Mr. Kirkman in his office where the walls are decorated with his two loves--his family and his SHS Bands!

The brand new banner that precedes the marching band

Originally from Panama City, Florida, Eric came to Alabama on a full music Scholarship at the University of North Alabama. He received his Bachelor’s degree in music education in the fall of 1997, and a Master’s Degree in education from UNA in the Summer of 2000.

While at UNA, Eric was the lead trumpeter and featured soloist in the marching, jazz and concert bands at UNA; He was also the Director of the Ascending Voices Gospel Choir for three years. While at UNA, Mr. Kirkman was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Alpha Theta Chi, and the University Program Council. Upon graduation, Eric served as a Graduate assistant in the office of student life where he worked with the Interfraternity council, the NPHC, and student organizations. One of his most cherished memories of UNA was when he was selected “University Man of the Year” in 1997.

Eric has over 15 years experience in vocal training and dance choreography. Eric also has been the judge for numerous cheerleading, dance line and band auxiliary tryouts. His judging experience also includes various junior high, senior high, and college beauty pageants (some of which were Miss America preliminaries)

Currently, Mr. Kirkman is the Band Director at Sheffield High School as well as the Minister of Music at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church of Florence. In addition, he is 9 hours away from completing his Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Also, Eric has been a Financial counselor with Citigroup’s Primerica Financial Services for the past three years.

On a personal note, he is married to Tera Kirkman of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee and the proud father of a 2 year old, Eric Jalen who he passionately refers to as “mini-me”.

Intrigued, I looked him up on a recent visit to the Tri-Cities.  I found him in the band room, after school hours on a Friday, working with a former student.  He graciously took time to chat with me and my wife about the band program at SHS and his quest for his terminal degree. 

At this point, I must divulge a possible conflict of interest in this reporting:  I played cornet and French horn in the band back in the Fifties, so I have partiality feelings toward "band" and band directors. 

But, that said, Mr. Kirkman is a paragon of gentlemanly hospitality and presentability.  His smile is infectious, and his love for the students who make up the band is obvious.  That he would be spending time helping the young man when most of the teachers had "left the building," speaks volumes about his dedication as a teacher.  Now that I have seen his bio, I am equally as impressed with his industry and an obvious superior intellect.

Here's yet another reason to be proud of your alma mater--the standards are still high!

My number one goal when I took this job was to expose the students to as many performance opportunities as possible whether playing an instrument, dancing, singing, composing or even acting.

I have found that students will surprise you if you remind them of their inner giants. Many students who first came to me afraid to talk or interact socially, are now very vocal, outgoing, and more involved in other school activities. Most importantly, I have watched students become more confident in their own abilities. New personalities and senses of humor have emerged from this group; making my job more fun and a joy to teach everyday.

I have often told them that the same confidence they use in a performance will one day get them the job they want. After all, a job interview is nothing more than a "performance". On top of all that, we try to remind the kids that a quality performance is achieved only through quality practice, teamwork and dedication. After every practice, and before every performance, I or the drum major will shout "Who's the best band???" The group's response is "Sheffield!!!" When they say it, you will be surprised at how much they really believe that...The tapes speak for themselves.

Our school should be nicknamed the "diamond mine", because the kids here are truly jewels. Some may need polishing or curing. Nonetheless, they all just need to be reminded of their true worth from time to time.

Meanwhile, a typical week in his life as a Sheffield High teacher includes his primary duties as the band director at SHS and the middle school, preparation for the spring concert, helping with the production of Black History programs, the SHS Beauty Pageant, and the Science Olympiad.  I note also that his bio tells us that he is Minister of Music at his church.

His accomplishments in the four years he has been SHS Band Director are almost unimaginable.  All the band trophies are placed shoulder-to-shoulder on a shelf that extends completely around the spacious new band room built in 1987 across the driveway from our old band room.  The trophies from Eric's tenure occupy two thirds of the total perimeter of the room--and the 2005-06 year's 30 trophies are not yet displayed!  

We are fortunate, indeed, in having such a hard-working, results-producing, student-oriented band director.  He is influencing the lives of many students.  

I just know that such a talented person, like Mr. Boley in our time, is destined for greater leadership roles in education.  After all, his Ed.D is going to be "Education Leadership," but he is building a legacy and creating hard-working, goal-oriented young men and women while he is with us.

We wish you well, Mr. Kirkman, in all your endeavors.

The trophy rack extends all the way around the big band room.  In 4 years, Mr. Kirkman has accumulated more than all the years before him.

Guys and gals of the mighty SHS bands of yore!

How about pulling out your checkbook and making a $100 donation to the SHS Band Instrument Fund (see the proposal on the right).

Take a moment to scroll up and read about Mr. Eric Kirkman, an extraordinary teacher and mentor of the current SHS band members.

Hey,

All you former SHS Band Members!

The perennial award-winning SHS Drum Line operates with equipment that is 25-30 years old and is literally held together with duct tape.  They hear snickers and giggles when they take the field, but the amusement over the decrepit percussion instruments stops when they begin to perform.  

When I heard this, I originally proposed that readers of this website help fund the purchase of new percussion equipment that was going to cost $13,000.  Now that school has restarted, I checked with Mr. Kirkman to see what the status of the band needs are now.  Here's his reply:

Hello sir!

I am glad to hear that everything went well with the reunion. I wish that I could have seen all the alumni get together and tell stories from the “good ole days”! I just pray that I live long enough to experience my 50^th year reunion.

As for the drum fund: We still need funds to purchase new equipment. We have barely enough to get the drums now. In doing so, we will almost wipe out our treasury completely. Our tubas are also in terrible need of repair now. We have three tuba players, and only two working horns. Both of those horns are “mummified” with duct tape to prevent air leaks. We have been doing some fundraisers. However, the school system is in a financial bind due to prorated funds that we were expecting from the city of Sheffield . I’m sure you are aware of the city’s financial woes. In short, our school system did not receive $100k that we normally would get from the city this year.

ANYONE you know who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Sheffield High School Band may do so by sending a check or money order  to 2800 E 19^th Avenue Sheffield, Alabama 35660. Checks can be made payable to “Sheffield High School Band”. The memo line can read: “Band Instrument Fund”. If the donor would enclose contact information, we will be more than happy to send a thank-you letter on school letterhead for tax purposes. We are about $4000 away from where we need to be in purchasing the drums and fixing the tubas. Ideally, we are trying to find 40 people willing to donate $100 each. The letter from the school should suffice for tax purposes because the band is a non-profit entity. If I am not mistaken, the donation may carry a depreciation value for 3-5 years that can be written off for the next few years as long as the items are still in use.

As for this year’s group….The future looks very bright! It’s very hot outside, but we are making great strides in spite of it all.

Let me know if there is anything else you need from me.

EK

How about you former band members contributing to this fund to help Eric equip these students get equipment that is worthy of their talent?  

November 3, 2006

Latest word on the 2006 edition of the SHS Band:

Good Morning!

I just wanted to drop you a line and keep you posted on the progress of the band. I thought you would be pleased to know that our band finished our contest season undefeated! Yes, that means we went to three contests and received “Best in Class” (1^st place) honors at all three competitions. To my knowledge, this has never been done before at Sheffield , and we are still in awe of the whole experience. Our dance line also went undefeated by receiving best in class at all three contests. Our flag line won best in class at two of the three. Our drum line won best in class at one contest, and lost at the other two by less than a point. Needless to say, I am as proud as proud can be of our kids and our school for supporting us. I believe it took supporters like yourself encouraging me to be the best, and I for that I thank you. Sheffield band is definitely on the map now, and I can only hope for bigger and better things to come. Take care and God bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Kirkman

SHS Band Director

PS:  Our trophy count last year was 33 after four contests. We received 32 after three contests this year.