Music that Describes Dr. John
Dr. John Carlisle was nominated by his colleague, Catherine Fisher.
"Dr. Carlisle is driven, caring, and selfless," said Fisher. "He inherited a poor, rural band program in a 7-12 trauma school. On his first day, he had four students with no experience in band and little to no equipment. The crash cymbals did not match, and their handles were Wal-Mart Bags. Five years later, the program has over 70 members, 33% of the student body. The band has received state and national awards. Dr. Carlisle is receiving state and national attention on creating a band program in a trauma-filled poor rural school."
"Dr. Carlisle has raised money through donations and grants of over $120,000 for equipment. All students have new horns to play on, even if they cannot afford them. The band is now the community's pride and has been accepted to travel to Hawaii for the 2025 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade as the Official Representative of the State of West Virginia," said Fisher. "Dr. Carlisle is not only changing student lives but also changing the lives of a community and giving them a sense of pride."
Dr. Carlisle , was a great mentor for all four of my children ,when he was in Cincinnati.
To Whom It May Concern;
JR Carlisle was my high school band director from 1993-1996. He put our little Greeneview High School Band, in Jamestown, Ohio on the map back then as well. He was direct; but truly loves what he does. You could see the passion he has for band and the students he teaches day in and day out throughout the stand of time. Although at the time, he really made me mad, he has earned my utmost respect as an adult and I am truly blessed to have gotten to experience his expertise as a band instructor all those years ago. Mr. Carlisle, I greatly appreciate the life lessons I learned all those years ago.
Sincerely,
Jessica M. (Deer) Simmons
I started band at Hannan playing the flute, Mr Carlise has been nothing but a great band director to me, I'm always so happy to say I'm apart of the Hannan band :)
Dr. Carlisle has made life changing opportunities in the lives of so many students. His “there is no reason we can’t” attitude is what this school has lacked. It is amazing to see the difference one person can make. He deserves this award.
As a former student from Hannan, I can say Dr.Carlisle has made an inspirational change to the school and the community. For years Hannan was the “redheaded stepchild” of the county; students, staff, & members of the community all talked down on the small rural school. However, Dr. Carlisle saw potential that no one else could see; let alone have the courage to take a risk to move mountains for Hannan. Of course he didn’t do it alone and he’ll be the first to tell you that. He tells everyone “it’s the kids” who made this all happen. Yes, that’s true to an extent but he did & continues to do so much behind the scenes that he won’t openly take credit for; because to him it’s not about getting praise from people in & outside of the community, it’s about watching these kids grow, become passionate, confident, & more motivated to make & be the change with hard work. He has taken a small band with little to no funding and turned it into not only the largest percentile for students in a school band, but he gave something to the kids & the community that no one has ever had before; confidence.
When you look at these kids, despite the hardships they go through they shine with confidence more than ever in Hannan history. I could go more depth about how amazing J.R. Carlisle is but I believe the work shows itself & will continue to do so. To his band kids & our community he’s a hero; a true inspiration.
Can’t say enough about how this guy has invested in his kids & raised the bar for excellence at this little country high school in WVa. His legacy will be his students whose horizons are forever broadened by his influence!
Dr. Carlisle’s love of music and his desire to share his talent has transformed a group of young people. Not only are 33% of the student body participating, but they’re succeeding in competitions against peer from larger schools. In addition, his vision is providing opportunities for travel for kids that might never have the chance to leave their community.
Dr. Carlisle is truly a God send to Hannan! My daughter will be a Junior in the band program and has worked with him since she was in the 5th grade! He truly loves the kids and wants only to see them succeed! He has specific standards he hold for his students, but also is kind and compassionate to each student and their individual needs! Dr. Carlisle deserves this award because he has, and will continue to change numerous lives!
