One of the most popular national publications covering bands and orchestras is School Band and Orchestra magazine, and for the last two decades a top annual feature article – “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” – has honored the nation’s elite band directors.
This year, the “50 Directors” article includes one of Aiken County’s own in North Augusta High School Band Director Chuck Deen. The article was published in the magazine’s December edition.
According to the magazine, Mr. Deen was selected from nearly 900 nominations. Honorees were nominated by “students, former and current colleagues, band parents, administrators, and former band directors.”
Mr. Deen spoke with the ACPSD Communications Department about what the magazine honor means to him, and what the future holds as he continues to lead the Jacket Regiment.
ACPSD COMMUNICATIONS: How do you feel after being included in the pages of such a prestigious publication you have likely read and respected for many years?
CHUCK DEEN: The credit belongs to all of the current and former band members I have taught throughout my career. Without their tireless efforts and work ethic, their bands would not have achieved so many accomplishments. The fact that this magazine is read by more than 25,000 educators is overwhelming. I hope this exposure will bring opportunities for future success for our band programs here in Aiken County.
ACPSD: Do you feel like you have changed significantly over the years, as a director, as an instructor and as a musician? If so, how have you changed?
DEEN: At this point, I change daily. Over the years, many students and colleagues have influenced me. I just try to remember every day is an opportunity to not only make myself a better educator, but to improve the quality of our program.
ACPSD: What do you feel will be the most important factor for you to maintain (and even expand) the success so many of your students have enjoyed under your instruction?
DEEN: You cannot forget where you have come from. It is important to keep everything in perspective. It is a remarkable process from the first rehearsal to the last, and exciting to think back over the past years spent as an instrumental music teacher. I often find myself reflecting on some of the fine teachers I was fortunate to have, and I stay in constant contact with my peers. This is important to keep up with the ever-changing diversity of our students.
ACPSD: What do you most look forward to as the leader of the Jacket Regiment and the overall band program at North Augusta High School in the immediate future?
DEEN: I look forward to our new fine arts facility coming in the near future. This is an opportunity to provide our students with a state-of-the-art facility. The educational opportunities and excitement this will bring to our program and community cannot be put into words. I am fortunate to have extraordinary students and an active and supportive band booster organization.
Read the School Band and Orchestra magazine article featuring North Augusta High School Band Director Chuck Deen at www.sbomagazine.com.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2018 PR NAHS BAND DIRECTOR FEATURED