If you've ever been in a public school band program, then one can only imagine you remember what it was like the first time you made a sound on your band instrument! Once you heard that sound, I'm you can imagine the excitement and surprise that came over you as a result! I, myself, can remember the very first time I made a sound on a band instrument. That took place before I even knew I wanted to be a band director.....I can take you to the exact spot! I remember it like it happened yesterday!But it was THAT VERY MOMENT, that solidified the idea that was forming in my you mind that said, "Ya know....I kinda like making a sound on this trumpet! I wonder what it would be like to do this for real?" Of course, providential planning was already in place that would point my life in that direction. And, I can assuredly say that, I am so glad I followed that path that was unfolding in front of me that very day. As a 20 - year music educator, I can testify and witness of the positive impact that music and being in a music ensemble has had on the lives of countless young people. Watching their sparkling eyes light up each time that make a sound and watching them recognize when that achieve a goal they never thought possible NEVER gets old. I have witnessed the indescribable magical moments that music creates in middle school, junior high, high school and even college students when the "right" things take place at exactly the "right time." That's what drives me to get up and go teach one more day. Are all of the day like those magical one? ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, those moments that do take place in the public school band room or practice lot or on the football field at half-time. by far, out weight all of the disappointments and negative moments in my career. While this journey has not been easy, it has, in more ways than one, be so rewarding and I anticipate, with child-like excitement, those very kind of moments that have yet to be experienced!!! Once a music teacher....always a music teacher!