Among the proud educators supporting students at the Alameda International High School Graduation is Andrew Cogswell, the Head of Instrumental Music and Marching Band Director. This year, he is also the honored faculty speaker for the AIHS graduation. Cogswell is known in the community for creating a marching band for AIHS and in two years turning it into a band of champions.

He recently spoke to the Jeffco Transcript about those wins, the students and what inspires him as an educator.

Jeffco Transcript: I heard you had an amazing two years. Can you tell me more about that?

Andrew Cogswell: Yes, we've been doing a lot of great things with our marching band. When I started Alameda, we had no marching band. I brought that program back and in the last few years, we were state finalists. Then we also took fifth place last year in the marching season. Then with our competitive indoor percussion, we just went to the state championship in our classification. So, we're doing some good things at Almeda.

JT: You had no marching band before? What made you start one?

AC: It's necessary. It's something that a school needs. It's something that a community needs. It's, you know, it's great for students. It's great for performing and that aspect of it. But more importantly, it provides community. It provides just so much for students and for our school.

JT: Would you consider marching band another avenue for scholarships and things like that?

AC: Absolutely, it is. It opens up a lot of doors in music specifically, but also a lot of other things. When colleges and when people see that you've done something like marching band or indoor percussion, you know, that shows that you're dedicated. It shows time management skills. It shows a lot of qualities that a lot of universities are looking for.

JTJ: And how did you manage to grow a music program? At a time when people are cutting music programs? What's your secret? What's the magic?

AC: The magic is you just gotta work. You just got to do it. We have an incredible admin in Alameda. We have incredible students, we have incredible parents, we have an incredible community. The support comes from everywhere. So, it's perseverance, it's persistence. It's loving the children. It's just, I don't look at it like it's a lot of work. And it really is something that I love to do. I love the community. I love what I get to do. I love my students. And it's the best. So, you know, there is no one secret. It really is just hard work, and keep doing what you love.

JT: So, where does all of this come from? What inspires you?

AC: Students, honestly. And, I'm going to keep coming back to the community. The community is unlike any other you're going to find. And the love and support look different here than in other communities. What we have, it’s something special. And so I love what I get to do, I love the people, I get to spend my time with at Alameda. It's a special blessing.

 For more information about the AIHS, Cogswell and the marching band program, check out the AIHS website.