Through the Eyes of a Tiger: An Interview with Mr. Camp

Mr. William Camp is the director of instrumental music for grades PK-12. He directs the Lower School Band as well as the Upper School’s Band, Orchestra, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band and Dixieland Band. Mr. Camp has worked at Darlington since 2005, and holds a B.M. from the University of West Georgia, and an M.M. from Georgia State University.

What brought you to Darlington?
There was an opening for a band teacher position, and I thought it was intriguing—a small private school with a tight-knit community. My children were already attending; I was already a fan of the school. I was excited to hear about the position, and I applied right away.

What is your favorite aspect of the school?
My favorite aspect is the students. Without them, this would not be the same type of job. If the personality of the student population as a whole were different, it would not be as interesting. We have some great, fun kids here.

How has the instrumental program changed since you began working here?
The instrumental program has really expanded since I got here. First, there was the Concert Band and the Steel Band. We still have the Steel Band. The Concert Band this year was divided into the Brass Choir and the Percussion Ensemble. Since beginning, we have added the String Orchestra program, Lessons Academy and Conservatory, and we now host the Northwest Georgia Youth Orchestra. We have really increased the level of musicianship and the level of pride that the students take in being in the instrumental program at Darlington.

What do you see in the future of fine arts at Darlington?
I see two possibilities. If we continue on the path that we’re on right now, it’s probably at its peak. If we get the proper support and the proper influence that is necessary to expand, then the sky is the limit. We are an international boarding school, and we could become one of the top arts programs in the nation. It is a matter of sitting down and saying, “Yes, we have the ability to be the best, and we want to commit to making it so.”

What is one thing you want each of your students to take away from your classes and lessons?
I want them to take away a better understanding of everything they hear—a better understanding of everything that goes into a concert that they hear and see. Music, of course, is without a doubt what I want my students to learn, but if they choose not to continue playing music, I want them to still know what’s behind the concert, what’s behind the musician, what’s behind the music, what it took to get up on stage. I want them to have that respect for what they are seeing and hearing. Take any popular musician today. When they’re on their tour, do you think they are tired of performing their number one hit? Absolutely. But that is what makes it so good; they play it countless times and make it perfect.