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Post by ohioguy2 on Jan 8, 2020 9:08:07 GMT -6
Bryen Warfield has been named the band director at Homestead HS. Homestead is now accepting applications for an assistant director.
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Post by paddy on Jan 8, 2020 9:27:52 GMT -6
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 8, 2020 9:32:56 GMT -6
Bryen Warfield has been named the band director at Homestead HS. Homestead is now accepting applications for an assistant director. Confirmation? There was a school board meeting last night, but there are no public reports available yet. OldSchoolTrumpet angelee TeamIndiana I'm not surprised, if true. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, but again, I'm not an insider. I was hoping for something bolder. Hopefully I'll be wrong and they'll come out stronger than ever.
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Post by 70sguardchick on Jan 8, 2020 10:50:49 GMT -6
New year, new thread! Looking forward to hearing what 2020 is bringing - director changes, show info, competition schedules, etc. Bring all your Indiana band news, love and weather reports here!
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Post by bandio on Jan 8, 2020 12:41:28 GMT -6
Congrats to Homestead. Three years ago, I was at Ben Davis in horrible weather. There were a lot of kids surrounding someone. Hugging and tears all around. I asked someone what is going on... That’s Bryen Warfield. He was our director last year and went to homestead. We all love and miss that guy.
Good luck Bryen.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 8, 2020 14:13:01 GMT -6
I'm not surprised, if true. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, but again, I'm not an insider. I was hoping for something bolder. Hopefully I'll be wrong and they'll come out stronger than ever. Yes, it is confirmed. The staff were told of the decision this weekend and the school board officially voted yesterday. The students were told today. Here is a statment from Bryen Warfield: I am excited to announce that I will be the Director of Bands at Homestead High School here in Fort Wayne beginning the 2020-2021 School Year! Simply put, I'm very much looking forward to this role and continuing to move the program into the future. The Homestead Band and Orchestra programs will continue to be GREAT!!
That being said, we are now accepting applications for an Associate Director of Bands. The deadline closes January 22nd and interviews will follow immediately (aka things are moving fast). If you, or someone you know, is looking for a home than this is the place to be. The list of great things that already have happen and will happen is too long to type.
It is a great school district with amazing students and parents, extremely supportive administration, and Fort Wayne really is a cool place to live. Also, we will be getting brand new performing arts wing (in addition to a complete renovation of the high school building) in the next few years. Don't miss out on this opportunity!!
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
If you (or someone you know) are interested in applying for the position, you can do so at the link below. rdsemployeeaccess.sacs.k12.in.us/rdsonlineapp/
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Post by thewho on Jan 8, 2020 14:21:49 GMT -6
No surprises there, congratulations to Bryen Warfield. Homestead will be incredible with him.
That being said.... I'm very interested in who he'll bring in, specifically the connections the new hire will have. We could see a Homestead v3 in a few years.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 8, 2020 14:34:58 GMT -6
No surprises there, congratulations to Bryen Warfield. Homestead will be incredible with him. That being said.... I'm very interested in who he'll bring in, specifically the connections the new hire will have. We could see a Homestead v3 in a few years. Changes are already in the works....... I sent this to OldSchoolTrumpet but I think it is good to pass along to everyone. While I was surprised to hear Bryen was picked (only because it was indicated to me that he didn't know if he truly wanted the position) I think this was the best outcome for the program. The support is already behind him (the students, staff and parents love him) and he is ready to make some moves. There will be a new drill writer/design head (Mike Hardiek, Homestead's LONNNGGG time drill and design caption head, is also retiring with Brad Wadkins) and it is sounding like the possibility of a new arranger is also very likely. Add in some new key staff members and I think things are pointing to a positive 2020 season. I am personally very excited for Bryen and think that this was a fantastic choice for the program.
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Post by verysaxy on Jan 8, 2020 17:02:23 GMT -6
I’m new to this... does anyone have a portfolio on him? I would like to know his resume and if he has been over bands with successful shows/successful bands.
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Post by sethb811 on Jan 8, 2020 17:21:59 GMT -6
He's still fairly young. Went to Lawrence Central in the mid-00's. Has been on staff with Bluecoats. Taught at Whiteland before moving to Homestead. Maybe not an impressive resume but all indications I've heard are he's got all the tools and training. I think he's going to do great things at Homestead!
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Post by angelee on Jan 8, 2020 19:21:09 GMT -6
In his letter to the parents, he told us he will be staying on with the orchestra as well. They also moved longtime band director Richard Karkosky into the newly created 3rd band director position. He’s been working at HHS since I’ve been there (7 years) in different fine arts roles. The associate position is vacated by Warfield.
Bryen’s letter to us outlined his goals for the program, and he has his goals set high. He also asked parents and alumni to volunteer and be active. He is inviting the community to get involved.
I bet (guessing here) that he was negotiating with SACS to keep the orchestra. In the past, the head band director only dealt with the high school and middle school bands. My theory on why he may not have been willing to just up and take it. I’m very glad he was able to keep the orchestra and also be the head band director. Congrats to Warfield!
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 8, 2020 20:34:19 GMT -6
What sort of goals is he setting?
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Post by angelee on Jan 8, 2020 21:37:19 GMT -6
What sort of goals is he setting? I’m not sure I should copy straight from the email, but I’ll summarize it to pretty much what they’ve been striving for in ISSMA in being a state champion as well as being competitive on the national stage in BOA (that’s new imo). He wants to see the concert band become more “world class” as well as the guard and percussion. He didn’t say outright but that reads to me maybe finally a winter percussion ensemble? They started a percussion ensemble class last year that didn’t compete but did perform at concerts. Also the normal things a teacher would want for their students in terms of excellence and citizenship. With all due respect to Wadkins and Barber, they built an amazing legacy for Warfield to build on. From an alumni standpoint, it was never about winning but that’s the result of excellence. This email, to the parent in me, read that he is super excited about what’s to come. Changes are on the horizon and all are being handled with massive amounts of communication and with the students’ best interest in mind.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 9, 2020 6:00:15 GMT -6
What sort of goals is he setting? I’m not sure I should copy straight from the email, but I’ll summarize it to pretty much what they’ve been striving for in ISSMA in being a state champion as well as being competitive on the national stage in BOA (that’s new imo). He wants to see the concert band become more “world class” as well as the guard and percussion. He didn’t say outright but that reads to me maybe finally a winter percussion ensemble? They started a percussion ensemble class last year that didn’t compete but did perform at concerts. Also the normal things a teacher would want for their students in terms of excellence and citizenship. With all due respect to Wadkins and Barber, they built an amazing legacy for Warfield to build on. From an alumni standpoint, it was never about winning but that’s the result of excellence. This email, to the parent in me, read that he is super excited about what’s to come. Changes are on the horizon and all are being handled with massive amounts of communication and with the students’ best interest in mind. Putting emphasis on Concert Band is something I'm glad he's talking about. Not that I'm enthusiastic about Concert band personally, but the musicianship learned there applies to the marching side. I'm interested in watching what he does...both with design and staffing. Does he carry on with the Homestead Way. It's certainly worked for them for years. Or does he make any bolder moves? That's riskier, but might be the only way to get Homestead out of that perennial GN bubble band at the mercy of who shows up. He's young. He likely has a different network of connections. I hope he can enjoy success out of the gate.
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Post by bandio on Jan 9, 2020 6:52:16 GMT -6
I realize director changes are a huge deal to any program. Seems like when this happens, it is always an excuse for lower scores.
“Director change hurt them.” I doubt this happens at Homestead. But it is an easy excuse. Looking forward to the future of homestead.
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Post by indianabandgeek on Jan 9, 2020 14:30:16 GMT -6
Can't wait to see what 2020 brings. Anyways, also can't wait to see what Warfield has instock.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 9, 2020 15:54:15 GMT -6
Speaking of director retirements, what ever happened to Jay Webb's supposed retirement a couple of years ago? Obviously he didn't, but was that just an unfounded rumor or did he simply change his mind?
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Post by sethb811 on Jan 9, 2020 16:41:35 GMT -6
Speaking of director retirements, what ever happened to Jay Webb's supposed retirement a couple of years ago? Obviously he didn't, but was that just an unfounded rumor or did he simply change his mind? Changed hi$ mind...
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Post by paddy on Jan 10, 2020 7:51:02 GMT -6
Speaking of director retirements, what ever happened to Jay Webb's supposed retirement a couple of years ago? Obviously he didn't, but was that just an unfounded rumor or did he simply change his mind? Changed hi$ mind... And from what I gathered is retired in place. He isn't as involved in the daily grind of marching band and such.
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Post by ohioguy2 on Jan 11, 2020 20:01:47 GMT -6
Can we all at least spell the man's name correctly? It's B-R-Y-E-N Warfield.
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Post by Allohak on Jan 11, 2020 20:41:48 GMT -6
Can we all at least spell the man's name correctly? It's B-R-Y-E-N Warfield. His fault for having a weird spelling of a common name. His parents' fault, even. /s
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Post by principalagent on Jan 12, 2020 10:55:45 GMT -6
Can we all at least spell the man's name correctly? It's B-R-Y-E-N Warfield. His fault for having a weird spelling of a common name. His parents' fault, even. /s Erm. No?
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Post by Allohak on Jan 12, 2020 12:44:22 GMT -6
His fault for having a weird spelling of a common name. His parents' fault, even. /s Erm. No? whoosh
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 12, 2020 15:41:32 GMT -6
And from what I gathered is retired in place. He isn't as involved in the daily grind of marching band and such. You know, that's a fantastic idea. I'm going to go into work tomorrow and let them know I'm retiring in place and won't be involved as much with the day to day duties. Genius!
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Post by LeanderMomma on Jan 12, 2020 22:12:48 GMT -6
And from what I gathered is retired in place. He isn't as involved in the daily grind of marching band and such. You know, that's a fantastic idea. I'm going to go into work tomorrow and let them know I'm retiring in place and won't be involved as much with the day to day duties. Genius! You’re right! I’m going to try it too. I’ll just offer to do less and less but still collect my same paycheck. What a fantastic idea! (I don’t know if he’s getting paid or not. I’m just being silly).
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Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 22, 2020 11:28:52 GMT -6
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Post by indianabandgeek on Jan 22, 2020 11:43:49 GMT -6
Can't wait to see what he has to offer. Warfield looks like a strong name.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 28, 2020 9:28:43 GMT -6
Just ran into a co-worker whose son is on the visual staff at Homestead. He told me that his son is remaining on staff and that most all of the staff is staying on board. For what that is worth. second hand.
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Post by ohioguy2 on Jan 29, 2020 11:12:28 GMT -6
Homestead is also bringing back Jon Bay as their visual designer. He wrote for them during a few of their more successful recent years.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 29, 2020 14:14:30 GMT -6
I would not be surprised if we see one more (semi major) change to staffing. Otherwise I think it will be more additions than people leaving. Bryen has many DCI connections and he is looking to use as many as possible. Changes are happening already especially when it comes to scheduling. Band camp in NO LONGER 3 weeks. Instead, summer band will look like this:
Fundamentals Camp (required for all) June 1-5
Band Camp (required for all) July 20-31 M-F each week.
The weekly band schedule has also changed. T, W, TH & Friday practices will be the same as usual but Mondays have now been eliminated (except for State and Nationals weeks).
This is a HUGE change for the program considering the practice schedule has been the same for over 30+ years! Bryen has seen an opportunity to streamline practices and it will be interesting to see if the removal of a practice day will equate to a change in performance level (either positive or negative)
Side note.... I was only aware of Jon Bay doing visual design for Homestead during the 2017 season (the season they didn't make GN finals). Did he design other seasons?
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