Teacher Feature: Brian Stubbs

Classical MPR's Teacher Feature highlights the lives and work of music teachers throughout Minnesota.

Brian Stubbs

Choral Director

Brainerd Senior High School

Brainerd, Minn.

Who or what inspired you to become a music teacher?

I feel called to the profession. I tried going some other directions in college, but always ended back in music education. It was my wiring — in my DNA to teach. I was blessed to work with great mentors as I grew up — people who had such passion that it was infectious. I pray I have that effect on my students as well.

In what ways do you try to encourage your students to appreciate and participate in music?

I live it. If I can't sing, I am dead. I believe humans are all connected through our shared music. Even if from another part of the world, let me hear your music and I "get" you right away. So I sing. And I take risk in front of my kids every day — so they begin to realize that it really isn't risky to sing — it is liberating. And away we go!

Where do you see music education fitting into the broader educational spectrum? How does it help or enhance other curricular areas?

I see music as an educational foundation for humanity. It is about connecting souls. It is teaching empathy and "how to tap into feeling" — to other's feeling and those welling up within ourselves. Humans survive because they connect with one another. Humans apart die. It is music that connects us. As for other curricula — the data shows that participating in music helps connect the brain's hemispheres and therefore we cognate more creatively — but in truth, I don't care. Kids can get smart without music in their lives. I don't want smart people without emotion or ability to connect with other humans running around. As Paul Harvey said, "Science can teach anyone to build the atomic bomb. The arts teach us why it's a terrible thing to ever detonate it."

If you were to help program a day of music at Classical MPR, what would be a piece of music you'd play in the morning? What piece of music would you play in the evening? What is it about these pieces that make them a couple of your favorites?

For the morning, I would choose Mauret's Rondeau, played by a brass ensemble. Because it is bright and full of possibility for a new day. And I play the tuba.

In the evening, I'd like to hear Daniel Gawthrop's Sing Me to Heaven. A text that reminds us that singing is essentially connected to every important in our lives. At birth, at death, and everywhere in between — we have a song for that.

Is there a music teacher in your community that the Classical MPR audience should know about? Submit this form to nominate them for our Teacher Feature!

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