Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids learn to appreciate music for the personal and social experiences that it provides each individual. I also wanted to provide them with fun opportunities to experience as they grow into adults.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have had many memorable teaching experiences, but one that stands out was a time when I had kids in the band hall during lunch and I heard them talking about another subject teacher and they were really talking about how that teacher always got onto them and they didn't like her. I walked out and asked them why that was because I also got onto them quite a bit in class. Well, they said to me, "But Mr. Smith, the difference is you never give up on us. We know you are trying to make us better."

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use part of the $25,000 to take a nice vacation with my wife, who is a retired band director, I would save some, pay off some bills, and take some PD courses in marching band drill design and music arranging.