Music Educator Spotlight

This month we spoke with with Tito Osibodu, Director of Bands at Screven County Middle School. She joined band in 6th grade and says it was the greatest thing she ever did. Ms. Osibodu teaches band and chorus at SCMS, and she is the assistant director for the SCHS Gamecock Marching Band. She holds both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Georgia Southern University



How long have you been teaching?

This is currently my seventh year at Screven County Middle School.

Where have you taught?

Screven County Middle School is the only public school in which I have taught, but I started teaching music when I was 15 years old with the Salvation Army.

What advice do you have for new middle school band directors?

Just be yourself. It is easy to try and emulate your mentors, but middle schoolers are brutal. They see right through your foolishness and lies. At the end of the day the students just want to know that they are loved. The only way you will build a program is by loving on your kids. Once they know you love them and respect them, they will do just about anything for you. BUT that doesn't mean they always get to do what they want. Discipline is love.

What do you find the biggest challenge of teaching middle school to be and how do you overcome it?

The biggest challenges I face are the many changing personalities and the behaviors that can come with that. Middle schoolers are random. They are changing daily and it is so interesting watching them grow year to year. I just have fun and love on them as much as I can. Building relationships with the students AND their parents has helped with those challenges. I talk with my parents often and I call home when they are good or bad so they just have a general update about their child.

How do you build a strong culture in your classroom?

That's a tough one as I still struggle seven years later. It starts by having student leaders. You can not build the culture. It must come from within the students. You can facilitate and encourage a strong culture but until it comes from the belly of the group, you've got nothing. You want a culture built around the community and students - NOT YOURSELF! Building a community around yourself is dangerous because no one lives forever. You want to build something that will last when you aren't around. I also go to their academic classes every so often so that they know I care for their whole being. Not just how they do in band. It has helped the climate not only in my room but on the grade halls as well. I interact with all students and that is also how my program has grown from 45 to 120 students in the last three or so years.

How would someone know if teaching middle school is a good fit for them?

You have to have a personality. Not that that everyone doesn't, but middle school is a weird time and if you're too serious, too worried about ratings and such - middle school may not be for you. Middle schoolers need people who are silly, honest, and relentless. They NEED routine. They need discipline. They need fun. If you're not sure, go sit in a middle school band room for a few days. If you want to run away and never come back then middle school may not be for you and that is okay.

If someone is feeling "burnt out" with teaching middle school band, do you have any coping strategies you can offer?

Find friends and hobbies outside of teaching. Make time for yourself. The work never stops and its up to you to make sure you are also fed. If you were to drop dead today, they'd have your position posted before your body was cold, so the only person who can care for you is you. Take the vacation. Take the days off. Go get checked out if your sick. Get in the gym and claim your body back. But number one is you. Please. Be good to yourself. People come and go. Jobs come and go. Bosses come and go. But you're stuck with you forever.

Who are the people who influenced you to become a teacher?

Many many people. Starting with my elementary school teacher, Dr. Jerid Morisco. He made music so much fun and looking back I never realized how fluent I became in music with the techniques he used. We could sight sing and read rhythms before we ever touch an instrument. After that I started band with Mr. David Trumble in 6th grade. In high school I had Mr. Rob Opitz, Mr. Davis Dubose, and Mr. David Dover who all encouraged me in my musical career. The biggest influence however is a man named Daniel Meeks. We met when I started playing in the Salvation Army Band as a kid. He is the reason I became a euphonium player and music teacher. He gave me the euphonium I used during my collegiate career when I couldn't afford one and mentored and provided me with many teaching opportunities in the Salvation Army. Without his love and support I probably would not be in music education today.