Here's to You, Mr. Robinson

Washington-Lee teacher Alex Robinson conducts the band in "Pomp and Circumstance" during commencement. (Craig Cola For The Washington Post)

As part of an annual tradition, the seniors in Alex Robinson's music classes gave their teacher parting gifts before graduating from Washington-Lee High School.

A sleek Sony stereo system replaced Robinson's 10-year-old CD and cassette player, which was held together in some places by Scotch tape, and a gift certificate to a local restaurant will give him and his wife a night out on the town. But it was a black spiral scrapbook filled with photos and memorable quotes that brought the biggest smile to Robinson's face.

The quotes captured Robinson's humor, occasional moments of frustration and the engaging teaching style that has captivated students year after year.

"This is a marching band, not a crawling band."

"C'mon, trumpets, it sounds like you're falling down the stairs."

"You want to make the hair on the back of their necks raise up and do a flip-flop."

Shaking his head and smiling, Robinson read the words written in bright felt-tip pen.

"That's something that I'll treasure," he said. "I'll look back 10 or 15 years from now and get a chuckle out of that."

The gift seemed to provide some reassurance. His students, at least, had paid attention to him, even if that hadn't always appeared to be the case. On some of Robinson's worst days during the year, he found himself outside his classroom, having stormed out after confronting students about their lack of preparation. On the good days -- the best days -- he found himself witnessing improvements in their skills, however subtle, and grinning all the while.

It was a challenging school year from the start.

Graduation of more than 30 seniors the previous year required extensive work to enhance the skills of the remaining members of the marching and symphonic bands.

In addition, last fall's sniper shootings prompted cancellation of many sporting events and ruined the band's marching season. A recurring digestive problem forced Robinson to take a brief break from the daily challenges of teaching guitar classes, concert, jazz and symphonic bands. Multiple snowstorms forced additional cancellations of important concerts and performances.

But it turned out to be a memorable, if not triumphant, year for Robinson and many of the students. Some participated in sessions with professional musicians, including members of the U.S. Army Band's "Pershing's Own." After confronting multiple setbacks, the symphonic band won a championship trophy at the Virginia Beach-Williamsburg "Fiestaval" band competition March 28-29 in Newport News.

The concert band, jazz band and color guard also took first place in several categories, and the percussion ensemble won second place. Four students took top awards in various soloist contests.

The final semester ended when 17 of Robinson's students graduated last Thursday. Younger band members were already preparing to fill the void, playing "Pomp and Circumstance" in concert on the night their classmates accepted diplomas. Now, next year's juniors and seniors must set examples for incoming freshmen and continue the rebuilding cycle that characterizes high school music programs.

"They kind of get to you," Robinson said of his students. "I mean, you have these kids for four years. You watch them mature, you watch them grow up, you watch them go through their trials and tribulations, you watch them come in crying, you watch them leave happy. It is true when they say there's a band family."

Classes have ended, but many students said Robinson's lessons will stick with them.

A few weeks before his graduation, Brian Cruse, 17, a bass player in the symphonic and jazz bands, reflected on his experiences.

"Personally, I learned a lot over the past four years -- from other bass players, Mr. Robinson, the jazz practices," said Cruse, who plans to continue playing music while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. "You learn little things that you can take along with you for your future. I'll just use that and keep building. I plan to use it my whole life."

Stephanie Ramirez, 16, a sophomore clarinetist, has been playing music since sixth grade. Although she does not plan to continue playing in the band next year, she said the things Robinson taught her will carry over into other subjects.

"It's been great," Ramirez said . "Sometimes [Robinson] was a little intimidating, but he definitely gives us discipline, and that is something that will apply to all my classes."

Patricia Martinez, 18, who plays flute, said she didn't need convincing to continue studying music in Robinson's program.

"I think he is one of the best teachers I've ever had," she said. "Plus, I'll be a senior next year, and I'm really excited about that."