George Tullos Teaches "How to Succeed in Life" in his San Antonio ISD Band Hall

An hour-long assembly program to honor George Tullos, band director at Longfellow Middle School, brought dozens of admirers from the education community. Speakers with testimonials about Mr. Tullos included current students from all three grades, former students, the Band Booster Club president, two school board members and two administrators. The message was the same - this teacher, band director and role model has touched so many lives because he teaches more than playing a band instrument in his classroom.

His philosophy includes two parts: As a band director he teaches his students to play an instrument proficiently - this obviously is very successful because his bands have won sweepstakes at UIL competition for the past six years. As a teacher, he says it's his mission to set the best example in the areas of integrity, character and citizenship. He wants his students to carry these qualities into every area of their lives and apply it in their future education. His goal is for each of them "to grow up to be good people - good citizens that make positive contributions to their communities."

Administrators say Mr. Tullos' band students are easy to identify on campus because they have confidence, show respect to others, demonstrate character and are willing to work hard. They are concrete examples of Mr. Tullos' success. Does he like his job? Mr. Tullos says this isn't a job to him - it's a passion.