Graeber Earns Band Director 'Award of Excellence'

Outstanding band director Bryon Graeber to be recognized by regional and state music educators.

By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

After 26 years of teaching band (and counting), it’s hard for award-winning director Mr. Bryon Graeber to imagine doing anything else. Growing up, his father and aunt were his band teachers, and his mother was his elementary school music teacher and church choir director. Teaching music just might be in his blood.

“I wanted to be able to provide for kids what I was provided,” Graeber said.

This month, Mr. Graeber was chosen by the WNC Bandmaster’s Association to receive the prestigious Award of Excellence, which will be presented at the North Carolina Music Educators Association conference in November, 2020. The award recognizes outstanding and influential band directors who impact the community, provide students with a variety of local and state opportunities, continually work to improve their instruction, and uphold the highest professional standards.

But students say that Mr. Graeber won’t take credit for his accomplishments.

“He makes it about us,” said eighth-grade Valley Springs Middle student and percussionist K.J. Horton. “He’s selfless and he sees the best in you.”

“It’s really awesome to see that he cares so much about the kids,” added classmate and flutist Rylee Strongosky. “He wants us to understand the importance of music and what it means to us.”

Graeber aims to give every student a positive experience in music that not only prepares them for high school band, but will last them a lifetime. He believes that learning an instrument is part of a full and rich life, and sees everyday how the arts help students build confidence and learn to express themselves. He also explained that playing in band helps people see one another as equals.

K.J. Horton performs percussion in Mr. Graeber's class at Valley Springs Middle school.

“There were almost 60 people in here today and they’re all a team,” Graeber said following Monday’s band class at Valley Springs. “Everyone is heard as loud as every other person, no matter who they are or where they are in the room.”

“For me, band isn’t just a class. It’s more like a family,” said Horton.

Mr. Graeber has taught in Buncombe County since 2006 at schools including Valley Springs Middle, C.T. Koontz Intermediate, and Cane Creek Middle. He studied music education at Appalachian State University. (Fun fact: Graeber’s college roommate was current Cane Creek Middle band director Clif Dodson.) While he can play all of the instruments in his band room, Graeber’s principal instruments are the trumpet and french horn.

“This award is more of a reflection, I think, on good students,” he said, smiling. “It’s about what they are doing — how they prepare. They make a teacher look good.”

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Learn more about the Western North Carolina Bandmaster's Association.

Special thanks to Macie Tremble (Student Intern, Charles D. Owen High) for assistance with this story.

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