#135. Belonging

I have always been proud of being a teacher. More so, I have always been proud of each of our colleagues. But never in my life have I been prouder of what each of you has done, and will do, so that every child experiences the wonders of music – even in the face of a continuing global pandemic! Through emails, phone calls and virtual meetings, I have heard from teachers who are working relentlessly, tirelessly to figure out ways to pass along knowledge and skills to their students. But just as important, I have witnessed teachers trying to give their students a sense of calm when little is so, a sense of comfort when things are so utterly uncomfortable, a sense of security while the unknown weighs heavily on them, and a sense of direction while the seas of fear try to shake our resolve and direction. Remember for a moment the real reason kids loved hanging out in the music room or rehearsal hall during free periods, at lunch or after school: YOU! They weren’t there to work on their band music as much as they were there to be where they felt they had a feeling of belonging. They weren’t there to clean their horn, as much as they were there because they felt safe, cared for and important. Why? Because their music teacher made it that way. And though many of us may be teaching virtually now, they still need you, maybe more than ever, for those very same reasons.

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America