Head Band Director, Moore High School

Before the bell even rings, two hands shoot up enthusiastically as students eagerly ask questions about their instruments. Per usual, Mr. Wolf answers the seventh graders with his endearing combination of intelligence and humor. The whole class giggles. The love for their music teacher is palpable the moment you step into that band room.

Mr. Braden Wolf, Head Band Director at Moore High School, is only a second-year teacher, but his love for his students and for his content creates unparalleled energy and teaching force. His secret? “I’m just a kid myself. A big kid with authority!”

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What drew you to teaching music?

I get to play. It’s called “playing an instrument,” not “working an instrument,” not even “studying an instrument.” I think I get students at their best. Yes, they might have to show up early for rehearsals, but I get to teach the class where we play, and so they choose to do those hard things willingly. The ownership students feel when they’ve worked to be a part of something–rather than just placed in it–is incredible to participate in.

What’s your “why”? What makes you passionate about teaching band?
I’ve done it. I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve seen the opportunities music can afford: the trips, the bonding, the performances, the unbelievable community and camaraderie that band brings for both the students involved as well as for the school as a whole. It’s unique. There’s nothing like it. My “why” is that I am who I am today because of what my directors did for me and the opportunities provided for me in band, and I’m going to do everything I can to ensure that I do that for as many kids as possible.

We know that every day in the classroom may not be good, but there’s something good in every day. What’s your one good thing?
Seeing the pieces we rehearse come together into a show is my one good thing. The product that these kids are creating is amazing. We have so many things to set them up for success. That’s the goal. We will not be the limit on their success.

You clearly love where you work. Talk about your support system at school.
Even though I’m only in my second year, I have friends from college that have already quit the teaching profession, who say, “I love band, but I hate my job.” I am lucky and blessed not to be able to relate to that because of the principals and counselors I work with. Standards, guidelines, and accountability of course have a place in education; but there’s a difference between “You have to do all these things” and “I understand the realities of your job so let’s find a middle ground.” In my role, I have autonomy, freedom, and support, while still being held accountable to my students and their families. The relationship between administrators and teachers is key. It has to come from a place where we all want to grow.

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Mr. Wolf’s desire for growth–in both himself and his students–is evident in all he does. Throughout his class, he continually reminds his students that mistakes are encouraged and that everyone is learning. As his seventh graders blow into their reeds and sometimes grimace, he reminds them, “I need to hear the bad sounds; that’s how we figure out how to make the good sounds.” He knows that every expert was once a beginner, and that to be a true master we must be afforded time to identify and correct our misunderstandings.

Braden Wolf’s commitment to his students and the energy he chooses to bring make every student feel worthy. Each child feels safe to make mistakes and to continue to persevere. Teachers like Mr. Wolf are paramount in helping our students grow to be curious, hard-working, empathetic adults. Teachers like Mr. Wolf are how our students feel known and safe.

Thank you, Mr. Wolf.

Thank you, Teachers of Oklahoma.