View from the balcony: teachers needed

The old Carleton County Courthouse is 175 years old this year, and looking fabulous despite its age. It's amazing to think this stately building was being used as a barn barely 30 years ago.

Perched in the balcony, last night I had the pleasure of listening to three young choirs, conducted by Jen Muir and Will Davidson. Less than ten years ago I was a student of Will's and you probably couldn't have paid people to sing in a high school choir. Now, they line up by the dozens to be in musical productions, join the band, and sing in extra-curricular choirs like Jennifer's. It's very exciting not only to see the numbers but to hear the results.

Luckily, these teachers, along with Sam Arnold and Peter McLaughlin, have been around long enough to see the second generation of their students move into conducting and performing. It's not often we go to events where the generations mingle - church being one of the only exceptions. Now that social institutions are fragmented, we send children to school, young adults to teach English overseas, adults to work, the sick and the elderly out of sight. What a tragedy.

Thankfully, last night this wasn't the case. People of all ages gave and enjoyed performances, and I saw the abundance of talent - perhaps more readily evident here because we lack distracting shopping malls and megaplexes. But, as has always been the case in New Brunswick, we don't have enough teachers to develop the gifts of our young people. Every music teacher I know is maxed to the hilt, running six ways from Sunday.

We need to do a better job convincing skilled teachers in every discipline that they are needed here, and that our students are worth the work. We should retain our capable young adults before they get the impression we're not interested and find opportunities elsewhere.

Looking back on a decade as a community musician, I know mentors influenced my decision to stay here and contribute - because of the training and encouragement they provided, and because of the community's willingness to let me try my hand. If we are serious about keeping young people we must put them to work - frequently and as soon as they are able. Allowing them to lead shows that we value their skills and that there is a place here where they can 'make their mark.'

Young people have an incredible amount of energy and motivation - witness the success of the Valley Young Company and the perpetual motion at Fusion cafe. The question is whether we are content to pass that energy on to other people's benefit, or whether we are creative enough to find outlets here, strengthening our own community in the process.