I was walking down the sidewalk toward the main doors of a school the other day on my way to do a clinic with their bands. Just a few feet before the doors I noticed words written in what was once – long ago – wet cement. I was mesmerized. I stood there motionless, silently staring at the words now permanently affixed, set in stone if you will. And though I have known the remarkable quote for decades, it seemed under those circumstances to take on a greater, even more profound meaning. There in front of me were the remarkable words of Haim Ginott: “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” Words that every day, for us as teachers, are as awesome a responsibility as they are an awesome opportunity.

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America

About the Author

Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for KHS America, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. He was honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education.”