Waitsburg Music Teacher Brad Green Retires on a High Note

WAITSBURG – After 22 years teaching at Waitsburg High School, music and math teacher Brad Green will retire next month on a high note.

"Just this year, my seventh-eighth grade band got a superior rating at the band festival in Palouse, we had a great Christmas concert, my Knowledge Bowl team came in fifth in State, and my math classes are awesome! Plus, I get to play jazz with my high school band every day. These are things I'll remember, plus some really special students along the way," Green said.

Green grew up in Huntsville, Ala., where he graduated high school before attending college at Knoxville State University in Tennessee. He earned a degree in English. He married his wife of 38 years, Aimee, in 1980 and the couple had three children: Paul (1983), Carrie (1986) and Tyler (1988).

It was through teaching a gamut of subjects at two small Christian schools, one in New York and one in Colorado, that Green discovered his love for teaching math. He returned to New York, where he earned his master's degree in math education in 1985.

"I always knew I wanted to teach. I thought I would be a college professor, but it didn't end up that way," Green said.

In September 1996, the Waitsburg School District hired a new band teacher who ended up leaving after only a couple of weeks on the job.

"They needed a band teacher and I needed a job! I had never taught band before, so it was a gamble for both me and the school. But Dan Butler gave me a chance, and 22 years later, here I am!" Green said.

Green said he was always musical. "I played band through high school and played guitar and a variety of instruments, so it was a good fit. They made me a long-term sub at first until I could get the classes for my certification. The school has been really good to me and gave me the time to learn how to become a band director. I'm grateful to be here," he said.

Over the years, Green has taught a wide variety of math classes and music classes, ranging from guitar to chorus to band. For many years he was the advisor for the high school annual, and also taught journalism. One of his favorite roles has been as Knowledge Bowl coach, a position he has held for 20 years.

"Knowledge Bowl was absolutely great. Band is often a blast. And I still love teaching math of any sort," Green said when asked about his favorite duties.

So why retire?

"I'll be 65 in September, so I can! I'm just tired of all the busy-ness associated with being the band director. It's time for me to work part-time," Green said. "I will really miss the kids at Preston Hall and the high school. I will miss my dear friends on staff. I'll miss Knowledge Bowl meets. I won't miss football or concerts, or bus rides!" he added.

When asked if he has any special traditions, Green said his "ruts" are probably his traditions.

"I started the practice of the high school band playing at graduation back in 1997, for instance," he said.

Green said he is looking forward to spending more time with family, especially his eight grandchildren who live in the area.

"I'm going to help in the education of my wonderful grandchildren, which gives me great joy. And I won't be quite so busy," he said.

He is also looking forward to teaching math part-time at Walla Walla Community College, something he has done off-and-on since 1995.

May has been a month of "lasts" for Green. His last spring concert, the last marching band performance during the Waitsburg Celebration Days parade, and last week he took the high school band for their "last gig" at Booker Rest Home in Dayton.

"God has been good to me here. I see how our assignments in life fit together with the gifts we've been given. That's the gift of God," Green said.