Spotlight: Kyle Cook (LA '24)

Louisiana Milken Educator Kyle Cook (LA ‘24) is a band director and mentor teacher at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana. Cook inspires students through his dynamic band program, where more than half the student body will participate in 2025-26. His innovative teaching connects music with core subjects, fostering academic and personal growth while holding students to high standards. Cook received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 5, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: More than of Maplewood Middle School’s students are expected to participate in band this school year. As band director, what strategies do you use to make music education so widely appealing and accessible to a diverse group of learners?

Maplewood Middle School is a small community, and building and maintaining relationships has fueled the increase in band participation. While accessibility is important, the real catalyst is relationships. Throughout the year, I visit fifth grade students to showcase instruments and establish early connections. In our close-knit community, many students have siblings who already know me, so they’re excited to meet me. This comes from making sure all students, whether they join band or not, have a positive experience with me throughout middle school. I’m always willing to listen and help, which strengthens those bonds. Once they join the program, students develop a strong sense of pride and are eager to work hard for the band. My fellow band director and I also ensure every child keeps up with the curriculum. If a student starts to fall behind, we take the time to catch up with them so they can stay positive and feel successful in class.

MFF: You’ve found creative ways to connect music to core academic subjects, like math. Can you share an example of how integrating academic content into your music lessons deepens student understanding in both areas?

Musical rhythms are a great way to connect students to math skills. We use groupings, fractions, and identify symbols associated with numbers. These rhythms provide a new way to explore numerical relationships, especially with fractions in music. Reading music requires counting with precision and using math skills to ensure everyone plays the right note at the exact right time. We need those math skills to get nearly 170 middle school students to play together in sync!

MFF: Your leadership extends far beyond your classroom. From mentoring new teachers to founding ensembles like the All-City Jazz Band. What drives your commitment to building musical opportunities, both within your school and across your community?

A major focus in my career has been advocating for music education at community, district and state levels. Mentoring new teachers and creating performance groups like the All-City Jazz Band help promote a positive image of music education. Supporting new teachers helps with their success and retention, which is something we need more of. Groups like All-City Jazz give students who are really invested in band more chances to perform. And being in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz, it’s especially meaningful to expose young minds to this powerful musical tradition. My drive is always centered on students and making sure they have access to rich, positive musical experiences.

MFF: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

Surprised and honored. It’s hard to believe someone all the way in California could notice me working in my little band hall in Southwest Louisiana. I come to work every day simply trying to make sure my students enjoy their experience. To have someone recognize that effort made me feel truly special. I honestly can’t put into words how honored I am to receive this incredible award.

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

They were so proud of me! Even students not in the band came up to congratulate me. I still remember the cheer when my name was announced—I’d never heard the gym that loud before. One special moment came later that day in class. I always greet my students at the door, and many came in high-fiving and cheering. But then, one of my quiet trombone players walked in, smiled, and said, “I want to be a teacher now.” My student teacher and I looked at each other and smiled. That simple sentence was the most heartfelt moment of all. I love my students, and being able to show them the beauty of music and the nobility of teaching is a dream come true.

MFF: How did you end up in education?

I’ve always been drawn to helping others. In high school, I considered becoming a math or science teacher. But when I thought about who had the biggest impact on my life, it was my band directors. They made me a stronger person, musician, and citizen. They taught me more about life than anyone else, and I’m forever grateful. I hope to one day make as big of an impact on my students as they made on me.

MFF: How do you define “success” for yourself, and for your students?

Success for my students, my program, and myself is defined by the experience we create over the year. Did we grow as musicians, and as people? The biggest personal success for me is asking, “Did I create an advocate for music?” I know not every student will become a professional musician, but they can all leave as advocates for music in schools and for the Comet Band. I want them to look back at their journey with pride and joy. Sure, we won trophies and medals, but did they learn something about life along the way?

MFF: Who are your role models in education and music?

All of my previous directors and music teachers helped shape my path. I always felt they believed in me and wanted the best for me. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, where the most growth happens. My junior high directors gave me strong fundamentals and excitement. My high school directors showed me what I could accomplish through discipline and leadership. College opened my eyes to what high-level collaboration can achieve, and my professors at McNeese gave me the tools I needed to start my career strong.

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

I hope they look back on their middle school band experience with pride and joy. Pride in their hard-earned accomplishments, and joy in the relationships and music we created together. Will they tell funny Mr. Cook stories around a campfire one day? I hope so! One thing we always say in my band is: “Never settle for less than your best!”

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

Right now, I’m starting to work more with state-level music educators. I was named the Bandmaster of the Year by the Louisiana Bandmasters Association and had the chance to clinic the symphonic band. We put together a full concert in just 10 hours of rehearsal over 24 hours! I want to branch out even more—sharing ideas, techniques and mentorship across the state. We are better when we BAND together.