I was humbled and honored to have been invited to participate on this famous NPR classical music program which travels the country and features the most gifted young musicians that can be found in our country. This particular episode, recorded in front of 2,500 teachers at the National Education Association's annual conference, allowed each of the performing musicians to give a special "shout out" to teachers who have been important in their development. I was brought out on stage - in a largely symbolic move by the producers - as an example of a "teacher who makes a difference." And - in all honestly - being put in this position ... that is representing so many teachers across our country who 'make a difference' ... was more nerve-racking than the actual performance of the narration I was asked to read.
One of the things that made this opportunity particularly meaningful for me was that the music, Stravinsky's 'Histoire du Soldat', was the piece of music I studied for the final in my Advanced Conducting course with Mr. Paynter as a Northwestern University undergraduate. And Mr. Paynter was of course my greatest mentor as a music teacher.
The host of the show, pianist Christopher O'Riley, asked me a question that gave me the opportunity to name another teacher who was influential in my life as I studied Music Education in college, and that was Don Casey - who now serves s the Dean of the School of Music at DePaul University. I shared with the audience tonight that I remember one of my first music education classes with Dr. Casey, and that he began the class by writing this on the board:
Music teacher / music Teacher
I believe Dr. Casey did this with the intention of challenging our thinking about education: Are we teachers who focus solely on music? Or, are we musicians who teach learners, through the conduit of music?
I shared with the audience tonight that I believe we are all fortunate - regardless of our subject matter - to have the privilege of walking in a classroom and being a small part of shepherding students along their journey. I don't know if that part of the interview will make the final show - or if it will hit the proverbial cutting room floor - but it did draw applause from the teachers attending the NEA convention.
I was also proud that NPR sought to highlight the Illinois Music Educator's Association "All State Music Composition Contest," which I have had the pleasure of leading for the past six years. I've taken many cues from this NPR broadcast over the years as we've fashioned our own "Composer Showcase Concert" at the Illinois Music Educator's Conference.
The seven musicians from the Merit School that made up the ensemble 'Septacular' were some of the most inspiring young artists I've ever had the opportunity to rub elbows with. I'm sure they will sound great on the broadcast, but I so wish the world could see what those in the audience - myself included - experienced tonight. I don't believe I've ever seen a chamber ensemble with better communication skills on stage. The seven musicians stood in a semi-circle and hardly ever looked at their music. The non-verbal cuing, the eye contact with one another, and the dance-like movements of their bodies exuded exemplary musicianship. Again, the best word I can think of: inspiring.
