“I never thought I would return to Duncanville ISD [as a band director.]” explains Victoria Mays, Byrd Middle School’s Band Director. Mays returned to her roots. She was once a Byrd student and, get this, was in the band.
Now, she’s returned as an educator. “[There has] always been top-notch directors in the music education field [at Duncanville], and regarded highly. It has been a pleasure to come home. When I saw the position opened as head director, it felt like the right move in my career. I get to share my passion in the same band hall where my love for music grew tremendously. ”
Now, Mays is one of those top-notch directors contributing to the music education of students at Duncanville ISD. What she consumed at Byrd, DHS, and a college student at Texas Christian University, Mays is now forwarding to Byrd students.
“The music education I received from Duncanville ISD gave me a passion for music,” gushes Mays, but a pivotal moment during her school career pushed her to her current profession.
“I remember the day I decided I wanted to become a band director. Band Director Tom Shine announced his retirement and how it was never about winning, that he wanted to share his passion for music with his students,” Mays expressed. “After that day I wanted to be able to do the same thing.”
Embed impressions that cause a young student to want to choose music education as their career path are why the arts in schools are considered of national importance.
September 8-14th is National Arts in Education Week this year. This week recognizes the importance of Mays’ and other fine arts colleagues' work in educating students. These professionals encourage, recognize, and refine their students' talents.
Paul Doucet, Fine Arts Director for Duncanville ISD, works to ensure all students can receive an arts education. The next Victora Mays, Jacob Lawrence, or Celestino Gorostiza professional dreams are encouraged right here in Duncanville.
"Our mission is to cultivate a passion for learning, creativity, and excellence in every student. Success stories like Victoria Mays’ are a testament to the power of the arts in shaping lives, explains Doucet"
"Our fine arts programs don’t just teach music, theatre, or visual art—they inspire purpose, build character, and write success stories, one student at a time. We are proud to offer a space where students can discover their potential and grow into the leaders of tomorrow."
Since 2010, after Congress passed House Resolution 275, the second week of September is designated for national recognition of fine arts education. This recognition goes beyond a school district’s acknowledgment. It is a chance for Duncanville ISD community partners to see why fine arts curriculum is paramount and needed.
“It is important for our community to see the impact we have on students and we can use the campaign to start a positive view on our programs throughout the school year,” says Mays.
“Few subjects have the ability to impact students as deeply as the fine arts. Programs in music, theater, and visual arts are often the highlight of a student’s day, providing a sense of purpose, belonging, critical thinking, time management, goal-setting, self-confidence, and work ethic. These skills extend far beyond the classroom, preparing students for success in their future careers and personal lives.”
One day, during Mays’ retirement speech in front of a crowd, she could possibly impress upon another Byrd pupil to want to become a band director. The cycle will then continue.