It would be difficult to give The Moss Project a "born on" date. In 2016, a group of Bowling Green State University College of Musical Arts alumni, current and former colleagues of Bruce Moss, and others, began corresponding about the efforts that were under way to demote Bruce Moss from his position as Director of Bands at Bowling Green State University, and to pass that role to Ken Thompson without a search or transparent selection process.
Each discussion involved semi-humorous terminology such as "the scheme" "the illegitimate successor project," “the coronation,” and others. A number of actions came to life. Hundreds of documents obtained from open records requests were passed around. Over time, the group began to informally reference the entire saga as "The Moss Project." As conversations moved into the subject of Moss's retirement, the name took on new meaning. It seemed only natural to keep it when a limited liability corporation was formed in January, 2024.
"But really, when?"
Aside from the controversial elements, it has been no secret that Bruce Moss must retire from BGSU at some point. Discussions surrounding the potential times and circumstances began in 2014, following news that BGSU Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Falcon Marching Band and Athletic Bands Dr. Carol Hayward, was to retire. Variations on a common theme - "And what about you, Dr. Moss?" - the questions went. They were always answered with a Moss-like ambiguous reply.
What you see here is the outgrowth of years of wondering, speculating, surreptitious (ok…sneaky) efforts to get so much as a hint from Bruce Moss and the people who know him best about when he might end his time at BGSU. We even thought of bribing his dog for information.
All we could do was spend time putting together as many articles and artifacts from across Dr. Moss's career as we possibly could. And waiting. Lots of waiting. Admittedly, we went a bit far with a logo, icon, and animated banner. But it was just so much fun. ;)
Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects...
The Ohio Constitution
The Purpose
The purpose of The Moss Project, LLC is twofold: The first is to organize resources and people in the assembly and publication of articles and artifacts from across the career of Bruce Moss. A celebratory purpose. And one that is ongoing. To serve as a type of repository for materials and recollections from Dr. Moss's career. The second purpose is to exercise truth in publishing. The intent of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is clear with regard to freedom of speech. And it will be exercised on this site in the future. Truth is coming.
Eventually, we'll get to stories you've heard so much about over the last several years. But the second purpose must follow the first. Back to the tribute and celebrations. Bruce Moss is still the Director of Bands at BGSU and on his way to wrapping up nearly 30 years of service at BGSU and a 48 year career in teaching. At least, it seems he's wrapping it up. You never know what he has planned. For now, this is the moment for congratulations. To remember and to celebrate.