Ambrosia Jackson: DHS instructor has become a jazz standard

As Denton High School students make their way to lunch, music emanates from a room down the hall - a sound you wouldn't have heard before Jesse Woolery came to DHS five years ago.

Woolery, the jazz band instructor, who was named the school's teacher of the year in January, has seen his program grown from five students to 60.

"Being named teacher of the year was a huge honor," Woolery said. "I wasn't expecting to get this award - all I do each and every day is try to make myself a better educator."

His easy-going personality and calm demeanor have been responsible for drawing many kids to the band.

"I think it's partially my personality, and the music that drives kids to the jazz band," Woolery said "I just want kids to know that we have a big family here at DHS, and they should come and be a part of it."

His band students feel the same about Woolery as they do their music.

"He's the reason we're so good," sophomore Truett Ide said. "He's so passionate; we can feel his greatness. We're the best because he's the best. He definitely deserves the award."

Band director Brian Wilson also knows how important Woolery is to him and his program - all he has to do is see how the program has grown.

"He's extremely [important]," Wilson said. "He makes sure everyone goes one step at a time, and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this award.

"He makes my job easier. If he sees a problem, he does everything in his power to fix it and is always open to new ways of thinking."

Students said that if Woolery hadn't come to the rescue, the jazz band could still be floundering like it was five years ago.

"He's vital to the band, and without him, we'd still be a four-person band, maybe less," sophomore Seth Cope said. "This program was going nowhere, and no one wanted to be a part of it before he came."

AMBROSIA JACKSON is senior at Denton High School and a participant in the Record-Chronicle's "Speak Out Loud" writing program for student journalists.