Bryan Buffaloe is one of the most inspirational teachers at Clear Lake High School. Buffaloe has been teaching for more than 20 years at Clear Lake and the other 10 years at other schools, he has led the school’s orchestra program, guided generations of students, and helped shape many musical journeys. Known for his dedication and passion, Mr. Buffaloe has encouraged countless young musicians to continue playing and progressing on their instruments. This year, he has decided to retire and move on to the next chapter of his life.
Throughout his career, Mr. Buffaloe has done more than teach music. He has built a centralized program focused on discipline, teamwork, and personal growth for students. Students say the orchestra program is a place where they are challenged to improve, while also experiencing an energetic and fun atmosphere.
In a recent interview, Mr. Buffaloe shared one of his most outstanding orchestra competition memories: “Our 2014 State Auto Orchestra Championship in San Antonio. That was my most memorable senior class and probably one of the most unforgettable musical experiences I’d ever had. We also went to Nationals in New York and won that year, too.” Experiences and the memories he shares show how proud he is of his work as a teacher at Clear Lake High School.
Under his direction, the orchestra program consistently works toward prominent levels of performance, reflecting the kind of excellence seen in organizations like the Texas Music Educators Association, which hosts prestigious events such as the Honor Orchestra competition. Programs across Texas strive to reach this level, and directors like Mr. Buffaloe play a significant role in preparing students for that kind of success.
Students describe Mr. Buffaloe as demanding and diligent, but also an extremely caring teacher who has always pushed them to be their best. Mr. Buffaloe has won 11 awards for High School Strings and 6 awards for Full Orchestra, which equals a staggering total of 17 awards in the honors orchestra category.
Beyond concerts and competitions, Mr. Buffaloe’s biggest impact has been the relationships he has built with his students. Whether staying after school to help a student with a difficult piece of music or encouraging and talking with someone who was ready to quit the music program, he has made a lasting difference in many lives.
As he prepares to step away from his teaching career as a remarkable orchestra director, Mr. Buffaloe took some time to reflect on his time at Clear Lake High School and answer some different questions from students to learn more about his background as an orchestra director. Students asked him if there were any certain musical pieces he was not going to be able to conduct due to his retirement this year. He replied with an amazing
response, “ Yes. There is. It’s by Tchaikovsky. It’s called Francesca de Romani. The Texas All-State Orchestra played it in 1995, and I remember being in awe of that performance and thinking, one of these days, I want to do that piece, but it’s so hard. I’ve never had.”
Retirement marks the end of an era, and it is the end of Mr. Buffaloe’s career as Clear Lake High School’s Orchestra Director. His influence will continue through the students he has inspired and the program he helped to build. Mr. Buffaloe wanted to leave some parting words of wisdom for students just starting their orchestra career: “They are going to have to have patience and commitment and endurance and realize that it’s not going to happen quickly. And they are going to have to really take the opportunity, be dedicated, and want to be good in order to be successful.” Mr. Buffaloe’s legacy will continue at Clear Lake High School, as the music he taught with so much expertise and passion will live on.