September 3, 2021
Lee Evancho
The name Phillip Renda is very well known in Calhoun County, and almost always makes you think of music. This is because music is Phillip Renda’s passion. He has been teaching music in some capacity since 1972. Anyone who dedicates 51 years to the love of music certainly earns a great deal of respect.
The Calhoun Journal had an opportunity to speak to Phillip and ask him about his musical path, and what had lead him to his current position. Phillip graduated high school in Birmingham and then attended JSU in 1968. He fell in love with Jacksonville while attending, and stated he truly always felt it was home. He taught at various high schools through the years and as many know, worked at Jacksonville High School as the Interim Band Director when Tim Harris had to take military leave. He actually laughed at the story because he went in to talk to the principal and was being given the grand tour. They walked into the band room and the principal announced “This is your new band director.” None were more surprised than Phillip. The decision had been made for him! He did jump in with both feet with the MPAs (Musical Performance Assessments.) A very proud moment was the band getting perfect scores in all areas.
Phillip stated he was sad when the interim position came to an end, but he also knew he wasn’t ready for the commitment that being a full-time band director demands. He went on to freelance and to teach at Sacred Heart. He also was still helping with Jacksonville High School when needed. COVID-19 unfortunately impacted many of the classes he was teaching, and he knew he missed working directly with students on a daily basis. Philip started looking for full-time teaching positions when he received a call from David Sweeny to ask if he would come on board as a staff member at Jacksonville High School and Kitty Stone Elementary. Phillip says he recalls laughing and shaking his head that at 71 he was getting multiple job offers. He certainly believes in the old saying that when it rains it pours. While being the assistant music director for the high school is certainly something he loves, the truly exciting aspect of the job offer was to work with beginners at Kitty Stone.
Mr. Renda explained that 90% of the students he starts with have little to no musical experience. To see where they start and where they are in six months or a year is exhilarating. “The progression moves so fast and you have the chance to inspire someone to love music for the rest of their lives.” Phillip noted he has taught All Americans, professional musicians, and band directors. “Music can be an amazing journey.”
The Calhoun County Journal asked what his plans and goals were. This was a simple answer for him. His goal, and the goal of Dave Sweeny, is to increase the caliber of the high school band performance. No matter how good a program is there is, there is always room for improvement. They want to make it a bigger and better program. He also wants to encourage the love of music in the young Kitty Stone students. The program he works with is 6th grade and up. Kitty Stone also has an amazing music program for younger students that gives a solid foundation in music appreciation. He then gets to start guiding them on the path of reading music, loving instruments, and performing. Phillip also asked that if anybody knows a young person who is interested in music or in the band, please encourage them. He wants to stress that, “Music is a passion that can carry you through life.” When asked how long he sees himself working in the musical field, he answered by giving credit to an old quote from a Texas AM coach – “As long as I have something to offer the kids I want to keep doing it.” He then also went on to say, “I want to introduce something that they can take with them all their lives. For me it is always for the love of music.”
