Well, it is the time of year when graduations are on the minds of many of us.  I was just talking today to a lady in my tennis class whose daughter will be graduating in a few days with a Music Education Degree.  She has her sights on a band director position for a middle school or a high school.  We were talking about how the direcctor can be just the inspiration needed to compel a student to go on with music and take it into adulthood, where unlike some sports, it can be enjoyed well into old age.

My own childhood experience:  A Mr. and Mrs. couple were our band directors.  They were so engaged in summer band.   They were encouraging, inspiring, and taught us those beginning books with such vigor it was infectious--and practicing was fun, not a chore.

Summer band will soon be starting.  Enroll your kids.  Encourage them to play along, with a friend, or in larger groups.  Group playing is motivating!  Have them play for church, a dinner party, their grandparents, etc.  I get pictures quite often of students who bought instruments from me standing with their saxophone by the Christmas tree, playing in a parade, or giving a special performance.  Take every opportunity to enjoy music!