When you love something, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands to make it work. A group of high school students recently found themselves facing a unique choice when their band instructor quit. Stop being in the band or teach themselves. A teacher shortage is causing problems for schools across the nation, including the Pocahontas County High School in West Virginia.

When the school’s band director quit suddenly over the summer, the school board tried to replace him. But no one applied. Principal Joe Riley talked with the band members and gave them an option – sign up for a different elective or find a way to make the band work without a teacher.

It was such a downer,” said band member, Jayden Lane. “But we were given a choice.”

Of the 38 students in the class, 10 decided they would stay – Hailey Fitzgerald, Miya Johnson, Emilynn Hall, Miles Fitzgerald, Kaidence Cutlip, Jayden Lane, Reggie Whiting, Eric Dibble, Olivia Hamilton and Sabrina Leyzorek. “It wasn’t an option to quit,” Hailey said. “I’ve been in the band for seven years. I love it. It’s too important for too many reasons.” Her twin, Miles, agreed. “Yeah, you’ve gotta have a band,” he said.

The remaining band members nominated Hailey as their director. They all agreed to work together, sharing the responsibilities. Along with two faculty advisors, Casey Griffith and Jennifer Nail-Cook, they began preparing for their upcoming performances. “They direct themselves,” Casey said.

The Pocahontas County High school band class came up with their own rules since they’re without a teacher this year. Photo by Casey Griffith

They students even created a set of rules they all had to follow:

• Rule 1–Be ready to play with your instrument within five minutes of arriving at class. 
• Rule 2–Follow the director’s lead. (No complaining about which songs they’d play.)
• Rule 3–Keep the band room clean. (No sugary drinks which might hurt the instruments.) 
• Rule 4–Take your instruments home on the weekend to practice. 
• Rule 5–Only play your instrument. 

But more importantly, they determined a set of instruments that would work with a band that small – clarinet, trumpet, alto, tenor and drums. There was only one problem – most of the members were drummers. So they made another choice.

“Several members switched instruments and some even learned brand new ones,” Hailey said. “We aren’t even big enough to fill a closet, but we have instruments and uniforms and we are a band.” They prepared for their first conference, with worries that the band wouldn’t work, the crowd might not cheer.

“It was a struggle to know when to play what song,” Casey said. “Who knew there were rules for that?” However, it went “swimmingly,” Emilynn said. The school rallied around the band – making posters for them to see when they walked onto the football field.

West Virginia’s Pocahontas County High School Band performs at a home football game on Sept. 22. Photo by Casey Griffith

“We thought some people didn’t even know we still had a band,” said band member Jayden. “This is the most support we’ve ever gotten.”

The search is still on for a permanent band director. “We’re still hopeful that we’ll find a band instructor, but for now, our students are making it work,” Casey said. “They’re giving it their all.” “I’ve known most of them for years, and watched them grow in confidence,” Jennifer said. “I’m really impressed and moved by them.”

Even if a director isn’t found, the students aren’t worried. “We’ll keep doing it,” Hailey said. “Band is a weird family,” her brother Miles added, “but a family nonetheless.” Watch below for a look at this wonderful group of teenagers!

Sources: The Real WV | Washington Post