By Mike McClure
After serving as an elementary school chorus teacher in the Laurel School District for the past three years, Laurel graduate Harley Tuck is the new band director at the Laurel Middle/High School. Tuck takes over at her alma mater following the retirement of Jason Rogers after 38 years as a band leader in the district.
Tuck, who has taught for six years and is in her fourth year in the Laurel School District, attended the University of Delaware and marched in the Blue Hens band before graduating in 2020. Born and raised in Laurel, she follows in the footsteps of her mentor and band leader, Rogers, who became the high school band leader during her freshman year at Laurel.
Laurel graduate Harley Tuck is the new Laurel Middle High School band director.
“He was the reason I wanted to be a band director,” said Tuck.
Tuck taught some of the kids in the band. She said a lot of the band members have been leaders, thanks to Rogers’ influence.
“They’re really welcoming and they’ve been sweet,” Tuck said. She said her teaching style is similar to Rogers’ and is thankful for the program she inherited from him.
“It’s like a brand new band,” said Tuck. “There have been some hard changes but they have been rolling with the punches.”
The band has been practicing two to three times a week since she was hired in mid July. Band camp took place recently.
“I’m very excited. It’s a little overwhelming,” Tuck said, adding that she has received help from friends, family and the community during the transition. “It was always a dream of mine to be a high school band director.”
Tuck will have a busy school year as she teaches middle school and high school band, leads the marching band, and holds winter and spring concerts. She is also planning to hold a car wash and skating night to help pay for participation in band competitions. The band is also excepting donations.
“Without my staff I wouldn’t be able to do that. A lot of people come out and help,” said Tuck.
Tucks said she keeps in touch with Rogers as much as she can.
“He set me up very well (going over everything with her before he left),” Tuck said. She added that she is looking to create her own traditions and make the position her own.
