Page 16 - September 2019

When asked the question, how do you International Academy, is a band
connect with your students, Rod responds member who enjoys playing the
“At the beginning of each school year, I trumpet and is looking forward
give my personal story of how I graduated to continuing with the marching
from Battery Creek High School with a band throughout her schooling.
full scholarship to South Carolina State Payton Sanchez, 12th grader at
University (SCSU). This meant that my BCHS, plays the trumpet and is
parents did not have the financial burden looking forward to graduating
of trying to pay for my college tuition. and attending college with music
By doing this, it helps me connect with as his major. Ranajah Henderson,
11th grader at BCHS, is the current
Dance Captain under the direction
of Fantasia McCoy. Ranajah states Eydie Moody, assists with many aspects of
she initially tried out for the dance team these fundraisers. Rod states “Without the
as a joke, and now she takes her role as support and assistance from Eydie Moody,
Captain very seriously. Elisa Williams, Fantasia McCoy (Dance Director), Tamika
11th grader at BCHS, plays the trumpet Singleton (Color Guard Director), and
and has been appointed the role of Drum Mrs. Frazier (Sgt. @ Arms), the band would
Major. Elisa states “I may be his daughter, not have raised the funds that have been
but I don’t get any special treatment. At raised thus far. According to the band’s
times, I think he is harder on me than the Facebook fundraiser, they have raised
other students, but I love what I do, and almost $17,000 with a goal of $30,000.
I enjoy doing it with my Dad.” The four The band, with the help of the Booster
agreed that Mr. “Rod” Williams is a great Club, have several additional fundraisers
band teacher, he’s cool and he sees your scheduled. They hope to continue to raise
potential and pushes you to grow. funds to relieve the financial strain that the
Currently, the Dolphin Pride Marching students’ parents may encounter for this
Band has been 1 of 10 bands chosen scheduled trip and other expenses they
from a pool of 200 to participate in the will incur throughout the school year. Some
2019 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade of the future fundraisers include: Back to
in Chicago, Illinois. Rod Williams and the school dance, Countywide talent show, a
my students. I believe communication is band are excited about this invitation and Jazz concert, and 2 car washes. Financial
key. I am upfront and honest with them have made great efforts to raise the funds support can be given by a check made out
from the beginning, and I have learned to allow the entire band to attend this to BCHS band Booster Club, Facebook
this gives me the advantage to build trust once in a lifetime opportunity. The band fundraiser, or donating time and support at
and relationship from the very beginning. will depart from Beaufort on Tuesday, any of the scheduled fundraisers throughout
I play many roles at different times to November 26th and arrive in Chicago the year.
many of my students. They understand on Wednesday,
what my expectations are, and if any of November 27th.
them runs into obstacles, they know that I The cost per student
do everything in my power to help them is $829.00 and
overcome.” includes: room and
These four students were the first students board, transportation,
to arrive for band practice that started at and dinner. They have
4 pm, meaning they were more than an several fundraisers
hour early, and there on their own free will. in place to assist
This shows their dedication to the band with the total cost of
and their commitment to the discipline that the upcoming trip.
Rod requires from all his students. Amiyah Battery Creek’s Band
Robinson, an 8th grader at Robert Smalls Booster Club, led by

16 September 2019 | BeaufortLifestyle.com