Andalusia High School’s “A Sound Tradition” Marching Band will have a new direction starting this fall since Dillon Worley was approved by the Andalusia City Schools Board of Education as the new band director.
He is a Covington County native and 2008 Straughn High School graduate, his career in music and band began when the age of 10 when he attended Straughn together with Bennie Shellhouse.
“I was a part of the Sound of Gold throughout my high school days in Straughn and was then selected as a vocalist in The LBW Ensemble after graduation. I had two amazing years as a singer with the Ensemble under the direction of Johnny Brewer, to which I owe much of my progress as a musician.” Worley said.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Troy University and his master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from The University of West Alabama.
“During the time I was at Troy I was a part of the Sound of the South Marching Band for three years. I was I was also a part of several concert ensembles of the band. I was part of the Troy University Concert Chorale the frequency of the vocal jazz ensemble, as well as Troy University Symphony Band. Troy University Symphony Band. I also am Worship Pastor of Westview Baptist Church in Opp and truly love leading worship at our church. .”
Worley was previously director of the band in Opp High School for seven years, and for 3 years with Kinston High School.
The chance to be a part of Andalusia’s marching band is an enormous amount to the band’s members and their families.
“The The name ‘A Sound Tradition’ has become a huge one within the local band community and even more so within the region. I was aware of the chance to be part of something very unique in Andalusia. I have seen my friend Mr. Shellhouse and other middle school administrators at Andalusia create and develop the band program to the program it is today, since 2023. The journey has been awe-inspiring to observe. We will continue to strive to achieve the standards of excellence that was established and take this program further over the coming .”
Worley has shared his vision and goals for the program.
“I consider excellence to be a private issue and am hoping to instill that same mindset among my students. Together, we can develop the vision of what we consider to be excellence in our work so that we are able to work together to achieve what we consider essential for our programs. I’d like to continue to help our students and athletic programs in a remarkable manner and to work towards becoming stronger in the marching bands and concerts in the coming years,” he said.
His decision to be director of the band was inspired by his time in the group together with Shellhouse.
“As everyone knows the name, the Mr. Shellhouse has such a love of music and bands. He was genuinely passionate about the work he was doing and it had a profound impression on me. He was devoted to the students he taught and shared his enthusiasm with them in a positive manner. I try to achieve the same in my teaching every day. Music truly is a career that I am passionate about and an act of God which I am thankful for. It is a gift that I sincerely believe in sharing with each student I teach. .”
He is thrilled to be a part of Andalusia High School and is looking ahead to the next few weeks.
“One among the most rewarding aspects of being a leader in the band is being able to watch students work in a group to reach the goals we made for ourselves. Music can connect people together in ways that many other things cannot be, and it’s extremely satisfying to be a part of this. I have some concepts in my head for our first concert However, I’ll keep them secret until the very beginning of the first match,” Worley said.
He was referring to his mentor Dr. John M. Long as a way of keeping his students engaged and motivated. “In the words of Dr. John M. Long “Band should be spelled as F-U-N. I attempt to develop shows and programs that amuse my students. They strive to create the best they can. .”
Worley believed that it is more crucial to look at what his students can be able to gain than what he could benefit from leading a group with a long and rich history.
“Any team or band can only be as great as the players decide they’d like to be. I’m sure the students at Andalusia appreciate and value their legacy of excellence, and will work hard to ensure that they maintain it. I look forward to guiding them the school to new heights in the days to be. I am humbled and thankful for the warm welcome I’ve had and am looking forward to hitting the ground running when I launch ‘A Sound Tradition on the campus of Andalusia High School,” the president said.
The son is Angie Hardage and Douglas Worley along with an older sister, Ressie Gray. His wife, who has been married for 11 years is Anna with three girls: Ella-Kate Emma-Leigh and Heidi.
To view additional personnel items approved by the board, visit https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2023/07/03/boe-selects-new-ahs-band-director-among-recent-hires/.
The article Worley is thrilled to be part of “something truly special” in his role as AHS Band director was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
