods