ODE TO A BAND DIRECTOR

Something awesome happened last night at the Burlington/Watertown football game. It was fourth quarter, the Red Devils were leading and the ball was in our possession and out of nowhere came the melody of a familiar song . . .
Na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey, hey, goodbye . . .

For most, it was just the background sound of a couple of band members picking out the notes of a song, something not uncommon because the BHS kids do love to discover new songs on their instruments. Upon closer inspection, however, marching band director Matt Lovell was in middle of the players and melody. Next thing we knew he was calling out to change something to an “E flat,” then jumped back, closed his eyes tight, fingers writing something in the air, head bobbing back and forth. Section by section he worked out each part. Oh my gosh, is he spontaneously creating this arrangement in his head and then teaching it on the spot?

Indeed he was. What a treat this was to witness. Mr. Lovell, a teacher who is obviously passionate about music and his students, was in the midst of creating and implementing a lesson plan!

Much has been written about education and how technology is moving so fast that we will probably never get ahead of it. But honestly, sometimes there is nothing like old fashioned learning. Burlington parents are thrilled that our schools support and embrace music education with teachers who go beyond the call, providing unlimited opportunity for our students to learn and thrive.

Mr. Lovell often sings the praises of our students who are, and always have been, a creative and talented bunch. But with the lesson of last night’s arrangement, it’s no wonder. You know what they say . . . The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.