Well, this isn’t exactly flute related, but it is something that is near and dear to my heart: my high school band director, Mr. Tom Barker, announced his retirement from Lafayette Jefferson High School last week. I’m sure that many of you have a teacher (or a few!) from your school days who helped to shape you into the person you are today, and Mr. Barker has without a doubt been that person for me. I have been lucky enough to count him and many others as a part of how I got to be where I am today–and I love it!
About a year and a half ago, the Director Services department here at Paige’s Music sat down with Mr. Barker to talk about his teaching career and his insights as an educator and an administrator. Please enjoy this video and learn a little bit more about my high school band director!
I was a 2012-16 student of Mr. Barker’s, and during my last couple of years there I had fallen into a deep trot and there was a lot of times it got in the way of band.. he wasn’t always happy with me but he always pushed me forward. I gave up on music for a little while, and lately I’ve been picking it back up and I find myself remembering his advice and pushing me forward. I don’t really have a way to get ahold of him.. but I thought you might. Could you send this to him? I’m sorry for not taking the chance to have really enjoyed everything you taught me in those moments, thank you for teaching me how to grow in our common passion