Tell us why you became a teacher

Originally, I did not want to become a teacher and in all reality, I wanted nothing to do with children. I was afraid to "mess them up" and have them resent me for the rest of their lives. I was a music major in college and there was one event where they required members of the orchestra to participate in a 'petting zoo'. This event allowed young children to try out ANY instrument that was featured in the ensemble. I taught 10 kids and immediately fell in love and have been teaching ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I once had a 6th grade student that did not try. He couldn't tell you how to read music, let alone make much of a sound on the trumpet. I caught him cheating on a playing test where he recorded himself playing (it was a recording of someone else). After he left middle school, I happened to sub for his high school band class and to my surprise he was the first chair trumpet player. He said that he was so embarrassed and wanted to prove to himself to the band and I. I have never been more proud.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I could not in full faith use this $25,000 for personal gains, and instead would donate it to the Broomfield High School Band Program to help sponsor student scholarships, repair school instruments, and expand our school instrument inventory to accommodate the growing program. I would like to be able to ensure that all students regardless of background or financial standing are able to participate in all of our band programs as well as have the tools and instruments to do so.