WESTMINSTER — In 1985, I began my career as music director at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, a charitable home and school serving children at risk or in need.
After 28 years, I still feel the same passion and motivation as the day I started. Every day, this work underscores my belief that, as a music educator, I am helping to improve lives and make the world a better place.
For students at Kurn Hattin, music is a powerful gift. Many have experienced unspeakable tragedy, poverty, homelessness, abuse, or neglect. Music provides a way to reach out and bring them into the fold, a chance for them to express their pain, to share their joy, and to know they have worth and that they are not alone.
I believe that every child should feel special and important: To many of our students, academic success is a stranger. Music helps them shine in ways they never knew they could.
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Breaking down barriers of self-doubt is a challenge, but with ample opportunities to perform and feel appreciated by an audience, they shine incredibly brightly.
A few years ago, a girl arrived in my program, vulnerable and self-conscious, told all her life that she would amount to nothing - believing that she was nothing.
Her love of music gave her the will to keep trying. After a few months, she sang with the choir to a full auditorium.
Fast forward to today, with her 8th-grade graduation around the corner: She is a top soloist on vocals and alto sax, and she looks forward to continuing her musical pursuits in high school and beyond.
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I believe that music is a unifying force with the power to transform lives.
Some years ago, four siblings entered our school. Their mother had passed away; their father was incarcerated. No other family members were willing or able to care for them. They grew up here, all learning to play various instruments in my program.
One of the proudest moments of my career came watching tears of joy stream down the face of their father, who was released from prison in time to see his kids perform together at our Christmas concert.
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I believe that every child is good enough to perform: It is the music educator's role to find the right fit, recognize each child's special talent, and help him or her build the confidence to share it with others. The goal of music education should be to develop in each child a love of music that they carry with them the rest of their lives.
I believe that all children should have the opportunity to express themselves through music: Music education is an invaluable part of school programming. It teaches patience, diligence, and persistence, and it draws out profound courage and resilience, particularly in children at risk.
As music educators, we must advocate for our programs and strive for greater public awareness of the vast rewards of music education.