Paul Buyer, professor of music and director of percussion at Clemson University, has always been influenced by sports and books on leadership, culture, excellence, teamwork, success and program building.
In 2012, his book Working Toward Excellence was published. The book identifies eight values for achieving excellence to assist others. Following the success of his first publication, Buyer is working on a second edition set to be published in 2025.
Buyer’s initial inspiration for his book started after a ‘pretty good but not excellent’ percussion ensemble performance. Leading up to the concert, students were described as apathetic. They were arriving late and not making progress. Afterward, one student confessed his lack of confidence and preparation to Buyer, who then went home and reflected on how this happened.
“It was an uneasy feeling that still sits with me today,” Buyer said. “But it also inspired me to think bigger, creatively, and turn things around. While I couldn’t control what already happened, I could control my response. Working Toward Excellence was that response to what was missing in our culture, actions, and performance.”
Following the initial publication, Working Toward Excellence was gifted to Clemson transfer students and students on academic probation. Buyer was invited to speak at Transfer Orientation, Success Matters Workshops, Bridge Convocations and the Clemson Coaches Council.
“My first invitation to speak was for the Clemson University Coaches Council, a meeting with all the coaches from every sport to share ideas on leadership, culture, and success. Clemson’s athletic director at the time, Terry Don Phillips, had a daughter in the Clemson marching band and was a friend and supporter of the band program. When Dr. Phillips asked me to speak to the Coaches Council about my book, I eagerly accepted! I knew being on stage in front of all the coaches would be like entering the lion’s den. What could I, a music professor, possibly have to say about excellence that the coaches didn’t already know? Would I be able to connect with them? Would I be able to hold my own? Although I was experiencing imposter syndrome, there was a reason I was invited to speak. Not only had Dr. Phillips read my book, but he also wrote a testimonial for the back cover and believed his coaches would benefit from what I had to say. He believed in the book, and he believed in me. I wanted to prove him right and did everything in my power to prepare and add value to his coaches.”
-Paul Buyer, an excerpt from the second edition of Working Toward Excellence
Buyer’s work with Ball State University, University of Arizona and Clemson University marching bands over the last 30 years has also allowed him to travel to National Championship games, the College Football Playoffs and multiple bowl games around the country.
The new second edition will feature the latest research, fresh stories, and two new ‘non-negotiables’ for achieving uncommon success: simplicity and sacrifice, according to Buyer.
“I would say I am most looking forward to the second edition reaching a new audience, as well as those loyal readers who read the first edition and are excited about the new book,” said Buyer.
Working Toward Excellence will be on display at RECESS, the Institute’s inaugural sports science research symposium. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5-8 p.m. in the Madren Center’s Grand Ballroom. To RSVP to this event, click here.
To purchase Buyer’s first edition, click one of the following links: Working Toward Excellence – indiepubs or Amazon.
