Farnham set to orchestrate WCHS band
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Like he did at the middle school, Farnham said he looks forward to making the high school band program the best it can be.
“I want to give the kids a good education in music, an education they can carry with them forever. I also want to show the community what the band program can do. I know there’s been some resentment (toward the program), but I want to show the community the band is worth supporting and will be there for the community. Our program is one which can flourish and do great things, but only with community support,” he said.
A native of White House, Farnham said he knew he wanted to be a band director from the time he entered his school’s band program in the sixth grade. After graduating from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor’s degree in music, he made his way here to Warren County, where he served as an interim director before taking over the middle school program.
Although his primary responsibility has been with the middle school, he has spent time working with the high school program, assisting with the marching band and directing the concert band in years past. He has acted as the high school’s interim director since April, when Parks took an extended sick leave.
Acknowledging the local band program has endured its share of recent controversies, Farnham said he is an amiable person and will do his best to make sure band students and parents are happy. He added he has known many of the students and their parents for several years, having taught the students at the middle school, and believes he has a good relationship with all concerned.
As for his plans for the upcoming school year, he said right now all of his energies are concentrated on the fall marching season. Plans call for several marching shows, he said, including one with a space theme, featuring the music of “Star Wars” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” He added he would also like to see the band perform a peppy pre-game show, in conjunction with the color guard and the Pioneerettes, before each home game.
In preparation, he said, this summer will be a busy time. In addition to several fund-raisers, including a car wash at Wal-Mart on June 28, band members will begin summer practice in mid-July, before traveling to band camp at Tennessee Tech in late July/early August.