The Connection

Linda Gammon has won countless awards over the course of her 38-year teaching career, been named guest conductor of nearly every district band in Virginia, and has published a number of music education books. In Feb. 2014, Gammon added the Fairfax County Band Directors Association (FCBDA) Secondary Band Director of the Year Award to that list of achievements.

“I am humbled and grateful for being recognized for my contributions over the years to both students and other teachers, and for my contributions to Fairfax County,” said Gammon.

Gammon’s award-winning bands have performed four times at the Virginia Music Educators State Conferences and twice at the renowned Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Laurel Philip, assistant band director at Rachel Carson Middle School, is in her second year of teaching alongside Gammon, and says she has already learned a great deal from her as a mentor and friend.

“She works really well with large groups of 70 or 80 seventh and eighth graders,” said Philip. “It’s incredible how they all come together and produce this level of music.”

Twain Middle School band director Tiffany Hitz, who nominated Gammon for the award, echoed Philip’s sentiment that Gammon has always been a great teaching mentor. "I have grown to admire Ms. Gammon as a life-long learner and educator, unselfish with her expertise, but even more skilled at helping others find and develop their strengths," said Hitz.

Gammon, 62, began her teaching career in Prince George’s County, where she taught alongside award-winning band director Richard Bergman, who taught at Herndon High School for 30 years. She spent the majority of her teaching career in Fairfax County, however, where she has developed a love for the challenge of educating this particular age group.

“I especially love teaching the middle school child because it’s never dull and it’s always exciting. It’s challenging to capture the interest of an 11-13 year-old and keep them engaged and learning, having fun, and striving for excellence all at the same time.”

Gammon describes her teaching philosophy as “tough, comical love,” which showed through in her class on Friday afternoon. “I…put space…after my quarter notes,” recited the smiling class in unison to their director following an unsatisfactory run-through of one of the songs.

“It’s a difficult age group, but I think that if you’re consistent, fun and fair you can survive,” said Gammon.

In addition to developing highly dedicated and musically literate students, Gammon aims for them to achieve and be highly collaborative and punctual learners once they move on from middle school.

Gammon advises her younger colleagues to keep busy during their careers as educators. “Stay active within your school, even outside of your department, be involved in professional groups, and always continue to learn.”