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

June 2, 2017

Tate High School Showband of the South Director Mike Philley has announced that he is stepping down from the Tate band.

Philley has accepted a position as the new band director at Avalon Middle School in Santa Rosa County, a position that he said will provide him more time with his family and to work on his Master’s degree.

“I’ve spent the past nine years in a wonderful program at Tate High School,” Philley wrote in a public social media post. “I will certainly miss the families and friends that I’ve encountered during that time. You’re a part of who I am and always will be.”

The Tate Showband earned numerous accolades under Philley’s leadership, including straight superior ratings from the Florida Bandmasters. Last December, the Showband performed in Hawaii on the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The Tate Showband has had just four directors since 1956.

Pictured top: Students and parents react in October 2015 as Tate High School Showband of the South Director Mike Philley announced an upcoming performance in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (Courtesy image.) Pictured below: The Tate Wind Ensemble performs during December 2014 during the Pearl Harbor ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

9 Responses to “Tate Showband Director Mike Philley Accepts New Job In Santa Rosa County”

  1. Dennis HE Wiggins on June 5th, 2017 2:27 pm

    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!

  2. Tara Allsopp on June 3rd, 2017 11:51 am

    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!!

  3. Melodies4us on June 2nd, 2017 9:26 pm

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

  4. Kay Houk Mitchell Lamont on June 2nd, 2017 1:19 pm

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

  5. Elijah Bell on June 2nd, 2017 8:25 am

    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.

  6. 429SCJ on June 2nd, 2017 7:24 am

    I remember Mr Slayton.

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

  7. Lisa on June 2nd, 2017 1:58 am

    The first was Joyce Sidorsky.

  8. Jennifer on June 2nd, 2017 1:04 am

    Me,

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

  9. Me on June 2nd, 2017 12:53 am

    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.
    :)

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News