Elgin (WLTX) -- One teacher is bringing the joy of music and competition to middle school students in Elgin.
Leslie M. Stover Middle School Band Director Charles Ashmore knows education is important for kids, but he believes what feeds their minds and souls can be found beyond traditional classroom walls. "It's really good for them, it really helps the mind and some of the synaptic function that goes on in the brain... helps a child become well-rounded."
Mr. Ashmore says nurturing musical talent isn't just about picking up an instrument, "I'm very tough on them, very disciplined, I almost coach band... like I coach sports."
In addition to long hours in the band room helping students who want extra practice, Mr. Ashmore also coaches volleyball and basketball. He believes that working hard, having fun and being competitive are instrumental in his success as a band director and he's got the awards to prove it. Recently his band won the top prize at Walt Disney World's Festival of Bands "This past year they actually were the grand champions, they won everything. They beat all the high schools and they beat all the bands there.... You could hear them screaming over everybody. It was special."
"I'm very competitive and that really helps. I always want to do the very best that I can and I want the kids to do the best that they can," says Ashmore, "My job is to make them the finest musicians that I can with the time that I have. So that drives the kids to do well... and it drives me."
He has been teaching for 13 years and says this job has become an inspiration, "I never planned on being a teacher, but sometimes that's the way life is... and it worked out great. I've really enjoyed it. It's a great community and I'm just glad my life took that direction."
Charles Ashmore believes band is a tie that binds students beyond the walls of the school, "We kind of become like family."
10/21/2009 8:00:56 AM
