If your kid can sing...

Today was a beautiful day in West Texas. There's a hint of fall in the air, and everyone is busy with new classes and activities. It's definitely time for "back to school" mode, and for us that means "back to singing!" 

I spent most of the summer working with music teachers from all over the country, including many from Lubbock and our surrounding West Texas communities. As always, I was inspired by the dedication of these amazing musician/educators. The teachers I met spent their "time off" in rigorous, challenging and intense two-week courses of study; classes and rehearsals by day, homework and practice by night! All this, while juggling their families and busy schedules at the same time! Why do they do it?

Because as hard as it may be, it's the challenge of becoming the very best they can be: the best musicians, the best teachers, and best role models for the kids they will see this year in the classroom. From Kindergarten through High School, whether it's classroom music, choir, band, orchestra, piano, mariachi, guitar . . . you name it and there are music teachers out there trying to find ways to make music available and meaningful for kids. 

Teaching can be a tough job, it's true. But there are certain people who, despite lunch duty, test monitoring, limited conference periods or double classes with 65 kindergarteners in a portable classroom, still look forward to this time of year. There are new songs and games to learn, and old favorites to share with this year's kids. And there is an incomparable feeling of pride and delight in knowing that for some kids, music will be the best thing about their day. That's the goal of the music teachers I know, anyway, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to know them, to learn from them and to be inspired in my own teaching. 

So, if you have a moment one day, stop by and say hello to the music teacher at your kids' school. Maybe bring a cupcake. :) And . . .

Have a great week!