He believes in music

While brainstorming his Eagle Scout Project, Flower Mound resident Matt Tuggle wanted to do something long-lasting with personal significance to him.

He chose to do a benefit concert and instrument drive because, “music has influenced me so much that I wanted to provide that joy for other people.”

Working with Rob Myers, Director of Instrumental Music for Dallas ISD and former FMHS Band Director, Tuggle focused his attention on Lincoln High School.

At Lincoln, Kevin Smith was actively trying to build the band program.  Smith, a Lincoln HS graduate, also played trumpet in the band.  A few years ago, he returned to LHS to rebuild the program which, at the time, consisted of only 12 students.  Now, the program has grown to approximately 85 students. 

With additional band participants came the requirement of additional instruments and the need for many more school-owned instruments.

In addition to hosting an instrument drive, Tuggle scheduled a benefit concert, held at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound on May 18.  Tuggle coordinated all aspects of the concert and instrument drive, and he rallied numerous FMHS Band friends to play for the program.

All together, the effort raised just over $3500 and 20 pre-owned instruments were collected.  Donated funds allowed for the purchase of six more items, as well as the reconditioning of the donated instruments.

Tuggle happily delivered the donated band instruments to Smith at Lincoln High School in July, in time for band camp.  At this time last year, one-third of the Lincoln band students had no instrument to play.  His project brought them 20 newly refurbished horns and woodwinds to play plus and entirely new drumline.

Tuggle, 16, is a member of Troop 451 in Lewisville and will be a junior at Flower Mound High School this fall.

While a student at Donald Elementary School, Tuggle joined Cub Scout Pack 114.  As a sixth grader, he moved into Boy Scout troop 451 and began playing tenor trombone at Forestwood Middle School under the direction of Debra Haburay and Bruce Faske.  Tuggle continued playing trombone at Flower Mound High School under the direction of Brent Biskup and Justin Cook. Using a school-owned trombone his sophomore year, Tuggle was honored to be a member of the All-State Band.

“Perseverance, attention to detail, work ethic…these are all things I’ve learned with both Scouts and band,” said Tuggle.