By: Evi Fromm

Music is an element of life that almost every person can partake in. It is something that people can bond over or use as a coping mechanism. For music director Barb Siler, however, it is a way of life.

“I was one of those kids who spent every waking moment in the band room,” Siler said. “I practiced hard, and I loved to play, so I was a member of everything from marching band to the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.”

Siler is a 1982 graduate of Beavercreek High School and earned her Master’s in Music Education from Wright State University. While attending Beavercreek, she learned how to play the clarinet, but before that, her mother taught her how to play the piano.

On October 31, 1988, Siler began her journey at Bellbrook as a teacher and since then has worked with countless students. She has been one of the constants that Bellbrooks music has had for the last 35 years.

“One senior class from not too long ago had four different head marching band directors in four years,” Siler said. “That’s a lot for anyone to handle!”

Throughout her time here, Siler has watched the music department change as people come through and graduate.

In 1998, the Bellbrook Marching Eagles were chosen to go march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

“I was so proud of our tiny little school being accepted, first of all,” Siler said. “And then to actually make the trip and be a part of the electric atmosphere that is New York at Thanksgiving was just incredible. Nothing like a family Thanksgiving dinner with your 300-person band family!¨

“At one point, 1/3 of the student body was in the marching band!” Siler said. “These days, we are a little smaller but still have that goal of excellence in everything we do. We work super hard but also have a good time.”

What has kept Mrs. Siler at Bellbrook for the last 35 years? Siler made it clear that the sense of community within the students and people of Bellbrook has made Bellbrook music her second home. She considers every student that has been under her direction to be her kid.

“The band has been my life for way more than half my life. I love watching them all grow up and become amazing people. I’m so proud of each of them!”