INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Kenneth Boyd, West Orange High School

Kenneth Boyd is a music teacher and department chair at West Orange High School. He is responsible for marching band, concert bands, jazz band and piano classes. 

Boyd has been the West Orange High Teacher of the Year and finalist for Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He has received the Oliver Hobbs award from the Florida Bandmasters Association and the National Band Association Blue Ribbon Band Program of Excellence. 

“Mr. Boyd is the epitome of what you want in a band teacher,” Principal Matt Turner said. “He is positive, has high expectations for students, grows his band through cultivating a family atmosphere where the students take the majority of the leadership roles and is very skilled as a teacher and performer. Our bands consistently receive the highest marks at all assessment stages of band including MPAs, and he works literally around the clock with the band, putting in as many as 15-hour days ensuring everything is perfect for marching season. The band members have so much fun and make lasting memories and friendships that most would say they wouldn’t trade for anything.”

What brought you to your school?

I started at West Orange in 2007. I was encouraged to apply for the band director position by a good friend of mine who was already teaching band at Lakeview.    

What do you love most about your school?

There is a lot to like at West Orange. Great students, faculty, administration and a great community to work and live in. I think what makes West Orange even more special is the culture of inclusion. I think it is important for there to be a place for everyone at a school and all those places should be supported. West Orange has rigorous academic programs, exciting career and tech programs, competitive athletics, amazing opportunities for our special needs students and incredible visual and performing arts programs. I love this about West Orange and I believe it is why our students love the school as well. This only happens because West Orange has always had administrators who recognize the value of all of these programs and consistently support them!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Teaching music, it is easy to point to concert performances and halftime shows as rewarding, and they definitely are. There are, however, so many more significant but less visible moments that I think have more impact on students. Those moments are usually found when we meet a student where they are, show them what’s possible and then witness that achievement. Those are the best moments.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

I would love to say a golfer, but I don’t think I would make it! I do play trumpet in addition to teaching — with Brevard Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and for Epcot’s Candlelight Procession — so maybe I would do that on a more permanent basis.

Who influences you?

I think I am influenced by many in different ways but my colleagues at West Orange, Garth Steger and Colin Urbina, are inspiring educators and fun to teach with. I am, however, probably most influenced by my wife, Jennifer. She is an amazing partner and mother to our three children, plus she is a much better teacher than I am!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

In high school, it was Bob Schaer. He was my band director and the best male role model I had in life at that time. In college, it was my trumpet teacher, John Almeida. Both of these men invested their time and energy into me and I could never repay them!

What is your favorite band piece to conduct or perform and why?

I think I like conducting the incomparable West Orange Warrior Band on “Amazing Grace” after every home football game. The band started playing “Amazing Grace” after the passing of Harold Cooper, the first band director at West Orange. It was his favorite song, and I am proud to carry on that tradition.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What is this spare time of which you speak? I like spending time with my family whenever possible. My oldest son, Garrett, is a student at UCF and my daughter, Emma, is in her freshman year at FSU. My youngest son, Tyler, is enjoying his senior year at West Orange, so spending time with them ranks high! Beyond that, I do love to golf, I also love to play the trumpet.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to have one meal with Harry Connick Jr. He is my favorite jazz musician!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to have the hearing of Daredevil, it would make my job teaching music much easier!

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Harry Connick Jr., The Chicago Symphony and the Beatles. All three offer completely authentic, true-to-themselves musical performances, regardless of the style of music performed.

What is your favorite memory as a band director?

There have been a lot of incredible memories, trips and performances including Midwest, CBDNA, London, Chicago and New York to name a few. Of course, playing for our amazing football team every Friday would rank right up there as well. But honestly, there was one year when all three of my children were in the band together at West Orange, that was amazing.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, hands down. My mom always worked hard to make Christmas special for us growing up. Looking back, I know how difficult that was for her, but she always made that holiday so special for my brother and sister and I.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

In college I became great friends with John Schnettler, Jose Maunez and Travis Heath. These guys had similar aspirations in music and life. I am still friends with them to this day. We talk occasionally and support each other always!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

In addition to being in the marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble, I also played baseball and was the captain of our soccer team in high school. I did receive the John Philip Sousa award in band and was named the MVP of the soccer team.