Comments on: Tate Showband Director Mike Philley Accepts New Job In Santa Rosa County

By: Dennis HE Wiggins

Dennis HE Wiggins — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:27:32 +0000

Mr. David Riggs, the director who retired from Avalon after 44 years of band instruction, got me started in band at Escambia County Middle School in Atmore c. 1983. Seems Mr. Philley has some big shoes to fill at Avalon (and yes, I AM a little biased toward Mr. Riggs!), but, likewise, whomever takes Mr. Philley’s place better be great!

By: Tara Allsopp

Tara Allsopp — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 16:51:25 +0000

We hate to see him leave Tate High School. There are so many of us parents who respect and admire him and this move is tearing us apart. For me personally, I saw my daughter grow more musically in one 20 min lesson than she had in 4 years of instruction!! Mike is an amazing teacher and Tate is losing one of their best teachers but on the positive side, Avalon is gaining an amazing instructor. We wish you the very best Mike Philley and look forward to seeing you produce some more amazing musicians in our community!!

By: Melodies4us

Melodies4us — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 02:26:03 +0000

Aw– The band was sounding good and strong this year. Fair well! Job well done.

By: Kay Houk Mitchell Lamont

Kay Houk Mitchell Lamont — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 18:19:04 +0000

Sidorfsky was the first. Great leaders all!!!!!

By: Elijah Bell

Elijah Bell — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 13:25:01 +0000

Mr. Philley is stepping into a new position but he is a lucky man. The program has been lead by a wonderful, talented, and great man in Mr. Riggs. He sure wont have to start over or build a program because it is on solid ground. Mr Riggs spent about 45 yrs teaching and improving students doing something they loved. Mr. Philley just needs to take the baton and run with it. Put your special touch to the program and great things will continue. My time teaching at Avalon was made better by Mr. Riggs and the staff there.

By: 429SCJ

429SCJ — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 12:24:50 +0000

I remember Mr Slayton.

He was an innovator of/in his time, in music and presentation; went on to serve as an excellent administrator.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 06:58:02 +0000

The first was Joyce Sidorsky.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 06:04:03 +0000

Me,

I don’t know who was first. Second was Mr. Bill Slayton, then Mr. Joe Hooten, then Mike.

By: Me

Me — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 05:53:00 +0000

Congratulations, Mr. Philley, on your new position! I’m sure you’ll do great things at Avalon Middle School! You’ve served our Taters well!
Please tell us who the 4 directors have been since 1956. My inquiring mind would like to know.