Mr. Steve McGrew was a 1959 graduate of Shelbyville High School. He briefly attended Purdue University to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Through his involvement in the Purdue marching band, he realized his true passion for music education. He remarked, “I’m better at working with people than with a slide rule.” This led Steve to transfer to Indiana State University, where he played in several ensembles, served as a graduate assistant, and received his Master’s Degree in Education.

Mr. McGrew began his career as band director at Centerville High School. In 1968, he moved to Seymour and served as band director for Seymour High School, where he taught for thirty-three years before retiring in 2001. He was actively involved in the Columbus City Band and proudly served as Director for many years. Playing clarinet in the Columbus Pro-Musica, Schulhaus 4+3 German Band, and Dixieland Band, Mr. McGrew was a member of the Indiana Music Educators Association, where he contributed editorial pieces in the IMEA quarterly magazine. After retirement, he worked for Paige’s Music Store in Indianapolis. Throughout his career and post-retirement, he repaired musical instruments.

He was a beloved and admired teacher and was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. McGrew was known for his kindness, patience, generosity, and sense of humor. With his unwavering support and encouraging words, his impact is felt far and wide by students, colleagues, friends, and family. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and IU Basketball. He enjoyed playing and teaching music, reading, fishing, camping, running, golfing, woodworking, and traveling with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family, students, fellow band members, and community.

Current Seymour High School band director, Kevin Cottrill, praises the work of Mr. McGrew, who encouraged him in the spring of 2001 to apply for his job. Mr. McGrew established a community-based band, where athletes could participate fully. Many bands in the HHC are competitive, which forces a student to choose: music or sports. Seymour’s format was exactly what Mr. Cottrill was looking for.  He calls the band his “band family,” and he truly knows how to make people feel like a part of the family. Mr. McGrew started this format, and Mr. Cottrill has added around 100-150 more musicians and guard members.

When I joined the band, I honestly did it because I loved music, and being in the band has shown me that I can be a leader, to be myself, and to possibly have band in my future, and it really helps having directors and the band family supporting me.

Question 1: What’s your goal as a band director?

Mr. Cottrill: Ultimately, we want students to have fun while learning to play an instrument at a very high level. Music performance can be a lifelong skill, and we believe that music education is essential in a top-notch high school experience. We want students to have success while participating in our program. Success doesn’t mean the same outcome for every student, but we work hard to allow all students the opportunity to participate in our groups. We want our students to feel like our band program can be their safe place/school home.

Question 2: What is your favorite part about being a band teacher, and what makes you happy while being a teacher?

Mr. Cottrill: I enjoy working with young adults through music and toward a larger performance goal. I’ve said this many times in my career, but I believe that I was supposed to be a teacher. That’s my calling. For more than thirty years, I have tried to approach every day with enthusiasm and kindness. I have a passion to share my musical knowledge, and it makes me really happy when I get to make music with our ensembles. I’m a teacher who works with people, and my content area is music/band.

Question 3: How do you approach recruiting and retaining students in the program?

Mr. Cottrill: We’ve been really lucky to have a great and very successful band tradition for almost 60 years in Seymour! We are recruiting all the time, but students love the fall marching band tour at our local schools. We have a great staff that helps students at each level. We value students, and we include them in the music-making process. Over the last ten years, we’ve had great recruitment and retention numbers.

Consider joining the band because not only do you have dedicated band directors, but you also have an amazing band family that will always be here for you. Thank you, Mr. McGrew, for starting an awesome program that Mr. Cottrill built even bigger.