I once was speaking with a perspective college first-year student about his musical studies in high school. He spoke about the ensembles and classes he had, his experiences in solo and ensemble contests, his times at all-state band, and all the things we would expect. He then started to talk about his music teachers. And one thing he said, stopped me in my tracks. In talking about his high school band director he said, “but most of all he is my biggest cheerleader.” I don’t really remember much else he said after that, because I couldn’t stop thinking about that word: cheerleader. Then I started thinking about the best teachers I ever had, and that student was right, they were my biggest cheerleaders. Every one of them!

So, maybe the most important thing for us to remember is that we have to always be that positive spirit in the classroom, that constant source of enthusiasm, that wellspring of motivation and inspiration. Simply, now and always, we must find ways to have our students thrive and flourish!  Never forgetting that vitally important role of being a cheerleader for every child.

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.

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