At age 15, Paul Schmidt knew he wanted to teach music.  For 23 years, the Texas Tech graduate served as band director at DeWitt Perry Middle School in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch district.

But beginning this school year, the seasoned band veteran is bringing his musical talents and passion for teaching to Colleyville Middle School as the new band director.  The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District Board approved Schmidt for the position at its board meeting on Monday.

“I’ve never had any doubts about what I was supposed to do in life,” said Schmidt.  “I consider it a calling, and I’ve never second-guessed it.”

During his time at Perry, Schmidt directed the first Carrolton-Farmers Branch Independent School District band to reach the finals level of the State Honor Band Competition and received the district’s prestigious Swan Award from the Gifted and Talented Association.

But there is more to the band director than an impressive resume.

Schmidt has a long history of volunteer and charity work.  At Perry Middle School, he directed 10 original compositions that benefitted humanitarian organizations, among them Habitat for Humanity.

“I don’t view our work with schools as charity work,” said Schmidt.  “I view it as mission work for making our society a better place, and I get a great deal of satisfaction out of that.”

Schmidt allowed his students to contribute their suggestions for which organizations their pieces would benefit.  His teaching style has always been student-centered to inspire his pupils to share his passion for music.

“The pieces will never happen if the kids aren’t really into the music,” said Schmidt.  “If they’re not excited about the music they’re going to play, I don’t think you can get it out of them.  If they are excited, that’s when they’ll exceed your expectations.”

Schmidt replaces a 32-year-old band director who was arrested for having an improper relationship with a minor regarding online solicitation and sexually oriented text messages.  He was fired by the school district. 

Schmidt believes that students’ passion for music and time spent playing together are the two biggest motivators for a successful band.  He also brings a certain level of intensity to his position for increased motivation.

“I don’t believe in free days because I think they are a recipe for laziness,” said Schmidt.  “After a concert, I want my students to be excited about what piece we’re going to play next.”  

Schmidt is also a dedicated family man who enjoys reading, traveling and dissecting the work of John Williams.  His son is a junior in college at the University of Illinois and his daughter will be a freshman at St. Olaf College this fall.  His wife is a professional oboist.

Schmidt knows how to play the trombone and clarinet, but he will tell you his main instrument is middle school band.

“I love going to work every day,” said Schmidt.  “Some people get to do what they like to do only once in a while, but I never look at my work that way.”

The band director is looking forward to his future as a Colleyville Colt.

“I’m ready to make good music,” said Schmidt.  “I hope my future students are ready, too.”