Rod Williams and the B.C. High School Band
Marching to a New Beat
story by NAKEISHA DAWSON-THOMPSON photos by PAUL NURNBERG
Roderick “Rod” Williams was born and raised in Beautiful Beaufort, SC to Louise and the late Rev. Dr. Horace Williams. Roderick is the current band director at Battery Creek High School where he has been serving for the past 3 years. Roderick is a Battery Creek High School Alumni and received his schooling in the Beaufort County School District (BCSD). He attended South Carolina State University on a full Band Scholarship, under the instruction of Nathaniel Drake, Sr. Rod is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. Rod recalls that he has had a love for music, especially “band” since he was a small child. He recalls going to Orangeburg to visit his grandparents, with his parents on the weekends, and his favorite part of the weekend was that he could hear and see the college band playing and practicing across the street. This was when his torch was lit, and music etched in his DNA. Rod served as choir director at Faith Memorial Baptist Church, where his father was the Pastor, directly after college. He started playing the trumpet at Broad River Elementary School, and now plays all brass instruments. Rod has 2 children, (Roderick Williams II “Champ”), who played the drums at WBECHS and Elisa Williams, who is one of the current Drum Majors at BCHS), both of whom have also found themselves playing a musical instrument in some capacity. Rod is engaged to Samantha Ford and is looking forward to spending his days with her by his side.
When asked who influenced his musical path, Rod names four people whom he calls his mentors. His father, Rev. Dr. Horace Williams played a very large and instrumental part in his life as a man and musician. His past band instructors: Nathaniel Drake, Sr, his uncle Mr. James Stroman, and the late Ronald J. Sarjeant, his college band director. Rod says that these four men have played a vital role in his life on many different levels. Rod states that he remembers sitting in Mr. Drake’s music class and knowing that “music” is what he wanted to do. He recalls, “Coming home was so important to me. Getting back to my roots, where I started, this is what inspired me. I wanted to be able to give back to my community that gave to me. Lots of times, we see people move away and give to other communities that had no part in their upbringing. So, for me, my mind was made up when I sat in Mr. Drake’s band room at Battery Creek High School. I was going to give back to my community, right here in Beaufort.” His mother, Louise, also supported him throughout his music days serving on the Band Booster Club while Rod was a part of the Battery Creek Marching Band. Rod recalls his mother in the stands showing support then, and she still supports Battery Creek Marching band from the stands to this very day.
Rod has been an educator in the Beaufort County School District for 23 years and was excited for the opportunity to return to his High School to serve the community in the form of teaching music. Rod mentioned, when he started at Battery Creek High School two years ago, there were about 25 students. The current number of students enrolled in his band class has climbed to approximately 76 students. Rod declares that the support from his administration allows him to have creative autonomy that continues to draw students to the study of music. Mr. Chad Cox, Principal, is one those administrators that Rod says, “always has his back and continues to allow the program to grow in a way that affects the future of all the students enrolled.”
The Dolphin Pride Marching Band consists of students of all ages, with some who are currently in middle school. His goal is to allow music to impact his students in a way that would allow them to graduate high school with a band scholarship to assist with attending college. In his first year as Band Director at BCHS, 2 out of 3 graduates received a Band Scholarship. This school year, Mr. Williams has 6 students that will be graduating. His vision is to assist these students to position themselves to receive scholarships as well.
When asked the question, how do you connect with your students, Rod responds “At the beginning of each school year, I give my personal story of how I graduated from Battery Creek High School with a full scholarship to South Carolina State University (SCSU). This meant that my parents did not have the financial burden of trying to pay for my college tuition. By doing this, it helps me connect with my students. I believe communication is key. I am upfront and honest with them from the beginning, and I have learned this gives me the advantage to build trust and relationship from the very beginning. I play many roles at different times to many of my students. They understand what my expectations are, and if any of them runs into obstacles, they know that I do everything in my power to help them overcome.”
These four students were the first students to arrive for band practice that started at 4 pm, meaning they were more than an hour early, and there on their own free will. This shows their dedication to the band and their commitment to the discipline that Rod requires from all his students. Amiyah Robinson, an 8th grader at Robert Smalls International Academy, is a band member who enjoys playing the trumpet and is looking forward to continuing with the marching band throughout her schooling. Payton Sanchez, 12th grader at BCHS, plays the trumpet and is looking forward to graduating and attending college with music as his major. Ranajah Henderson, 11th grader at BCHS, is the current Dance Captain under the direction of Fantasia McCoy. Ranajah states she initially tried out for the dance team as a joke, and now she takes her role as Captain very seriously. Elisa Williams, 11th grader at BCHS, plays the trumpet and has been appointed the role of Drum Major. Elisa states “I may be his daughter, but I don’t get any special treatment. At times, I think he is harder on me than the other students, but I love what I do, and I enjoy doing it with my Dad.” The four agreed that Mr. “Rod” Williams is a great band teacher, he’s cool and he sees your potential and pushes you to grow.
Currently, the Dolphin Pride Marching Band has been 1 of 10 bands chosen from a pool of 200 to participate in the 2019 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, Illinois. Rod Williams and the band are excited about this invitation and have made great efforts to raise the funds to allow the entire band to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity. The band will depart from Beaufort on Tuesday, November 26th and arrive in Chicago on Wednesday, November 27th. The cost per student is $829.00 and includes: room and board, transportation, and dinner. They have several fundraisers in place to assist with the total cost of the upcoming trip. Battery Creek’s Band Booster Club, led by Eydie Moody, assists with many aspects of these fundraisers. Rod states “Without the support and assistance from Eydie Moody, Fantasia McCoy (Dance Director), Tamika Singleton (Color Guard Director), and Mrs. Frazier (Sgt. @ Arms), the band would not have raised the funds that have been raised thus far. According to the band’s Facebook fundraiser, they have raised almost $17,000 with a goal of $30,000. The band, with the help of the Booster Club, have several additional fundraisers scheduled. They hope to continue to raise funds to relieve the financial strain that the students’ parents may encounter for this scheduled trip and other expenses they will incur throughout the school year. Some of the future fundraisers include: Back to school dance, Countywide talent show, a Jazz concert, and 2 car washes. Financial support can be given by a check made out to BCHS band Booster Club, Facebook fundraiser, or donating time and support at any of the scheduled fundraisers throughout the year.
