A couple of evenings ago, I was invited to perform with a former student: Carlo C. at the Pizzafest, held in Woodbridge, outdoors. Playing on drums was another former student of mine: Marco S. This is not new for me. Over the years, I have been invited to accompany many former music vocalists at church and other events.
In conversations that night, I was reminded of other former students currently performing in Toronto and beyond! The band performing before our spot was exiting the stage and a musician approaches me, whom I did not recognize at first, yet another former student’s brother: Johnny M.
We chatted a bit and then, another former student who was actually one of the main organizers of the event: Mr. Billingsley reminded me of his unique trumpet playing style at Father Bressani CHS.
There were many long moments of time available to us before we actually took to the stage to perform, and this offered me segments of time to reflect. Many students in music career today, share kind words about how I influenced and inspired them to continue to explore a career in music performing. I am grateful and pleased to hear this. I have thought about this on many occasions, over the years. Not only in music performing, but so many former students of mine have continued in education, some actually becoming music educators!
How does someone define purpose and value in their teaching career? Many students shared kind words a few weeks ago when I was celebrating my retirement. Many of these same students will probably not explore a career in music or music education, but I do have a feeling that I influenced and inspired most of them to strive to be the best that they could be; to develop a passion for learning; to appreciate the power of music to transform lives; and to live life to the fullest.
Bye for now.
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