Teachers share their talents with their students

To the editor: As a Warwick High School student musician, I was furious and disappointed to read a letter printed entitled “Students miss out over musical chairs.” This person describes teachers’ performances in such events as school musicals and concerts as “highly inappropriate” and “a platform to display their own talents.” I don’t think for one second that those teachers who perform at concerts and musicals manipulate their power as instructors for their own vanity. I take pride in the fact that I do not study under some dormant musician. I study under a teacher who is willing to show his students that the best thing to do as a musician is to share your talents with others. We as students are not looked upon as subsequent others but rather we each are treated and embraced as fellow musicians; no favorites, no nonsense of the sort. If it is a question as to whether our music teachers are acting as mentors and benefiting their students, let us look at the facts. Those students who are involved in the music program are the ones who are also involved in extracurricular activities and achieve academic excellence. As for myself, I look forward with great anticipation to upcoming events where I have the privilege to enjoy further performances by my mentors. I can’t think of any other time that I’ve felt more inspired as a musician as when I watch my teacher and their fellow colleagues take the stage. I give a standing ovation for the work that they do in and out of school and I can’t thank them enough for the positive influence that they have had on my life. Kathryn Miller Warwick