New band director in tune with high school students Monday, October 02, 2006 • By DANIEL HAUSMANN • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | There's a new man behind the Stateliner band. Michael Godett took over as band director after Neil Boyer retired at the end of last year. The 25-year-old Indiana University graduate spent two years as an assistant with other high school bands. It was his time as one of Indiana's "Marching 100" that influenced Godett to make a career out of band. He calls Indiana band director Dave Woodley one of his mentors. Godett has immersed himself enough in Phillipsburg culture to refuse to say he is from Easton. He identified his hometown as Palmer Township. His new students say they miss his predecessor but find Godett easy to work with because of his age. "Mr. Boyer knew everything about the band," senior bells ringer Krystle Rush said. "But Mr. Godett knows more about what goes on in high school because he's closer to us in age." Taylor Deary, 17, the drum major, and captain of the band, said Godett brings fresh ideas. "It definitely helps that he knows where we are coming from," Deary said. "He was in our shoes not too long ago." Phillipsburg's band is 90-people strong. Of the 60 instrumentalists, only 10 are seniors. "I don't have as many as I thought I would with the old state of mind," Godett said. "It's very heavy in younger grades and younger kids have to get used to something new any way." The band is learning newer arrangements and newer music. Godett has worked more contemporary pieces into programs. Students had to get used to a newer style of teaching as well. "I focus more on little details," Godett said. "I nitpick things." Passing the baton Godett said he keeps in touch with Boyer, who lives in Nazareth. Boyer was part of the interview team when Godett applied for the job. "(Godett) was very personable and I liked his experience," Boyer said. "I felt this was a big job for whoever was taking it over." Boyer, 56, spends his time at home now with his wife. He said he is experiencing the shock and liberation of not being in the routine he maintained for 35 years. "For me it's going to take some getting accustomed to, sitting on the spectator side of the field," Boyer said. He has made appearances at band practices and performances. He watched his students at the Bangor band festival recently and talked with his former students after they scored "excellent" on their performance. "For me to leave the kids was really hard," Boyer said. "I try not to go back and be a hindrance to the new director." And while Boyer passed on the figurative conductor's baton to Godett, he did not give him the actual one. "I retired mine," Boyer said. "I have it in a shadow box." Reporter Daniel Hausmann can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at dhausmann@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used by NJ.com with permission.