Mike Back

UpClose: Mike Back

Teaching Through Music

Mike Back is the director of the band program at Walton High School, a charter school in Marietta, Georgia. The Walton bands have an impressive resume, boasting recent appearances at such notable events as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Furthermore, the Walton music department is exceptionally well rounded, with high achieving marching, orchestral, and vocal ensembles. Through musical instruction, and perhaps bigger than the music itself, the Walton band program stresses “P.R.I.D.E.”: Proficiency, Reliability, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence.

SBO recently caught up with Mr. Back to gain some insight into the factors that allow for such success, as well as the teaching philosophy and approach behind the man running the show.