Mr. Nasatir's "Why"

I am the son of a percussionist and I started playing trumpet in 1994 so music has always been in my life.  As an adult, while working in Silicon Valley, a great band director and friend of mine called me and asked if I had time to coach his middle school trumpets.  I took the job and I was blown away by the musical maturity of the students.  They worked on their craft with enthusiasm and discipline and used the activity to come into their own as more complete young people.

During my tenure as a trumpet coach, two things happened.  First, I had the opportunity to form an extra-curricular band for many of these same students as they went from middle school  into high school.  Second, I got to see many different school band programs in the area and began to understand what sets the exceptional groups apart from the others.  I brought the best pieces of what I learned to my ensemble and we celebrated amazing successes together for years.

Seeing the changes in my band students as they experience the transformative power of music and community, and of reaching for goals they didn't think were possible, turned out to be life changing for me as well.  I am inspired every day by what young musicians can accomplish when given the opportunity to stretch themselves and a gentle nudge to take the first step.  Most importantly, I love seeing these students take the skills they learn in band out into the "real" world and thrive in whatever they choose to do.

Ms. Quintanilla's "Why"

This is my why: 

I joined band playing clarinet when I started in 6th grade. When I injured my arm in the middle of the fall semester, I was unable to play my clarinet for a while. Instead of sitting alone, my favorite teacher had me help her around the classroom so I wasn't bored or sitting alone. Anytime I had a bad or a good day, I would always talk to her about it. From that moment, I wanted my job to be where I could help people.

During high school, it was very different for me. I had the opposite experience with a different teacher. I strived more and continued to work on being the best student I could be and started helping more. From the I decided I would go to college and become a music educator. 

I decided to teach music, because not only did I already have the knowledge but because most directors start seeing students from 6th grade up until 12th grade if the student stays. When I graduated, I worked for the State for a while. I helped families in need and guided them to a positive path that would help their family. But I knew I wanted to be able to not just help but teach. 

I became a music teacher not to just teaching students to play an instrument but I want to be their guide to help them grow and watch them become the person want to be once they leave high school. I believe music brings everyone together and teaches many different qualities that students need when they go into the adult world. I want to be the support that the students need and watch them succeed.

That Is My Why!