The loss of a close individual can profoundly impact one's life, shaping one's outlook and influencing one's path. For Matthew Ray, the band director at Southern Nash High School, the passing of his high school band director, Mike Lancaster, after his graduation left a lasting mark on his life and career. In Ray's role as the band director at SNHS, he derives strength and inspiration from the memory of his mentor and the students he guides. Such early-life tragedies often mold our approach to handling future life challenges. They bring awareness and a form of guidance on how to cope with subsequent adversities in the journey of life. Although each experience is unique, they impart valuable life lessons and underscore the idea that life often unfolds while we are busy making other plans. As an educator, one encounters various situations, experiencing the struggles and pain of students, and is often called upon to provide guidance and direction. Frequently, these guiding insights stem from personal experiences or observations.
How do you navigate the emotional and mental challenges of the day while serving as a beacon of light, even when feeling pain and questioning the reasons behind the untimely loss of a young life?
How do you maintain morale?
How do you sustain the rhythm?
Have we ever considered how many tragedies or losses teachers, coaches, principals, and administrators have encountered in their careers and how they have persevered, remaining sources of positivity?
Ray has been described by a parent preparing for this article as a true leader. His ability to motivate band students and the evident excitement of students when they are in the band, playing their instruments, all indicate the impact of his leadership. Perhaps Ray's experiences have equipped him to handle even the gravest news. In August, less than a week before the new school year, one of his students lost their life in a car accident.
The band's most recent production, "Sola Lux," is dedicated to the memory of this student. "Sola Lux" had been in the works since early summer, and its name signifies more than just another musical performance for the SNHS Band. In Latin, it translates to "The Only Light," encapsulating the essence of their presentation. The name was chosen due to the students' aspiration to create a show centered around darkness. It was complemented by a captivating rendition of "Over the Rainbow" in a minor key that resonated with them in late 2022.
Ray's identity as a band director is shaped by the students themselves. The opportunity to mold young minds and nurture their passion for music serves as an enduring motivation. He also draws inspiration from his peers and fellow bands in Eastern North Carolina, a lively community with musical expertise and enthusiasm.
In his student days, Ray's most influential figure was Mike Lancaster, his band director. He fondly recalls Lancaster's high expectations, tireless support, and enthusiasm for music and teaching. Lancaster's legacy continues to thrive in the Firebird Band Program, a testament to a dedicated educator's profound influence on a young musician's life. Ray's journey toward becoming a band director was a carefully considered choice. Initially torn between music and computer technology, he ultimately followed his heart, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the East Carolina University School of Music. After several years as an assistant at another school, the opportunity to lead the SNHS Band emerged, and he embraced it wholeheartedly. Teaching music wasn't merely a career choice but a path driven by love and dedication. For Ray, every band season offers an opportunity to impart more than just musical knowledge. He hopes his students leave with lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and a sense of purpose.
The performing arts foster life skills, responsibility, and character that endure long after students graduate from the band. When asked about what he carries forward from his time with Lancaster, the immediate answer is the tradition of shouting "FIREBIRDS" and receiving a spirited "PRIDE" response. These traditions bridge the past and present, ensuring Lancaster's influence remains vibrant in the Firebird Band Program. Ray is now in his 14th year as an educator, with 11 of those years devoted to Southern Nash High School. The legacy of his mentor, his affection for his students, and his commitment to the power of music continue to shine brilliantly, proving that even in the face of loss, there is always "Light."