By Natalie Percy, Cypress Woods High School (A High School Journalism Network Collaboration)

After finishing a dinner reservation, T.J. Peterman, Cypress Woods High School head band director, had no idea that a shocking piece of news awaited him. It was a moment he could hardly believe, but one that would define his career.

Following the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention, Peterman learned that he had been chosen to receive the Outstanding Young Bandmaster award from Phi Beta Mu, an international band fraternity. The honor is given to band directors with fewer than 10 years of experience who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to their bands. Peterman is set to receive this prestigious award from the organization this summer.

“I had no idea I was even nominated,” Peterman said. “I didn’t even find out I was in the pool for it until I won.”

Peterman was stunned when his sponsor broke the news to him.

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“I was truly speechless, and I didn’t know what to say,” Peterman said. “There are the band directors that I have looked up to, or mentors of mine who have won it in the past and it hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’ve not joined the ranks of those people that I always looked up to.”

Joe Glass, coordinator for secondary music, is among those celebrating Peterman’s success.

“Your passion, dedication and leadership in music are truly inspiring and this recognition is so well deserved,” Glass said.

When asked if he thought he deserved the award, Peterman stated no, but he was proud others thought he did.

“I guess it’s really special that people are collectively thinking I’m all the things that a Bandmaster represents,” Peterman said. “I wouldn’t say that I’m deserving, but I do think that I put in a lot of time, effort and energy, and it’s nice that it’s recognized for this organization.”

Editor's Note: This article was written by Natalie Percy, a student at Cypress Woods High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, through a partnership between My Neighborhood News and the District as part of an established high school journalism network collaboration. My Neighborhood News is a proud supporter of local youth and warmly welcomes the opportunity to provide a platform for students to share their work.