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“… and the beat goes on!”
Furman University, B.A.
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Why I love teaching:
In 2005, my mother gave me an tattered spiral notebook from my 5th grade class where I journaled that my future plan was “to become a band director!" As a believer in Christ, I am certain that God grants us vocations where our gifts and desires meet. Truly, teaching band to young people is my passion and I was blessed to discover this at an early age. The beauty of Whitefield is that teachers are able to directly impact youth for Christ by using the tool of teaching in a subject area in which they are trained and accomplished. There is no greater joy than to see the glow of accomplishment in a child’s face when he or she hears the applause, hits the final chord, or perfectly performs a difficult passage.
Advice to parents:
As the mother of three Whitefield graduates (Ansley, ’04, Courtney, ’06, and Conrad,’09) I am delighted to discuss the wonder of Whitefield with others! My parental advice is to encourage your child that Whitefield is different—markedly so—from other schools. Your expectation is for them to strive to do their best and honor God with their studies, sports, activities and friendships. Remind them that students at Whitefield are receiving a superior education with a Christian world view which they need to appreciate and take advantage of. Their journey will ultimately lead them to the right college for them and their faith will be exercised and celebrated along the way [Ansley—Vanderbilt (graduate school) Courtney—Princeton, Conrad— Vanderbilt]. In addition, parents please invest in the covenant community of faith provided here and know who your children are with, where they spend their time, and open your own homes as well.
About the Band Program:
Many schools boast about great instrumental music programs citing awards won, number of students in state-level ensembles, or opportunities to travel to far away destinations. Our Band Program boasts in opportunities for students to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ” while striving for musical excellence coupled with offering all performances as a “sweet aroma to God.” The goal is to perform with utmost excellence but not for pride or medals, but rather to serve our community and bring joy to the audiences. Opportunities for awards, trophies, recognitions, GMEA-sponsored activities are a part of our program but not elevated above the jazz band's abilities to bring an Alzheimer’s patient to tears or the pep band causing the student section to dance out of their seats at football games. Whitefield’s bands include Marching, Concert, Jazz, Pep, and Worship, as well as opportunities for performances at recitals, programs, and coffee-house settings.
My golden moment in teaching:
My golden moment in teaching is best described in telling this story from early fall 2008. My Marching Band was invited to play for a fundraiser breakfast at the Atlanta History Center early one morning. After a quick run-through in the ballroom, we were being led to another area for a bite to eat prior to our performance, when a young man called out, “Mrs. Quiros?” He came toward me with a handshake extended and proceeded to introduce himself as a former band student of mine from years ago at a Cobb County public middle school. He said that he was a professional drummer now and was unexpectedly working that morning as a “fill in” with the staff of the History Center. He asked if he could meet with my students and came to our area to tell the students how God was in everything in life; how there were no accidents that he ran into his former band director that very morning, so that he could thank me for being one of the most significant influences in his life! He told the WA students to appreciate their musical and spiritual education and to value having me as their teacher—how humbling.
What I’ve learned from my students:
One lesson I’ve learned from being around the young people of today is that discipline and setting appropriate boundaries are still necessary in their lives and create happier students. They desire to be obedient and responsible when the rules are clear and a community of trust and respect is built. Another lesson is that unconditional love is necessary to achieve success in school. My goal is to truly love my students, to try to put myself in their shoes, and empathize with their stresses and struggles. I see the constant challenge of balancing discipline and grace in dealing with teenagers. Finally, I have learned that the more students are challenged, the harder they will push themselves and the more fulfilled they will be in accomplishment.
