Reflecting upon his career, Carl Chevallard, Lt. Colonel (retired), United States Air Force stated, “Our rehearsals became more efficient, we had more fun, and they gave me their music. This experience taught me one other valuable lesson: in the end, music cannot be TAKEN; it can only be given.  The conductor can ask – even demand – but it’s up to those who ‘make the sounds’ to ultimately decide how and to what degree they will respond.” I guess this poses a question we must ask ourselves before every single rehearsal: What can I do in rehearsals to inspire every student to want to put forth their best effort, to give of their emotional self, and to be willing to strive for better than they thought possible. A valuable lesson indeed.

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. 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.” Dr. Boonshaft was selected for the Center for Scholarly Research and Academic Excellence at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, where he is Professor Emeritus of Music.