LEAVING HIS HEART BEHIND — Bill Stephens, director of the Panther Band at Buckeye Local High School, will close on 37 years in music education and his three decades teaching at BLHS, as he prepares to retire May 31. Stephens said he was and always will be a Panther at heart. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — As Bill Stephens looks upon the numerous photographs adorning the walls in his office … he is thankful.

For the last 30 years Stephens has served as the band director for Buckeye Local High School.

He has led more than 1,000 students in their practices and performances — whether it be at concerts, athletic events or parades.

Now, Stephens is preparing for his swan song as his tenure will draw to a close May 31.

He explained the plethora of photographs first began in 2005, when one student wanted to leave a reminder of her time at the high school.

More pictures began to follow and pretty soon, hundreds of photos had filled the room, each one serving as a wonderful memory of his time spent at Buckeye Local.

“I call it my trophy case,” he stated. “I wish I would have thought of this earlier, but I’d be out of room.”

Stephens has been in music education for approximately 37 years.

He served in Newcomerstown and Martins Ferry, then worked as a choir director at Kent State University while he obtained his master’s degree.

Ultimately, he ended up at Buckeye Local … although he hadn’t intended to remain there for very long.

“I was only going to stay for a year, but I fell in love with the kids and stayed forever,” he smiled. “I was assistant band director my first year. I absolutely love the students and the Panther Band was my pride and joy — and always has been.”

He ceremoniously passed the baton to successor Chuck Eddy during his concert performance at the school on March 29.

Stephens looked back fondly on his time. He reflected on teaching roughly 1,500 students and directing them on the local and national stage.

He remembered how he has led nearly 400 halftime performances during football games, including the OVAC All-Star Game and appearances at Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games.

Stephens recalled the band’s countless local parades and when they performed at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., in 2014 after being nominated by former U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.

He has seen more than a dozen former pupils go on to become band directors themselves, or professional performers in their own right.

In addition to his work at Buckeye Local, Stephens has served as a two-time visiting lecturer at Bethany College, where he directed the choir.

He has taught vocal lessons at the Oglebay Institute during the summer months.

He still plans to continue raising voices in song at Christ Church in Wheeling and directing the OVAC All-Star Band.

He also would like to assist with the Buckeye band camp at Bethany College this summer.

The Weirton native’s foray into music began when he wanted to study guitar. But as a child, his mother encouraged him to take piano lessons instead.

He worked his way up to the stringed instrument and would eventually participate in the Brooke High School Marching Band, citing teachers Rick Taylor and Leno Calvarese who inspired him.

However, it was not his first choice of vocation.

Stephens had his eye on the sky with hopes of becoming an airline pilot. He even attended ground school; but his use of eyeglasses prevented him from chasing that dream.

Instead, he planned to study journalism at West Virginia University.

However, he changed his tune and decided to major in music education at what is now West Liberty University.

Once he retires, Stephens plans to spend more time at his New Alexandria home with his wife, Joy.

Together they have raised two children, Isaac and Emily, both who possess their own musical skills, with his daughter having performed in the Panther Band.

Stephens said he was ready to officially pass the baton on, noting he has been fortunate to work with Eddy, assistant director Stacey Soos and an incredible school.

“I couldn’t ask for better people to be part of my staff,” he commented. “They are a blessing to me, but more than that, they are family. I’m going to miss them.”

Meanwhile, school leaders were singing Stephens’ praises.

“It’s been an honor to work with him,” Soos said. “He’s been a mentor and a wonderful friend.”

“He was my director in 1990 at Martins Ferry,” Eddy noted, as he watches his path come full circle. “He’s my best friend and best colleague. I believe he is one of the staples of our community and he has made a difference in the lives of thousands of students through band and choir.”

“I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be his successor,” Eddy added. “I wish him the best of luck and I will miss him very dearly.”

Buckeye Local High School Principal Lucas Parsons expressed how Stephens has filled the school, as well as peoples’ hearts, with song.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Stephens as a teacher, friend and colleague,” Parsons began. “Music is that rare gift that makes memories more vibrant, emotions deeper and pain fade away. Through his dedication and passion, Mr. Stephens transformed the music department into the very heartbeat of our entire school district.”

“I consider myself blessed to have witnessed the magic of music education through his guidance,” Parsons continued. “‘Eyes with Pride’ became more than a motto at Buckeye Local High School — it evolved into a way of life and a beacon of light for countless students and community members.”

“Though I wasn’t personally blessed with musical talent, music kept food on our table growing up, reinforcing my belief that music is not a luxury but a necessity in life,” he added.

“Mr. Stephens’ retirement marks the end of a beautiful era,” Parsons concluded. “But the strong foundation he built will provide stability for generations to come. His presence, inspiration and leadership will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to resonate through the halls and hearts of Buckeye Local.”

Stephens was moved by his experience.

He became misty-eyed as he looked back on what he has accomplished in the place he has called home.

“I’m awfully blessed,” he commented. “I have been in this classroom longer than I’ve lived in any house, longer than I’ve been with my wife. I’m happy to pass it on to Mr. Eddy, but I will miss it with all my heart.”

“I will always be a Panther,” Stephens concluded. “And Buckeye Local will always be in my heart.”