Lifestyle News and Happenings: Super Directors

Allison Sertic, Lifestyle Manager

This month’s theme, “Working in Concert,” sent me down a rabbit hole. The topic kept leading me back to memories of the high school band. The band was consistently one of the best high school bands in the country. It was cool to be in our band, and it was an honor to take part in such a reputable, outstanding program. Our director, Walt Lovell, gets all the credit.

Mr. Lovell was nurturing, patient, and supportive, but also demanding as he expected us always to strive for greatness. He kept a wonderful sense of humor and was always the calm, steady rock we needed. He taught his drum majors and section leaders to creatively collaborate and confidently lead, working with different personalities through all the challenges that arose.

An example of a gargantuan challenge happened in my senior year. The band was invited to play in the Holiday Bowl parade and half-time show in San Diego, as well as two performances at Disneyland on the way down. Three charter buses, loaded with 252 students, as well as an unwelcome stowaway – a 24-hour flu, departed Elko at midnight. About 30 students were hit with this awful stomach bug. Hotel rooms had to change so sick kids could be quarantined, and extra chaperones had to fly down to care for them. Music assignments and half-time formations changed. The shows still went on! It was an amazing feat, especially given there was no Internet or cell phones in 1987.

Kyle Bodyfelt is like Mr. Lovell in all the best ways. Leading a team of around 240, Kyle values every one of us, as he recognizes we each play our part. Kyle is knowledgeable, experienced, and strategic. He is open, supportive, and steady. He solicits creative ideas and solutions and is always working for the greater good of the Association. He expects his team to do the same, and we whole-heartedly do so, in concert.