Brevard music teachers showcased in free patriotic concerts
They guide Brevard students along their musical journeys and are delighted to let their young protégés take center stage, but during two special concerts, Brevard music educators are front and center themselves. “Melodies & Masterpieces” Red, White & Blue,” hosted by Advent Lutheran Church as part of its long-running concert series, showcases the talents of 60 educators who teach our children in public and private schools or studios. The concerts will highlight selections performed by string ensemble, brass and woodwind choirs, vocal choir and piano, as well as combined instrumental, choral, organ, and audience sing-a-longs.
The musical selections, all written by American composers and spanning the years from the founding of our country to the present, include “Our America,” a medley of American folk songs, followed by “American Salute” for winds and strings. The band will also perform a nostalgic work arranged by Brevard music educator Joseph Kreines. The 75-minute concert will include additional music from famed American composers Aaron Copland and Scott Joplin.
“It gives audience members an opportunity to experience Brevard County’s music educators as performers and entertainers,” said Betty Jo Couch, recently retired organist and concert series coordinator at Advent Lutheran Church.
“Teachers are the ones who are training and raising up the next generation of students to be musicians, music-lovers, and well-rounded adults. They are so passionate about what they do and work incredibly hard in the classrooms and private studios day after day. We forget that they are also talented musicians who deserve to be recognized for their performing skills, as well as for the positive influence they have on their students.”
The concerts were extremely popular until the pandemic halted the event, but Titusville High School band director Ian Schwindt stepped in to halt the hiatus, approaching Couch to help resurrect it. The concerts will take place on May 19 at 3 and 6 p.m. at the church, 7550 N. Wickham Road, Suntree.
At the time, Couch didn’t realize the concerts would mark the end of an era.
“I didn't know that it would be the finale to Advent's concert series, but I'm glad that we are going out with a real celebration of music, education, and love of community, country, and God,” she said.
Scheduled on the heels of Armed Forces Day and just a week before Memorial Day, the concert is as red, white and blue and can be.
“Brevard County has a large military population, including active servicemen and women, and veterans, and I am excited and proud to be able to honor and celebrate them along with my colleagues,” Couch said.
Playing the church’s A.E. Schleuter grand pipe organ, Couch will perform two unique organ solos, "Fantasia on Ton-y-Botel,” composed by organist Richard Purvis while in a foxhole in Europe during World War II, and "In Memoriam,” a reflective piece that incorporates "Taps," which will be played by Jim Matthews on trumpet.
The concert brims over with the creativity found in music classrooms throughout the county.
“There is so much talent, passion, and drive in all of these music educators,” said Natalie Taylor, chorus teacher at Melbourne High School and choral conductor for “Melodies & Masterpieces.”
“Brevard county's teachers are the best and will go out of their way to help and encourage one another. That is a huge reason that I moved here ten years ago and why I'm still here today.”
Tee Rockwell, a music teacher at Challenger 7 Elementary School who has participated in the concerts since their inception, believes it is part of her duties to keep on her performing toes.
“I believe it is important for teachers to keep in touch with performing, for our students' sake,” she said.
“By involving ourselves in the process, we become better teachers because we know firsthand what we are asking our students to do. We can relate to their fears and struggles when it comes to performing. We are a community that gets to experience something beyond ourselves, together."
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For Dr. Robert Lamb, director of choral activities at Eastern Florida State College, the concert offers the opportunity to channel his inner performer.
“I am at heart a performing musician,” he said.
As for Betty Jo Couch, “Melodies & Masterpieces” is a parting gift to the community, and to herself.
“It has been a pleasure to collaborate and serve with such dedicated friends and colleagues, who provided hospitality, time and talents to the Brevard County community,” she said.
"We are excited to present Brevard's only concert that turns the spotlight exclusively on our teachers. These highly trained music educators work tirelessly with students during the school year to nurture young talent and promote appreciation of the arts. This exciting musical revue allows them to be appreciated as artists in their own right. It's a fitting ending to our free concert series, that has showcased musical talent for more than a decade."
“Melodies & Masterpieces: Red, White & Blue” concludes the final season of the Advent Lutheran Church’s concert series, which began in 2013. Admission is free. For more information, visit adventbrevard.org or call 321-259-8515.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Music teachers in the spotlight at free patriotic concerts
