Shannon Fowler

Tell us why you became a teacher

My mom is a special education teacher, but she was always passionate about music and playing flute. Some of my earliest memories are of attending her concert. I can still remember listening to her play classics at concerts. I was a bit shy and reserved and hearing and playing music made me feel things in a way that I didn't know I could experience the world and what better way to educate others than to lead them to the same abilities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach at a small school, approximately 325 students grades 6-12. Any time my students show up and compete with bands three and four times their school size or play on the stage for a state assessment, I don't know how to describe it. You FEEL the passion in what they are playing. It moves me to tears every. Single. Time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take the 25,000.00 and spend it on things that my band students need-Specifically four brand new tubas. Our instruments are around 80 years old and would take the better part of a decade to replace. My kids sound fantastic but I would like them to have equipment that makes them proud to be a part of our organization.