August 3, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, August 3.
Last night I had the pleasure of playing with a local community band in an annual event called The Orchestra Bash. The ensemble, about 35 players strong, with winds and brass and strings and percussion and keyboards, was made up largely of band directors. They get together each year around this time, right before school starts, for an afternoon rehearsal and an evening concert. Much fun!
I met a euphonium player who was new to the group. His brother, who I know, is a college student preparing to be a band director, just like their dad. I just assumed he was one too, and asked him what high school he taught at. He said he was actually an engineer, a career that would typically elicit much pride from proud parents. “Not in my family”, he laughingly told me. “I’m not a teacher - I’m the black sheep!”
My family tree is full of teachers. I taught at high school choir during the 1990’s. I have a great deal of respect for teachers. School bells start ringing in our area next week, but teachers start back this morning. Here’s some thoughts for them, and for all the teachers out there.
- Teaching is the one profession that creates all the other professions.
- It takes a big heart to shape little minds.
- Teachers affect eternity. They can never know where their influence ends.
- Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is becoming a lost tradition.
- Teaching is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
Thank you teachers!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
