Long time band director announces retirement
During the first hour varsity band class Steve Holloman, band director announced his retirement. Holloman has been at the school for 36 years.
He has become a legend at the school by going through many different generations of families and producing great band quality. He has decided that it was time for him to hand the torch to someone new.
“I want the next person to come in when it’s a good time to come. There is a real strong band with the sophomore and junior class this year,” Holloman said. “I love doing this but sooner or later you just have to say it’s time to move on.”
After Holloman leaves the school he isn’t sure what he will do yet. His daughter is an elementary band teacher and might join her in helping teach younger students. He plans to volunteer at the school when he can.
“I thought I could go follow her around and help her with band, the beginning kids,” Holloman said. “ I could come up here [the school] if we need help checking out uniforms or doing stuff with band day. I could just be volunteer and do things like that.”
When the information was released students and staff were uneasy and many were not ready for the change.
“It’s going to be okay. Nothing is going to change. It’s going to be the same great kids here,” Holloman said. “It’s not me that makes the kids good it’s the love they have for music.”
The hiring process hasn’t begun yet but interviews will begin soon for next year’s director. The candidates will have to go through a process and meet the correct qualifications to be a leader of such a high organization.
“I’m sure whoever they get to be here next year will be good, I’ll make sure. This means so much to me because this is my school,” Holloman said.
Diana Johnston Favand • Apr 3, 2016 at 6:14 pm
Congratulations, Steve, on your retirement! I was in Roosevelt’s and THS’s band with you, one year ahead of you. I know they’ll have a hard time finding someone as good as you.
james anderson • Apr 1, 2016 at 11:01 am
I was in his band at boswell and then Topeka high, I miss those times, he was not just a teacher and band director but a friend . he well miss being there as much as they will miss him. I have not seen him in a few years I hope I get a chance to see him soon
Connie Adams • Mar 29, 2016 at 11:18 am
Steve Holloman is a wonderful teacher and musician. Both of my sons, Michael and Edward, played alto saxophone, and were his students all four years of their high school experiences. Because of Mr. Holloman, both of them have lifetime appreciation of all types of music.
Edward was 1991-1995. His band traveled by bus to Orlando, Florida to march and play music on Main Street in DisneyWorld.. Ed was hoping Mr. Holloman would still be teaching at Topeka High when his sons are older.. His son currently plays saxophone at Robinson Middle School.
Michael was 1984-1988. His band traveled by bus to Dallas, Texas to march and play music in the Cotton Bowl parade. He also was honored to be in Mr. Holloman’s Jazz I & II bands several years. I have many pictures of my son’s solos. Steve Holloman got Michael i(age16) into the Mid-America High School All-Star Band which traveled and played in five European countries! With Mr. Holloman’s help, Michael enlisted in the Kansas National Guard. He served six years in their only band which financially helped him graduate from Washburn University.
To this day, both of my sons and I enjoy seeing Steve Holloman and his bands. Even after 30 years, we all consider him as our friend. He taught them a lot more than just music.
Brenda long • Mar 29, 2016 at 8:18 am
It will be a sad day when he is gone,and he will be greatly missed. I had Mr Holloman as a teacher and my children did also. He is such an inspiration to all teachers.
Susan Athey • Mar 29, 2016 at 3:59 am
Mr. Holloman was a great teacher. That is how I fell in love with music and playing Handbells. He will be missed by all.
Amri Johnson • Mar 28, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Steve Holloman shaped so many of us. My four years at THS and my love of music were very much influenced by Mr. Holloman. He kept working with us even after all of our obnoxious ways. Thanks Steve, you are legend!
Sarah D. Seeger • Mar 28, 2016 at 10:10 pm
I believe he was my guitar teacher at
Boswell around 1977 and if it’s the same
teacher he was awesome to me. Thank you Mr. Holloman!
You’d remember be because you used to
change the songs a bit during class.
Sharlene Christensen • Mar 28, 2016 at 8:09 pm
Mr. Holloman, you will be greatly missed. You taught me guitar at Boswell. We played a lot of CCR and John Denver. Then you taught my son in band at Randolph. Have a great retirement! Enjoy yourself. You deserve it.
Sharlene Christensen (Holzmeister).
Jerri Childs • Mar 28, 2016 at 7:55 pm
I was a senior in high school when he did his student teaching. Mr Holloman received the head director the next year. What a great accomplishment he has set. He will be missed.
Justin DeLong • Mar 28, 2016 at 6:37 pm
Congratulations on your retirement. I was a member of the band. But, I was also taught by his mother when I was in Kindergarten. Such a great family the Hollomans are. He will be very hard to replace.
Georgia Deatrick • Mar 28, 2016 at 6:30 pm
I wish Mr. Holloman the best in his retirement. As Tom Jones sister in law and Andrew Jones’ aunt, I have heard wonderful things about him over the years. I did 36 years in Kansas schools and know the time commitment band instructors give (with minimal extra compensation) so their students will have plenty of performance opportunities. I also know it is emotionally draining hearing politician after politician degrading teachers and cutting funding literally day after day whole padding their own KPERS pension package THS Has had a great band leader and I wish his successor much success in carrying on the tradition. hanks for a job well ne and for touching so many lives of Trojans over the years.
Nancy Jones • Mar 28, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Steve, you will certainly be missed at THS. Even though I haven’t been involved with the band for many years, I remember accompanying the band to Disney World twice with my husband Tom. Lots of work but much fun. You helped my son navigate the halls of Troy and grow in confidence and you were a wonderful friend to Tom. Thank you for your exuberance and excitement about music and sharing that with so many, many students. Enjoy retirement. You deserve that.
Nancy Jones
Gabe Munoz • Mar 28, 2016 at 4:11 pm
Mr. Holloman,
You will truly be missed.
I will always treasure all of the memories I had in band. All of the band practices, drumline practices, playing at the football and basketball games, two trips to Disney World/Epcot/Universal, countless parades, drumline beat downs, and best of all, the friendships I made.
Thank you Mr. Holloman for all that you did. Enjoy your time with your family.
Respectfully,
Gabe Munoz, a.k.a. Lil’ Sal
Deena Robinson • Mar 28, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Congrats on retirement! I know the students will miss you. You have inspired so many students! I loved band and Holloman made it so fun! I wish you all the best!
Deena (Blenden) Robinson – class of 1988