Why I teach in a Catholic school

I spent seven hard years in college studying music education and 20 years training to become a professional musician. With such extensive training, I am often asked, "Why do you teach in a Catholic school?"

Each morning, our school gathers for prayer. I find this to be an awesome way to start the day. Two or more gather in His name just to say, "Hello, God!" The morning ritual inspires me to do the same in the music class. When my students enter, I say, "Let us welcome the Lord in song."

That opening serves many purposes. The first purpose is obvious. Beyond that, students begin to develop a broad repertoire of liturgical music. The lyrics are filled with God's wisdom and love.

One of the greatest church musicians was Johann Sebastian Bach. I once taught a lesson in which I asked the students to listen to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and draw something peaceful. We then listened to Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" and drew something not peaceful.

The students were able to understand the true meaning behind the music of Bach and relate it to peace. This led into a discussion of him as a church musician. To eliminate such a concept is an injustice to music history. The root of music history is Gregorian chants. Many classical composers earned their money with the church. The true study of music balances sacred with secular music.

That balance also occurs in December, the most exciting time of year in a Catholic school. As a music teacher, my job is to put together a Christmas concert. It is a great honor to tell the true story of Christmas, balancing the kindness of St. Nicholas with the fact that Jesus is the real reason for the season.

At the end of the year, the children perform a Spring Concert. Once again, I am able to balance sacred and secular music with a spring theme. However, the concert that I find very inspiring is an annual faith concert. Right before Lent, our school gathers just to sing songs about God. It is a very uplifting and spiritual experience.

All of the above is a very brief answer to the question: "Why do you teach in a Catholic School?" Teaching in a Catholic school is not just a job; it is a blessing and a mission.

I once heard a very wise nun say, "We are not here to get children into Harvard; we are here to get them into Heaven."

(Editor's note: Michelle M. Askey teaches music at St. Patrick's School in Troy and St. Helen's School in Schenectady.)

(02-21-02)