Any movie fan remembers a popular film a few years ago called "Mr. Holland's Opus." In the movie an aspiring composer takes a temporary (he thinks) "gig" teaching music in a public high school. The movie traces his life as the years go by and he is changed by the act of teaching music while his teaching changes the lives of his students. For those of us in music education and the broader world of arts presentation it became a "must-see." I remember attending a trade show for non-profit arts presenters in Nashville at which there was a booth for "Mr. Holland's Opus" souvenirs, teaching aids, and advocacy information. Arts presenters were encouraged to host events for their boards of directors and constituents at which the film would be shown.
While the film gave an enjoyable and emotional account of the impact of this music educator, its influence didn't just stir admiration for this fictional person. It also stirred memories among all music leaders of special people whose lives they have influenced in a positive way. And it reminded music professionals that, in all likelihood, a Mr. Holland lurked in their background, having taught unselfishly and changed the course of their lives.
Such is the joy of the artist. Art is inherently rewarding. We would enjoy it by ourselves, and grow to be better selves having encountered it. But solitude is rare among artists, because the art draws us together with other artists and appreciaters, and becomes a bond that also helps us to be better people. And it creates a bond between teacher and student that is lifelong.
In my current position I have the pleasure of administering a scholarship program for college students. They participate in the musical life of our church, and in return they are awarded a scholarship named for a legendary music educator, Betty Sue Shepherd, who was our church's organist until her death. It is wonderful to see bonds created between our congregation and these students who come to us from varied backgrounds. The bonds are inevitable because of the art that draws us together. And these students are beginning a life of music thanks to some choral director, piano teacher, band director, minister of music, or other musical mentor in their hometown. As they get to know us, they are inevitably asked to volunteer with children's choirs or youth choir, and they get a taste of what it's like to become the mentor. And because of the named scholarship, they extend the legacy of a musician who gave her life to her students over a career spanning 50 years.
One such student came to us with a story that perfectly illustrates this point. He was an accomplished high school athlete until he suffered a career-ending injury. With this loss of direction in his life his grades suffered, and he could have disappeared into the statistical figures of high school drop-outs. But the choral director of the school overheard his rich baritone speaking voice, and invited him to sing for her. In a turn of events worthy of a Hollywood screenplay, they discovered together that he had a great talent, a beautiful voice, and a deep love for choral music. He not only finished high school, but started college on a full music scholarship. And he aspires to be a choral teacher who seeks out students whose lives can be impacted by artistic endeavor.
As this young choral musician sits on the floor among a children's choir, sings to help the high schoolers in the bass section of the youth choir, and learns about church music among the dedicated volunteers of the adult choir, the cycle of art unfolds before our eyes. Where but in the world of the arts could such a thing happen? How, but for an aware and passionate educator could he have been rescued from listlessness, and set on a path of discovery that rewards every seeker?
Of course, there are great "mentor" stories in every discipline. But I think the presence of the musical arts in every part of life creates a unique laboratory in which this cycle can be replicated. Surely you know of people whose paths were altered by their formative musician. If you are reading this blog you are probably one of those people. And our daily challenge is to look for opportunities to offer such an impactful influence to the new generations of musicians-in-process we encounter.
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