Susquehannock’s beloved band director Christian Poole is waving the baton for one last time.
Just over a month ago, Poole announced to students and staff that this would be his last year here at Susquehannock, after 18 years of dedicated service as a teacher and director.
Recently, Poole was inducted into the Keystone Indoor Drill Association (KIDA) Hall of Fame, as he has led the Warriors marching band to the Cavalcade of the Band’s Championship seven times since 2016.
“This year in particular, I think the band is in a pretty good position, and as time goes on, I feel like when you get older, it’s time to pass it on to someone who’s got the energy to keep things moving forward,” Poole said. “… it seems like the right time.”
Poole plans on working at a part-time job at Menchey Music and to continue playing gigs with his swing band, the Blue Moon Big Band, which he has been a part of since 1988.
“It is a swing band with much of the same size and instrumentation of our own jazz band,” Poole said via email.
Orchestra director Andrew Jones is constantly impressed by his colleague.
“As a musician, it is amazing how talented he is at many instruments,” Jones said. “I always thought of him as a saxophonist, but he is actually a percussionist. His saxophone chops are so good that he completely fooled me. He strives to give the best when he performs, and he does the same with his students.”
Many of Poole’s students are sad to see him go, as he has left a substantial impact on who they are today. Senior Chloe Warner has had four years of experience under Poole’s conductorship.
“Mr. Poole has undoubtedly been the most influential teacher in my high school experience,” Warner said. “Not only has he made me a better musician, but he has pushed me as a leader both in music and beyond, which are lessons I will take into every future endeavor. Mr. Poole is one of the most talented musicians I have ever met, but even more than that, I will remember the far-lasting impact that his unwavering support and humble leadership left on every student here, especially myself.”
Jones will miss his friend.
“Mr. Poole is a dynamic educator who is always willing to do what is best for our students,” Jones said. “He is willing to help out in any way. He has created a wonderful legacy at Susquehannock, and he will be missed.”
Poole has had a huge impact on the school as well, according to Principal James Sterner.
“Whether it’s marching on the field, or him getting the Jazz Band started, he’s like an institution, and when he shared that he was retiring that’s what went through my head, he’s always here,” Sterner said.
Junior Asher Gantz sums up the overarching sentiments of the band, the faculty and the administration.
“He’s a cool guy, really funny, and I know that I, along with the rest of the band, will deeply miss him,” Gantz said.
