As a music teacher at the The Leelanau School for 23 years, one of my goals in this very special community is to make music a part of everyone’s life.

Whether as a guitar student in one of my classes, as a songwriter in winter term, or simply as someone who sings at the top of their lungs while walking from class to class – I feel that music lifts each soul.

Making music can be a personal experience. It is creative and expressive, and challenging and rewarding. It is also a community experience; breathing together, expressing lyrics in the exact rhythm as another, or creating perfect harmonies. Music is truly a gift to share, and some of my favorite musical moments at Leelanau have been when our entire community sings together in the morning during quiet period.

Music is a way to experience life together.

To Push us past our comfort zone.

To Awaken something unknown inside.

Each spring our small musical ensemble Mighty Snappy has the opportunity to share our music with other schools in our northern Michigan area. We put together a set of songs, and then hit the road for the day. This year we played two concerts; one at the Greenspire Middle School in Traverse City, and the other at the Elf Café in the Grand Traverse Commons. The students had the opportunity to get a taste of what it would be like to travel as a musician; loading and unloading all of the gear, being able to play in any situation, and having to be “on” when you really don’t feel like it. They also got to feel like a rock star when young kids wanted their autograph, everyone in the audience began to sing along, or little ones danced up in the front. It is so much fun to give the gift of music to others.

It is also rewarding to see our Leelanau students as wonderful ambassadors of this amazing school. I am always so proud of how our students interact with others, are confident and outgoing, and are professional in the performances. I will always remember seeing Max Hamilton help a shy and scared 6^th grade boy sing a song that he so badly wanted to share, or seeing Becca Colburn and Savannah Faruzzi surrounded by a whole group of curious young girls.

Our mini tour this year was a great success, and a wonderful learning experience for all of the students that were involved. Each year I look forward to this opportunity to share our music with others and to spread the word about our wonderful Leelanau School.

 

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