2005 William Byrd graduate returns to teach
VINTON–It was just five years ago that Matt Bartley walked through William Byrd High School’s hallways as a student. When he called his teachers Mr. and Mrs. When he took tests, and played in the marching band, and spent most of his time at a desk.
Now Bartley is getting his shot on the other side of the equation. Instead of calling teachers by their last names, he will be addressed that way. And instead of taking tests, he will be administering them.
Matt Bartley, a 2005 WBHS graduate, is returning to become the new choir director. Submitted photo
Bartley, a 2005 William Byrd High School graduate, is the new choir director at William Byrd middle and high schools.
“I think one of the weirdest things is having teachers that are now colleagues,” Bartley said. “There are still teachers at the high school that I can’t get past the barrier, that I’m still calling Mr. or Mrs. instead of by their first name.”
Bartley was only hired on August 3, so even in the first week of classes, he is still getting used to his new role as a leader. And having hundreds of students looking to him for direction is something that will take a lot of getting used to. Especially since it was only months ago that he was a student himself.
In May, Bartley completed his Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, after first earning an undergraduate degree in Music. While his main focus has always been on instruments, especially the trumpet, he had experience directing church choirs as well. His William Byrd High School diploma, meanwhile, made him a shoe-in for the job.
“There’s a lot of pride when people return, and want to come back to where they came from,” Bartley said about returning to teach at the high school he graduated from.
And Bartley was one of the students that Byrd is happy to have back.
“He, first, was the best candidate. Second, he can do choir or band which will help as we grow both programs. Third, he is a Byrd graduate,” William Byrd High School principal Dr. Richard Turner said. “I know him and his family; and he and his family are people who hold high values and are of good moral character. I’m thrilled that he was able to join us.”
Voted Most Dependable by his senior class, Bartley was a member of the BETA club, and also found time to coach the senior Powderpuff football team; however, he was best known for his role in the band. He served as trumpet section leader in the marching band during senior year, and was a role model for younger students. Midway through high school, he realized for himself that he could influence other music lovers by becoming a teacher.
“I always knew music was going to be a significant part of my life,” Bartley said.
After earning his degrees, Bartley’s first job interview was for a band director job at Glenvar middle and high schools. While he did not receive that job, they held onto his name. When the choir director position opened up at William Byrd, they actually called him for an interview.
“It’s impossible to turn down an interview from your home school. From where you graduated,” Bartley said.
After interviewing with Turner and WBMS principal Janet Womack, he was offered the job the very same day. He decided to accept it, mainly because of his familiarity with the area.
“I knew that this was going to be a challenge, teaching choir. Because most of my training is [instrumental],” Bartley said.
While he has plenty of experience reading music, and has grown up singing at Bonsack Baptist Church—even doing an internship with the adult choir— the choir director position is still intimidating. His job consists of choosing and rehearsing songs with four different classes— one in the middle school and three in the high school—as well as planning concerts, fundraisers, and the annual choir trip.
“There’s a lot of things that go on in this office that I’m going to have to figure out—planning, budgeting. The administrative side of things,” Bartley said.
On top of his choir duties, Bartley has also taken on the role of Assistant Director in the high school marching band, under Daniel Plybon.
“I can be a second set of eyes and a second set of ears to help out when and where I can,” Bartley said about the assistant marching band director job. “I’d like to be there every day, but it just depends on my schedule. I need to make sure I’m teaching the choir as well as I can. Because that’s the first priority.”
He is well on his way. With all of his former teachers, who have now become friends, he has plenty of resources to pull from. And they’re ready to take him under their wings, still teaching him—but not as instructors. As mentors.
