Alex Swackhamer describes his first year as music and band director at Bishop Carroll as a fresh start—not only for himself, but for his students. The program has had highs and lows in recent years, with some turnover in Mr. Swackhamer’s role, but he views the circumstances as an opportunity to turn it into something special.
“My goal is to give our students the best experience possible, and the beauty of it is that we can work together to decide what that will be,” he says. “We can discover where students have the most interest in developing and create our program around it."
For example, in his first year, he learned that many of the students played guitar or piano, while very few played band instruments. In light of this, he created a “rock band”-style ensemble with guitars, keyboards and percussion and helped the students take up band instruments as well. The group of 26 students splits their time between both styles every other class. They performed both styles at their December concert and Mr. Swackhamer says audience members were especially impressed with how quickly students picked up their new instruments.
Focused on Growth & Benefits
“On the plus side, an overwhelming majority of the students are freshman,” he says. “which means we have a solid foundation for growth.”
This growth is also part of Mr. Swackhamer’s strategic plan, focused on building and growing the elementary band programs in the Prince Gallitzin Schools. Ultimately, he hopes his work will pay off in the form of a robust high school band program, including a marching band.
“It’s been seven years since Bishop Carroll has had a marching band and our goal is to re-instate this activity,” he says. As a first step he’s working to join forces with Bishop McCort’s marching band, similar to how the football and cheer programs worked together in the fall.
According to Mr. Swackhamer, the benefits of a strong band and music program for high school students extend beyond the fun of riling up fans for sporting events.
“Studies show that taking musical courses can improve test scores in math, science and English. Music uses both sides of the brain and forces you to multi-task: read the notes, adjust your breathing and posture, keep time, follow the conductor, listen to your peers… fortunately it’s easier done that said,” he says.
Support is Critical to the Future
In order to make his vision a reality, Mr. Swackhamer is relying heavily on the generosity of alumni and friends, especially to help grow the program’s inventory of instruments.
“We’ve been publicizing the need and have received some donations of used instruments, which have really helped,” he says. “I’ve been trying to really emphasize that we will accept instruments in ANY condition. Functional instruments are obviously ideal, but we can use others, regardless of their condition, for parts or repairs. It is almost always cheaper to repair an instrument than to buy one brand-new.”
Likewise, financial donations earmarked for the music program make a difference, especially as Mr. Swackhamer strives to bring consistency and longevity to the music program.
“I’m excited to be here at this particular time to build this program for sustainability,” he says. “And I’m extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from BC administrators and faculty and from alumni and donors.”
To make a financial donation to the music program, include this in the memo line of your check or online donation; to donate a musical instrument, email Mr. Swackhamer at [email protected].
Mr. Swackhamer received his undergraduate degree in music education and his masters in French horn performance from IUP. He worked as a long-term substitute music teacher in Delaware while his wife earned her masters at University of Delaware before returning to Pennsylvania and joining the faculty at BC.