Eric Gallaway began his teaching career in Marietta in the fall of 1993. Now, 33 years and
hundreds of students later, he’s retiring.
A lot of people don’t know this, but Gallaway and his wife Danise moved to Marietta more for her
than for him. Gallaway was finishing his master’s degree at Eastern New Mexico University
when he found out through Danise’s Love County family grapevine that there was an opening
for a band director at Marietta.
“Danise wanted to go to OU for their Piano Pedagogy program. We looked at it and thought a
commute up I-35 was doable,” Gallaway remembered. “I interviewed, got an offer, and we
moved to Marietta.”
Gallaway moved into the band room, located behind the auditorium, right next to the choir room,
and Gallaway soon formed one of the closest friendships of his life with Suzanna Reed, who
was the choir director.
“Suzanna became my dear friend, Danise’s dear friend, my prayer partner, and a second mother
to our kids,” said Gallaway. “When I had to leave town early or be gone late, she would take
care of Addison and Aldan. We would often pray over each of our families, students, and each
other as we traveled through various stages and stresses of life.”
Gallaway is one of very few teachers in the school system who has the privilege and duty of
taking students as sixth graders in beginning band, which can be tough on the ears, and then
teaching them and watching them grow through high school band as they learn to create
beautiful music.
It takes someone with a great deal of patience and kindness, as well as the ability to be an
encourager, to do that. And for 33 years, Gallaway has been that person on Marietta’s campus.
He’s worked with six superintendents, five middle school principals, ten high school principals,
and who knows how many other teachers, support staff members, and school board members.
He’s also been to more football games in the past three decades than just about anybody on
campus.
“If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard or played our school fight song, I could’ve retired ten
years ago,” laughed Gallaway. “I’ve also logged in the tens of thousands of miles driving a
school bus.”
One of Gallaway’s best memories occurred one night when the Indians were playing Davis.
“I got a penalty for playing too loud and supporting our team, but annoying the mighty Davis
Wolves,” Gallaway smiled. “That was the best game ever.”
Gallaway even taught his own children, both for six years. His son Aldan earned music
scholarships and a spot in the drumline in the ECU band. Amazingly, they all have great
memories of those times.
The unique thing is that out of all the people who’ve worked with Gallaway or played in one of
his bands, it’s hard to find people who have anything bad to say about him. In fact, the opposite
is true.
“Eric Gallaway has the patience of a saint,” said one former colleague. “For all those years of
beginning band, he should have so many stars in his heavenly crown he can’t hold his head up!”
“Eric has always been a good band director, a good co-worker, and one of the best men I’ve
ever known,” said another.
When former students are asked to describe Mr. Gallaway, they use words like kind, humble,
well-organized, consistent, patient, understanding, and encouraging. Many call him a good role
model and leader. One had this to say:
“Mr. Gallaway’s ability to turn sixth grade chaos into polished halftime performances will
certainly earn him a place in Marietta School’s history books.”
Superintendent Brandi Naylor has worked with Gallaway for years, and she, too, recognizes his
value.
“People say that no one is irreplaceable, but Mr. Gallaway comes close,” she said. “For more
than 30 years, he has invested much of his life into his students and this school district, and it
will be difficult to find someone who has not only his talent and rapport with students, but also
with his commitment to the district.”
Naylor did add that Gallaway helped the district find his replacement, who will be starting fresh
out of college.
In 1995, shortly after Gallaway joined the staff at MPS, a movie called “Mr. Holland’s Opus” was
released. In the movie, a musician named Glenn Holland, played by Richard Dreyfuss, takes a
job teaching music to make ends meet. His intent is for teaching to be of secondary importance
while he writes a great symphony. He ends up spending 30-years as a teacher, realizing that his
true masterpiece, or his opus, is the impact that he has had on his students.
Almost every long-term teacher writes an opus with their career. So what’s Gallaway’s?
Interestingly enough, he did write and arrange several of the tunes that marching band has
played at pep rallies and football games. He also brought to Marietta several traditions, like
forming the big “M” on the field for the national anthem and transitioning into the spirit line. But
ultimately, in Gallaway’s eyes, his opus is in the lives of the students he has worked with.
“I’ve always thought that students have to find success and be connected somewhere,” he
explained. “Sometimes it’s athletics, or ag, or academics, but often it is music. In band we start
every kid, every event – and no one sits on the bench. Our kids are integral to the vibe of
football games, pep rallies, and parades.
“But beyond playing music and marching, band is great for teaching teamwork, discipline,
responsibility, and confidence. Hopefully, I have given kids opportunities to be successful.”
The proof that Gallaway has helped his students succeed is definitely in the pudding. During his
tenure, he has taken students to state contest every year. His students have received accolades
and awards in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. His band grads have gone on to earn chairs in
Southeastern District Honor bands, South Central District honor bands, Oklahoma Small School
All-State bands, OKME All-State bands, and OKMEA All-State Jazz bands. Under Gallaway’s
tutelage, students have earned in excess of $100,000 in scholarships, and several of those
former students are band directors or professional musicians in Oklahoma and Texas. It’s this
body of work that is Gallaway’s opus – his major masterpiece.
In his retirement, Gallaway has a few plans, and one of them is to have a little more control
over his personal schedule.
“I have missed every school reunion and a lot of family time because during football season,
marching band is every weekend,” he said. “Being able to slip away on a Friday for a few days
and enjoy the fall colors would be nice.”