This poem, written by Russ Haag, appeared in The Instrumentalist magazine years ago. I clipped it then, long before the days when we all could easily scan items and share them with the world. I post the poem here for all of my friends in the band world.

Before his retirement, Russ was an outstanding middle school band director in Brewton, Alabama. Russ and I have talked about the popularity of this take-off on a Christmas classic. It makes him glad to know his poem is still circulating.

Update: I first composed this post in 2012 and pinned the image of the poem to Pinterest. This poem has been repinned more than any of my pins. During the holiday season, not a day goes by that I don’t receive an email letting me know someone has repinned it. I have added a new feature image to the post and present Russ Haag’s “The Night Before Christmas for the Band Director” for your enjoyment.