Monday, June 8, 2015

Professor Bishop

It's been thirty years since I met a college professor who made me change the way I think about music and music education.  I was so impressed with him and the band he conducted, I decided to attend that professor's college and major in music education.  Best decision I ever made (well, at least in regard to my professional life).

I've done a lot since I was that teenager enraptured by the "big time" college director.  I've gone on to teach my own program and to travel the planet as a composer/conductor/clinician/ne'er-do-well.  And tomorrow I start down another path.  Tomorrow I become a college professor.  No, not a "full-bird," tenured-so-you-can't-fire-me professor.  Heck, I don't think it's even considered a "professor" position.  More like "adjunct instructor," but still.  Tomorrow I get to teach at a university.

I've got my lesson plans already to go.  I've mapped out all the materials my students will need as they progress through the course.  And I even bought a couple new shirts with the university's logo on them.  I'm excited and terrified all at the same time.  But, I'm also very thankful to the man who inspired me to make my dreams come true, to pursue my musical dreams and make them a reality.  So, tomorrow as I'm teaching, I'll be thinking of all the people who helped me get there: my amazing wife and kids, all my teachers along the way (from JJ, my very first true inspiration as a music teacher, to my PhD advisor), and finally, but certainly not least, Mr. Sergel.  Thanks for inspiring that small town Iowa kid to become a little bit better than he ever thought he could be.  I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Academically yours,

Jeffrey