Photograph by Photo by Ted Hayes

Frank Sampson, Elkton Middle School’s band teacher since last fall and a graduate of Page County High School and James Madison University, is glad to be back in his home area.

And he’s glad to be teaching music to young people.

“The best thing about teaching band is helping students ‘get it,’” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”

And he likes the place he’s in. “It’s nice to be a part of the community where you grew up. My Mom would love me to move back in with her and Dad in Shenandoah” — a move which Sampson is not contemplating.

Sampson graduated from PCHS just a decade ago, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in music, from JMU in 2004. His JMU band experience included being Drum Major for the school’s marching band. After graduation, Sampson started his first job teaching band at Rockbridge County High School in Lexington.

But five years later, when EMS’ long-time band director, Linda Ervin, retired, he jumped at the chance to be back.

“The great thing about being here is the support from the community. It’s a ‘village’ thing,” Sampson said, recalling the African adage that it takes a village to raise a child — or support a teacher.

Sampson is an accomplished trumpet player in his own right, and still plays with the Staunton group known as the Sto...

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