Time is running short and the concert is very soon. Is the band ready? Do we need to run the music one more time? Is the smaller group ready? Have they practiced? Is the equipment ready? Who is going to be there? Who is not? As the concert takes place, everything turns out surprisingly well, everyone sounded confident and prepared. This is because of band teacher Dan Eaton.

Eaton has been a role model for many because of his flexibility with students, staff, and others. Teachers, especially in a profession like Eaton’s, face many challenges with scheduling, whether it be the students’ or the school’s.  Flexibility comes with many sacrifices.

In his 34 years of education experience, Eaton has gained significant insight into being more flexible. 

“The more flexible I can be with students and let them have the life they want, the better it is, the happier they are,’ said Eaton. 

Students go into classes everyday with a mix of emotions: happy, sad, and nervous for the test next hour, or thinking about what they’re doing after school. Eaton has shown that students are welcome in his room and that he is willing to work with people to make their experience better as long as they’re willing to work with him.

Students see his flexibility in the constant change of pace in the band.

“Eaton gets how we all have lives outside of the band and he’s willing to work with us and our schedules,” senior Daniel Youngberg said.

With the many challenges that being a band director brings, Eaton takes each day with a positive mindset.