This One's for the Teachers

Education is such an important part of our community and the recent passing of the budget means Pearl River will continue providing our youth with an excellent education.

Teachers have come under a lot of scrutiny during these tough economic times. In some communities outside of Pearl River, it’s gotten downright nasty. I find this troubling. Teachers have a difficult job. Many go above and beyond what’s required of them. And all the while, they’re educating the leaders of tomorrow. They deserve our support and respect.

I’ll admit, I’m biased. Both my mother and wife are teachers. But I’m willing to bet everyone has at least one teacher who made a positive impact in his or her life.  For me, it was my middle school band director, Mr. Lenhert.

This blog is dedicated to him and all the teachers out there who deserve praise and support from the community. To show your support, why not tell your story?  Comment on a teacher who has made a difference in your life.

Now, back to Mr. Lenhert. In addition to writing blogs here and there, I play trombone for a living as a member of the West Point Band. But it all began in seventh grade with Mr. Lenhert. He taught me how to read music and how to make a sound on my instrument. It wasn’t more than a month after playing under him that I knew I wanted to be a professional musician.

While he was an excellent teacher, Mr. Lenhert’s influence went beyond music and trombone. He came into my life when my self-esteem needed a boost. Middle school is a tough age. But I seemed to be having a tougher time than most. I was known as a “goodie-goodie,” which is the best way to become unpopular during adolescence. To boot, my older brother was a straight-A student who also excelled on the athletic field. My confidence going into seventh grade was shaky at best.

Then I started playing trombone and immediately realized I was good at it. Never in my life had something come so naturally. Mr. Lenhert recognized this. One day he announced to the class that I was one of the best trombonists our school district had ever had. The next year, he said I was the best. I might have been teased later in the day, but those comments from Mr. Lenhert kept me going.

I mentioned teachers going above and beyond. When I wanted to buy a professional-model trombone prior to the start of eighth grade, Mr. Lenhert enthusiastically helped me pick out the best one, volunteering a great deal of his time in the process. When I signed up to be in the jazz band, he gave me free lessons on jazz improvisation for an entire summer.

I found out early in eighth grade that Mr. Lenhert would be retiring at the end of the year. I had just finished eating dinner when my mom said to me, “Philip, I need to tell you something.” I knew from her tone that it was something serious and that it was something bad.  And somehow I knew what the news was before she confirmed that my hero was retiring. I went outside, sat in the dark, and sobbed.

Much of my success in music can be attributed to my initial instruction from Mr. Lenhert. He had a major influence on my life, and I’m certain I’m not the only one. Mr. Lenhert represents all that is great in education, as well as the value of the arts. Thanks, Mr. Lenhert. A lot of who I am today is because of you.

I have no doubt Pearl River is full of teachers like Mr. Lenhert. Thanks to the support of our community, they will continue to positively impact our young peoples’ lives.

So, how about it? Who’s your Mr. Lenhert?