Atlantic Indoor Association

April 2010

According to Percussion Director Tim Bray, Tunstall High School is “just a little school in the county with a cow pasture.” But it’s not. In fact, Tunstall is a perennial finalist in PSCW at Dayton and a strong, if small, drumline year round. Moreover, Bray was inducted into the AIA Hall of Fame at Championships in March 2010. This mentor to so many for so long, a member of the WGI board, a real influence on indoor marching percussion since its inception was very gracious to indulge us with a lengthy interview in 2009…

MK: Your own background. Music around the house as a kid? Music education? Experience as a player in marching percussion?

TB: Started playing set at the age of 9 in church. I come from a long list of musicians, my grandfather was a very sought after blue-grass musician, fiddle, banjo, guitar etc… All of my uncles played all the string instruments and piano. I had one aunt that played piano professionally and many other family members that play or teach private lessons. I never had the patience to learn piano or string instruments, that’s why I started playing drums. It’s instance gratification, just hit it and it makes a sound. My family was very religious, grew up listening to gospel and some country/blue grass. I quickly realized that I liked all kinds of music and it all can be great or not so much, it’s what you do with it that counts. Spent some time with the Bluecoats and Blue Knights as a volunteer instructor.

MK: Now about your tenure at Tunstall. How did you come to that program, and how did you find it? What was your approach early on and as it grew and excelled?

TB: I marched 4 years on snare at Tunstall. We had no instructor. So I started teaching right out of school. At the time it was just a way to be involved, like many kids I didn’t want to let go. We won our first ever 1st place drum trophy that year, along with 3 others. This was about the time drum judges and trophies were first being offered at shows, so it was good timing. After having success in my first year, I wanted to help others have the opportunities I never had, been there ever since. (31 years) My approach has pretty much been the same through-out. Showcase your strengths, find your weaknesses and turn them into strengths, recognize successful programs and do what they do. I still follow those guidelines, I just don’t have to make as many mistakes trying. My definition of experience is the number of years you have made mistakes. I tell my kids we learn from the things we do wrong. It’s not a sin to make a mistake, it’s a sin not to correct it. I have been blessed with kids that are willing to give back and help other players. This is truly the key to our program.

MK: You were way ahead of everyone else in the region by years with your teams, your shows, their travels and successes. Is it just an innate quality you have for being out front of the pack? Readers would love to read about this facet of yours' and your teams' stories.

TB: Not really sure how to answer this. Obviously many stories could be told. When we made a decision to compete on the national level, exposure and money dictated our schedule and involvement with the local circuit. One thing that I will say for now is my philosophy on competition has always been, and the kids can tell you this, “if you are not the lead dog, the view’s the same” This will take some time to mull over and put together. Get back to me on this.

MK: On running a successful program. Insights? Suggestions or advice for the newbie, for the instructor with a team on the cusp, ready for the 'next level'? What did it take to establish the program, and more importantly, sustaining it given the personnel turnarounds in a scholastic program?

TB: Hard work. I always say, you will get better or you will get worse, but you will not stay the same. You cannot look back at last year except to identify your weaknesses. You must look forward. The only place that is guaranteed in a contest, of any type, is last. You have to earn the rest of them. Approach every rehearsal as if it were someone else’s ensemble (for we are all more critical of the other group, it’s our nature). Identify the strengths, work on the weaknesses. I write or find an exercise for our weaknesses every year. If I have something from the show or due to the design that is giving us trouble, I break it down to the simplest version in exercise form. I also have many versions of the same exercise, to keep the kids thinking and learning. I have found this helps break the boredom and stimulates focus. Never be afraid to try something new, remember you have to do it wrong to know what not to do. The number one thing I would like to pass on is, always have the courage to change. I once scrapped an entire drill two weeks before AIA Championships. We went from 4th to 1st in those two weeks due to the changes. “Anything’s possible”

I spend a lot of time talking to my kids about their parts, how they fit, what they are saying, the emotion, etc…. I think it’s important they know not only their part, but how it correlates with the other members. I make a big deal out of the smallest of parts, so they not only feel relevant, but understand the importance. It’s the little things that make the big difference. I spend hours on philosophy and motivation. Music is passionate and I must create passion in my ensemble. Every member must be on the same page. Teach your kids to perform, not compete. The great ensembles around the nation will say “enjoy the show” or “enjoy the performance” not enjoy the competition. If you focus on the performance, the only thing you can control, you can be successful. If you only focus on competition, only “winning” is a successful outing. I tell our kids that we are the only people that can define success. We know where we came from and what we had to overcome. In the final analysis, a great performance is what counts, not some little piece of plastic/wood. (to collect dust).

I have many quotes from many great people, but my two favorites are: “If you believe in yourself, have pride, dedication and determination, you will be a winner” Paul “Bear” Bryant. “Some give up, and some give out” My fathers last words.

MK: Any future plans?

No real plans just, keep offering an opportunity for kids to play and enjoy. I would like to start a full time “Helmsmen” to offer music to kids with no real means or opportunities. Kind of a recreation boys/girls club thing, just for music instead of sports. This has been a dream for some time now, I just need to get the funds and time to make it happen.

As far as my career, I have been blessed to know and work with some truly great people, students, parents, instructors, judges, percussion industry and many more. I am so humbled to think that I was allowed to share in their success. For that, I am thankful from the bottom of my heart!

Do you have suggestions or submissions? War stories from the floor, questions or other interests? Email Michael Kirby at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .