March 2006                                                            The Megaphone                                                                   Page 8

The Heart of the Teacher

by Jane Ann (Seright) Lemen

  When raising children, sometimes you wonder if these kids will ever amount to anything when they grow up. Then one day they are grown-up and do something that makes your heart burst with pride.

  That happened to Gordon and me recently when our son Paul was named "Music Teacher Who Made a Difference" for the state of Utah by School Band and Orchestra Journal for 2005. Paul is the Director of Music and Band Director of Orem High School in Orem, Utah. OHS is a 3-year school of around 2,000 students. He has been teaching there for 12 years. (His is probably the only band room in the state with Colts and Pacers pennants in it.)

  Of course we're pretty proud of this accomplishment, but we were even prouder when we read Paul's comments in the magazine. Each recipient was asked three questions: what are their goals as a music educator; what was their proudest achievement; and what was the most important lesson they have learned while teaching junior and senior high school music. I believe Paul's comments reflect the heart of the teacher, no matter what subject or what locale. That is what I want to share with you -- and to thank all those teachers in Elwood who gave their careers and hearts to teaching.

  Goals as a Music Educator -- "Obviously, one of my goals is to have kids prepared to advance their careers in music, but much more important than that is to have kids understand the joy that music can bring to their lives, whether as a performer or as an audience member. Sometimes I have to step back and really appreciate the wonderful kids I have around me and remember that, even though that darned oboe just can't get in tune, she is doing everything in her ability to create amazing music, which ultimately is the most important thing."

  Proudest Achievement -- "I think it comes at the end of a great performance, when I see the kids' faces.  It's that, 'Wow, did we just do that?' moment. I think it is the fact that they are willing to open up and express themselves that makes me so proud of them."

  Most Important Lesson Learned -- "Appreciate the kids. On my wall in my office, I collect wedding announcements from every kid that sends me one. I have over 100 by now, with many more promising me to send theirs upon their engagements. Notes and rhythms will come and go, but it is those kids that drive me. I love to look back and remember their stories and how much they gave to the band in an effort to make great music. Most of them were never great players, but all of them were great kids, and that is why I am here."

Jane Ann (Seright) Lemen '59
northwest Indy

Is Reading Good For Us?

by Julie (Stout) Crim

  I wonder. I wonder about a lot of things, I always have. All my life I've heard, "Reading is good for you." Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't. I've never heard anyone say that before, but yet I wonder.

  I've spent many hours reading. I like a variety of subjects -- action, adventure, mystery, some romance-not all, survival, biographies, and ancient history and especially prehistory.

  Now isn't that an interesting word, prehistory? How can there be history before there is any? I suppose it's what might have happened before there were people to write it down.

  I've noted that nothing much interesting happens to me while I'm reading. Oh, that's OK I suppose and yet it leads to a rather boring life. I've had some interesting things happen to me over the past six decades but never once during a time I was reading. Of course I wouldn't want a steady stream of excitement, no one would, but getting out into life, where one rubs shoulders with others . . . that's called life!

  In the beginning, as babies, we hear things like, "No, don't touch that, you might get hurt," or, "Be careful, it might burn you, or shock you." "Don't run, you might fall down." The list could go on and on. Common sense is a good thing. We do need to protect ourselves and yet I wonder if sometimes we tend to overdo it a wee bit.

  A timid child might ask, why do you ride a bicycle, you might get hurt? The answer could be, to feel the wind in my face, to be in control of my direction at a fast pace, to be the master of my destiny. Oh sure, the answer is a little too dramatic. Or the answer might be, simply to get somewhere faster, the practical answer. I've heard it said that if you have to ask why someone does something that you consider dangerous, you'll never understand the answer. I agree.

  Did you ever get nervous on a Ferris wheel or roller coaster? How did you feel once you were off? What a comfort the solid ground felt. Sounds around you were sweeter, life was sweeter.

  I've heard many different people say that to live on the edge is really living. I believe that's true in a sense. But to get through the day by day routines that make up a life and feel love and pleasure at day's end is a reward that's hard to describe.

  When I read a novel I get lost in it. The adventure is happening to me, and yet it's not my adventure. Sometimes it's best to close the book and do other things. Today I was reading a really good book but shut it and made oatmeal cookies. I feel good about that because they are a gift for three different peoples.

  Now, I'll return to my book and join the FBI agent as she goes after the law breakers. Making cookies at my age is an adventure, all the adventure I want today.

Julie (Stout) Crim '57
Yuma, AZ

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