Although summer usually is a time for rest and relaxation for students and teachers, the new school year already has begun for Plant City’s newest music directors.
Jay DeDon will take over as Marshall Middle School’s band director, and Nathan Drawdy will take over as Plant City High School’s choir director. Both are graduates of Stetson University and excited to lead their respective programs.
JAY DEDON
Jay DeDon wanted to play the clarinet at first — just like his older sister, Sophia. But, when he tested it out in front of his middle school band teacher, he couldn’t play it. Plan B was the saxophone. It was what all the “cool kids” played. He couldn’t play that either.
Then, his teacher suggested the trumpet.
“I’m sure she just said I could play the trumpet to be nice,” DeDon said.
For DeDon, athletics and academics came easy. But, music was a different story. He welcomed the challenge.
“That’s why I fell in love with it,” DeDon said. “Because I had to really work at it.”
DeDon was involved in music throughout his time at Plant City High School but didn’t plan to study at Stetson University. He was set to go to Louisiana State University — his father’s alma mater — on a full scholarship. But, his choir teacher saw something else for him. She encouraged him to go to Choir Fest at Stetson University.
“I fell in love, because they really seemed to care about you there,” DeDon said.
Before he knew it, he auditioned, was accepted and began studying music education. He worked extensively with underprivileged kids, hosting camps and going to different schools to offer private lessons and help run classes.
He was deeply involved with the Middle School Honors Chamber Winds Fest, to which 90 kids come to learn music and perform a concert.
“These honor festivals convince kids that they love music,” DeDon said. “Because in school, being a music nerd is uncool. But when you’re around 90 other people that think it’s cool, it’s encouraging.”
DeDon has big plans for Marshall Middle School. He believes band can change the lives of students who have nothing else.
“Making the band program a big part of the school will change the culture of the school,” DeDon said. “They’ll want to come to school, they’ll want to stay after for band. They’ll be proud to be a Dragon.”
As part of his program, DeDon wants to have a before-school Men’s Choir, a parade band to perform at pep rallies and parades, and an after-school brass choir. He also wants to bring a summer band camp to the table, using Plant City High School students as mentors.
NATHAN DRAWDY
For Nathan Drawdy, music runs in the family. His mother played piano and sang, his father sang in church. So, it wasn’t a surprise when Nathan picked up piano, too.
But soon, he began to notice that all his favorite songs on the radio started with a guitar.
“I had to figure out how to get in on that,” Drawdy said.
So, he started learning guitar, becoming the youth worship leader and playing in five different Christian rock bands around town as lead vocals and rhythm guitar while writing all the songs.
Still, he wasn’t really sure if his musical talent was going to go anywhere — or if it was just a hobby. It wasn’t until his last year at Plant City High School that the chorus director sought him out. He auditioned Drawdy and got him involved in show choir and AP music theory.
Drawdy had a passion for the music, but his plans had him going to the University of South Florida after graduation. His chorus director stepped in again, arranging an audition for Drawdy at Stetson University. He nailed it.
During his time at Stetson, he saw another calling, though — children. He changed his major from composition to vocal music education. After graduating in 2010, he got a job at Barrington Middle School.
Now, his sights are set on Plant City High School after making the move from middle to high school.
“The kids are maturing; they have different abilities when they get older,” Drawdy said.
Drawdy hopes to use these abilities to grow the program. His plans include trips to amusement parks to sing and larger, more contemporary productions.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.