Gene Thrailkill, University Bands director, says goodbye to OU at 8 tonight after 30 years as a teacher and a friend to his students.The OU School of Music will present a farewell concert for Thrailkill in the Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall. Since 1971, Thrailkill has inspired band students and received many awards from OU."Gene is the best teacher I've ever had," said Ashley Harrison, band member. "He's not only a wonderful teacher, but he really cares about all of his students."Thrailkill's open-door policy has made it possible for every student to get help when they need it.He also keeps in touch with many of his students after their graduation to see how they are doing. "I'm going to miss my students the most," Thrailkill said. "They are what makes it hardest for me to leave."Thrailkill said after graduating from the University of Michigan, he taught at the University of Ohio for five years. OU students gave him the nickname 'Coach' to show their respect. Thrailkill is not only the director of the eight bands in the OU program, but he is also the director of the 290-member Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. Thrailkill also takes time out of his busy schedule to be the adviser for the Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity. Thrailkill said he was also a district governor for the group.More than 600 students are enrolled in the total band program, more than triple the enrollment in 1971. Thrailkill said he is happy to have been a teacher in such a growing time."All of his students just rave about him," said Shane Harris, coordinator of audience development. "He's one of those teachers that you'll always remember."Bill Wakefield, associate director of bands and ensembles, said he will be taking the position of overall band director. After 16 years at OU, Wakefield has seen how much of a student-centered person Thrailkill is. "He's sort of a watch dog for the students," Wakefield said. "He's very sensitive to how the students are being treated."Thrailkill has received numerous awards at OU. He was named a Regents' Professor in 1996, the highest faculty honor on the OU campus. He was also awarded the Associates Distinguished Lectureship by the OU Board of Regents and Administrator of the Year by the student government. "I was especially proud to receive the Sudler Trophy in 1987 for the nation's most outstanding marching band," Thrailkill said. "It meant a lot to me and my students."The Pride put together a commemorative album last year of Thrailkill's career, Harris said. The album included music from all the bands he conducted, quotes and interviews from different people he worked with in the last 30 years. The album is still being sold and given to people who donate money to The Pride. Thrailkill said he plans on staying in Norman with his wife, Karen, for his retirement. He hopes to travel around the country."I plan on doing whatever I feel like doing," Thrailkill said. "I'll miss teaching, but I'd like to relax for a while."The Wind Symphony, Symphony Band and Concert Band will also perform. A reception will follow the concert in Gothic Hall. Harris said the new director chosen for The Pride, Brian Britt, was also a member of The Pride in 1983."It'll be nice to have someone come in that already knows the pride and traditions of the OU band," Harris said. "I'm sure Britt will do a great job."hello there & you too
