|
THe Wildcat Band HistoryTullahoma High School Band began as a local music program that blossomed into an award-winning, community‑recognized ensemble—built on student growth, creativity, and excellence. Over time, it’s become a signature experience for young musicians in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
|
Foundational Years & Growth
The current Tullahoma High School was built in 1956, including the High School campus that laid the groundwork for the modern band program. Each fall, students compete in visually engaging marching band shows, and in spring, they showcase their skills at concert festivals and clinics.
|
|
Maurice Chester Brausa (1938 - early 1940's)
Serving as the inaugural band director of Tullahoma High School, Maurice Brausa guided the band as it was beginning its journey into an award winning band early on. Excerpts from the 1940 edition of the "Wildcat" note that the band received its first set of uniforms in the fall of 1938 and in 1940 went on to win competitions locally placing in first and second places in only their second year. Sources show that Mr. Brausa served in WWII and went on to later teach at Central High School in Georgia, and in Kentucky with Dixie Division Military Band. Mr. Brausa retired and moved to Florida, where he resided until his passing in 1983. Garnett "Frank" Felts (c. 1946 – 1951)
Serving as THS Band Director from roughly 1946 through 1951, Garnett Felts was a graduate of Murray State University and the Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music. Over a 37-year teaching career, he served in schools across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, including his years in Tullahoma. In addition, he was on the faculty of Appalachian University, Boone, N.C. and Mars Hill College in N.C His leadership brought prosperity to the marching band at THS during the WWII boom of instrumental music across the nation. Mr. Felts actively performed as a pianist and organist well into his retirement until his passing in 2014. James "Jim" E. Clark (early 1950s – 1955)
James E. Clark followed as band director in the early 1950s until Max Weaver’s tenure began. A graduate of Western Kentucky University and the VanderCook College of Music. He was a veteran of World War II during which time he graduated from the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, DC and served on board the USS Princeton, CV 37 aircraft carrier. After teaching in public schools for 21 years he later became Director of Bands at Berry College from 1970 to 1987. He was also an active member and former National President (1967) of the American School Band Directors Association, reflecting his lasting impact on music education at both the local and national levels. Mr. Clark remained active in music education as a mentor and leader until his passing in 2021. Together, Felts and Clark guided the band through its formative years, setting the stage for the modern era of the Tullahoma High School Band. |
The start of a legacy
|
Max C. Weaver is remembered for his instrumental role in building the Tullahoma High School band program's reputation for excellence. Under his dedicated leadership, the Tullahoma High School Band Program truly began to take shape in the early years , Mr. Weaver, who served as band director from 1955 to 1994, oversaw both Tullahoma High School as well as East and West Middle Schools. A Tennessee Tech alumnus who earned his master’s degree in music education at Ole Miss, Weaver brought a deep understanding of music pedagogy and a passion for student growth to the program. Weaver was also known for personally writing drill sequences for halftime shows for approximately 20 years, infusing Tullahoma’s performances with creativity and precision. In the 80's Mr. Weaver changed roles and dedicated himself to teaching at the middle school level and he handed the ropes of the high school over to Steve and Marion Coleman. Under his nearly four-decade tenure, the band grew in musical skill, community presence, and student leadership—while building a tradition celebrated long after his retirement in 1994
|
|
The Fight Song!
The Tullahoma fight song is an varied arrangement of "Hail to the Varsity" which was introduced by Max Weaver as the Tullahoma Fight Song "Hail to the Wildcats!" When he arrived at THS there was no fight song, and in learning this he brought in the Fight Song from his previous appointment as director at Trenton Peabody and it was the first piece the 60 members of the band learned in 1955 in grades 6-12! Later the tag ending was adjusted and then continued with the playing of Rocky Top!
The Coleman Era (1988-2010)
|
|
A pivotal turning point came in 1988, when Stephen and Marion Coleman arrived to lead the band. Over a remarkable 22-year tenure, they elevated Tullahoma Bands into a symbol of musical quality and student-centered values.
-Under their direction, the TMEA Conference invited the band twice (in 1989 and again in 2005). -They led performances at prestigious venues including the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, exhibitions with the West Point Band, and international events honoring moments like the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and Cancun’s founding. |
Stephen and Marion built a community—students affectionately referred to them as “Mom and Dad Coleman.” Their philosophy that “it’s all about the kids” shaped the culture of mentorship, musical growth, and personal development.
Stephen retired from the school system in 2010, while Marion continued part-time teaching younger bands until her full retirement in 2013. Both Stephen and Marion are frequent visitors in the band room on a yearly basis; coming back to offer words or wisdom, advice, encouragement, and truthful ears for the students and directors.
Stephen retired from the school system in 2010, while Marion continued part-time teaching younger bands until her full retirement in 2013. Both Stephen and Marion are frequent visitors in the band room on a yearly basis; coming back to offer words or wisdom, advice, encouragement, and truthful ears for the students and directors.
A New Chapter Under English and Scott
Following the retirement of the Colemans, Greg English stepped into the role of band director after previously serving as the school’s choir director. During his tenure, he concluded his time with a major milestone—leading the Tullahoma High School Band in its second appearance as the featured ensemble at the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) conference, a testament to the program’s excellence under his leadership. His outstanding work was further recognized with the prestigious “Citation of Excellence” from the National Band Association. Today, Dr. English serves as principal of Tullahoma High School, where he continues to support the arts—not only as an administrator but also as a proud band parent, with all three of his children either graduates of or currently involved in the program. His transition from director to principal has allowed him to broaden his impact while continuing to champion the values of dedication, excellence, and community.
Building on that foundation, Justin Scott—a former student teacher under the Colemans at THS—returned to lead the program, bringing with him experience, passion, and a student‑centered philosophy. Under his guidance, the band continues to flourish, with a focus on lifelong musicianship and maintaining high standards through tradition and mentorship. Scott continues the legacy of putting students first, building relationships, and fostering musical and personal growth.
Today, under Scott and the current instructional team, (consisting of former middle school director Atticus Hensley, Lisa Burden, Doug Clark, and Johnathan Johnson) the band continues its tradition of excellence, emphasizing participation in annual marching band competitions, concert festivals, solo ensemble, and regional/state auditions as integral to musical development. Under his tutelage the program has grown an impressive private lessons program and provides one of the most rigorous and pedagogically sound music programs in the state of TN.
Today, under Scott and the current instructional team, (consisting of former middle school director Atticus Hensley, Lisa Burden, Doug Clark, and Johnathan Johnson) the band continues its tradition of excellence, emphasizing participation in annual marching band competitions, concert festivals, solo ensemble, and regional/state auditions as integral to musical development. Under his tutelage the program has grown an impressive private lessons program and provides one of the most rigorous and pedagogically sound music programs in the state of TN.
Marching Forward: Ensembles & Legacy
The Tullahoma Band Program has grown to support ensembles from 6th grade through high school, including:
Beginning and intermediate bands for younger students
Concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands
Chamber ensembles and private lessons
This structure ensures a seamless environment for musical exploration, leadership development, and ensemble performance.
Beginning and intermediate bands for younger students
Concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands
Chamber ensembles and private lessons
This structure ensures a seamless environment for musical exploration, leadership development, and ensemble performance.
|
|
A program with heart
At every stage:
Participation in fall marching shows and spring concert festivals continues to be central to the program.
Emphasis is placed on developing well‑rounded students who engage beyond music—with athletics, academics, and community involvement encouraged.
Participation in fall marching shows and spring concert festivals continues to be central to the program.
Emphasis is placed on developing well‑rounded students who engage beyond music—with athletics, academics, and community involvement encouraged.
|
|
Student impact
Generations of Wildcats have grown under this program—earning awards, playing for competitions, but more importantly, forming lasting bonds and trusting relationships. The “family” spirit that began with Max Weaver and continued by the Colemans lives on under Justin Scott’s leadership and through the Tullahoma Band culture.
|
|
A Final Note
Today, the Tullahoma High School Band stands as a vibrant, enriching program—proud of its achievements and committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Its history is built on tradition, growth, community, and leadership guided by people who care deeply about the students.
About tullahoma Schools
|
|
source material: www.tullahomanews.com/news/editorial/the-bulldozer-of-progress-part-6/article_09d2c490-dcbb-11ee-8b89-636e528ab646.html
