Today something pretty amazing happened to me. As many of you know, I’m very involved in all levels of the band program in the West Bend School District and one of my favorite things to do is community outreach. Two years ago I started helping with the 5th grade beginner band camps, the faculty made of music teachers and high school helpers get the incoming 5th graders ready for their first day of band class by teaching them how to put their instruments together, how to make a noise, and how to play the first few notes.
All things that ordinary musicians take for granted. But today, I had one of the most rewarding experiences a “teacher” can have.
While doing a community outreach project at the West Bend Public Library for the Kettle Moraine Symphony Orchestra this morning a girl from the most recent camp was in the audience. I recognized her and said hello before the presentation started and I saw her face light up when I remembered her name and started asking her questions about band. After the presentation the kids got to try out the instruments we had provided, and the girl approached me and started talking about all the things they’ve learned and how much fun she was having.
While that was great and I was truly happy to see that she was having an amazing time in band, she then played a scale and what must have been something she was playing in band. After she was done playing she looked to me in search of a reaction. I couldn’t believe what she had played for me was only a few short months of work after the camp. I was so proud of her and I could tell in her eyes she was proud too.
I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that moment, to see someone you’ve helped succeed so greatly. It’s a moment I will truly cherish forever because she will never know how much it inspired me and confirmed my belief that music education is really what I want to devote my life to.
Thank you Meredith. Keep playing. ?