Behind the Baton

Sunday Spark - August 24, 2025

1. Show up on time.
2. Know the music.
3. Have an idea to share.
~adapted from Tom Hanks

Sunday Spark - August 17, 2025

The way we do one thing is how we do everything. ~Dr. Tim Laurzenhiser

Behind the Baton - Dr. Brad Persinger

Dr. Brad Persinger is the Director of Bands for the Decatur Community Schools in Oberlin, Kansas. He has taught in Kansas, Colorado, and Montana and in the fall of 2025 he will begin his 32nd year of teaching.In 2012, Brad was recognized as the Montana VFW Teacher of the Year and also received the Montana VFW Citizenship Education Award. In 2013, he was recognized as the VFW District 5 Teacher of the Year.
Connect with Dr. Persinger
Email
bpersinger@usd294.org
 
 
 

Sunday Spark - August 10, 2025

"Excellence is the culmination of thousands of details executed perfectly.”  ~Will Guidara

Behind the Baton - Ethan Wagoner

Ethan Wagoner just completed his 10th year of teaching and serves as the Director of Bands at Derby Middle School, as well as an assistant band director at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas. In 2023, Ethan was selected as the Derby Public Schools secondary nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. He also was nominated and featured in School Band and Orchestra + Magazine as the Kansas representative for 50 Music Teachers who Make a Difference. In addition to teaching, Mr. Wagoner is an active composer and performer. Ethan is commissioned each year to compose and arrange works for marching bands throughout the state, and has composed numerous works for concert band and percussion ensemble. Ethan also performs regularly with the Wichita Wind Symphony.
 
Connect with Ethan Wagoner
Email
ethanwagonermusic@gmail.com
Website
https://www.ethanwagonermusic.com/
 

Sunday Spark - August 3, 2025

The success of my day is based on the seeds that I sow, not the harvest that I reap. ~John C. Maxwell

Behind the Baton with Jordan Northerns

Jordan Northerns is the Director of Bands at Circle Middle School and Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas. He just completed his 19th year in education and was recently recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Circle Public Schools.
 
Connect with Jordan Northerns
Email
jnortherns@usd375.org
 

Sunday Spark - April 13, 2025

Focus on excellence, not comparison.