Tom One
Deerpark’s Tom Patterson Lauds Youth Groups Helping To Build Community
Tom Patterson of Deerpark Middle School knows that the first years of adolescence can be a trying time. Middle school students, says Tom Patterson of Deerpark, are beginning to come to terms with their own individuality. Adolescent youth tend to be solitary or to gather in small cliques that do not blend often. It is easy for young teenagers to feel like they do not belong. Consequently, they tend towards isolation. Tom Patterson of Deerpark Middle School explains how this emotional environment makes effective team-building a real challenge.
Deerpark’s Tom Patterson notes it is crucial for young people at this age to learn to work together as a team. Tom Patterson says that participating in music groups like the Deerpark Middle School Band can be a very effective form of team-building experiences. When young teens create music together, says Tom Patterson of Deerpark, powerful and long-standing connections can be forged. Tom Patterson notes how the Deerpark school band is a creative and collaborative youth group that is installed directly into the school system. Tom Patterson says school bands like Deerpark’s can be a great way of bringing potentially disparate youth together. In music groups, continues Tom Patterson of Deerpark Middle School, kids get the chance to learn, to make music, and to be recognized for their achievements among their peers.
Deerpark’s Tom Patterson emphasizes how, for young teens, group membership creates a sense of security and belonging. In fact this is true of all ages, but is particularly important in the lives of middle school students. Tom Patterson of Deerpark Middle School says that band membership creates a strong sense of identity and accomplishment. Children and young adults that make music together, adds Tom Patterson of Deerpark, are at a distinct social and intellectual advantage over those that do not. For this reason alone, concludes Deerpark’s Tom Patterson, parents and teachers must cultivate the musical abilities of our young people.
About Tom Patterson:
Tom Patterson, Deerpark Middle School Director of Bands, has had a passion for music for nearly as long as he can remember. Tom Patterson’s tenure as band director at Deerpark is best reflected in the performance and accomplishments of his students. Tom Patterson and his Deerpark students have been recognized no fewer than thirty times for their excellence in competitions. Tom Patterson’s Deerpark students are a true reflection of his passion as a teacher, instructor and example to young musicians.
Deerpark Director of Bands Tom Patterson is a member in good standing with the Texas Music Educators Association and the College Bandmasters Association. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, the University of Texas Ex-Student Association Member and a Longhorn Alumni Band Member.
About the Author
Tom Patterson, Deerpark Middle School Director of Bands, has had a passion for music for nearly as long as he can remember. Back in Leander, Texas, Tom Patterson completed his All-Level Certification: Music Education along with his high school diploma. As he set his sights on an advanced education he had already embraced his career direction; a Band Director at a Middle School like Deerpark. Charting the course was straight forward. From the spring of 1994 until the spring 1997 he played with The University of Texas Orchestra.
Living the life of both a student and a musician provided opportunities few musicians early in their career enjoy. Deerpark’s Tom Patterson has been a musician with the University of Texas Orchestra and The University of Texas Wind Ensemble and played at Carnegie Hall and the University of Texas Opera. As a clarinet player Deerpark’s Tom Patterson also accompanied The University of Texas Chorus as well as playing in The University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band.
Attending The University of Texas at Austin allowed Deerpark Middle School Band Director Tom Patterson to complete his Masters in Music Education in 2002. While in school he also performed with The University of Texas Wind Ensemble. Further, Tom Patterson secured his Bachelor of Music Education from the same university in 1998. His academics stood out and he was placed on the Dean’s list. While at the University of Texas in Austin he was also a Clarinet Principal, a talent that continues to pay off for Tom Patterson in his current position at Deerpark.
On the journey to become Deerpark Middle School Band Director, Tom Patterson began his career as an educator in the fall of 1998. He was hired as both a student teacher at Westwood High School and Grisham Middle School. Additionally, Patterson was appointed Assistant Band Director at Bailey Middle School AISD. Deerpark’s Tom Patterson also worked as a Clarinet Lesson Instructor at Westwood High School, Grisham Middle School, and Fulmore Middle School. In the spring of 1999 Tom Patterson was recognized as a distinguished teacher in Austin Independent School District.
Tom Waits For No One – Animated 1979 … John Lamb