by Elizabeth Wordsmith

Created on: May 04, 2008

The teacher who most influenced my life and my work ethic was my band director in high school. Though I did not go on to making music a career, this teacher impacted my approach to every challenge in life. He taught his students to have pride in everything they do, to work hard, and to not accept less than the best from themselves.

Paul Behm was the director of the Mason City High School Symphonic Band and an instrumental music instructor for many years. He dedicated his life and career to promoting band programs and instrumental music instruction in the high school. He was a charter member of the American School Band Directors Association and President from 1964-1965, and he was also inducted into the Iowa Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

What a privilege it was to be a student of his and to be a part of the Mason City High School Symphonic Band! Mr. Behm was not only a dedicated teacher and band director, but an inspirer. He challenged every student to rise to excellence and to accept nothing less.

I remember hearing the MCHS Symphonic Band play during the annual North Iowa parade as they marched down the street playing Seventy Six Trombones. What a thrill that was! My sister played the flute and piccolo in the band in high school. So I was again inspired when I attended her concerts. Somehow I just had to be a part of that. So, I was inspired to take up a musical instrument.

Although I would not consider myself a superior horn player, I worked hard and played passably well. Finally I advanced enough to be able to move up from concert band to symphonic band. The excellence of Mr. Behm's program made it prestigious to be a part of. We all worked hard to deserve our place. And Mr. Behm insisted on good preparation. If I hadn't practiced, I would try to slink past his office. However, he always knew. There were no squeaks or squawks or out-of-sync playing allowed to pass by without correcton. If you didn't know your music, you might be called upon by Mr. Behm to play your part solo in front of the entire band.

Mr. Behm was a teacher that students revered and respected. He was always dressed well in a suit and tie and had a certain aura of dignity about him. If you were his student, you didn't want to disappoint him nor be the cause of a less than stellar performance. when Mr. Behm gave praise, it was well earned and deserved and made the recipients feel the glow of achievement.

Being a part of his band was status in high school. Mr. Behm taught

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