My teaching career began as the band director in a large junior high school. Our attendance zone was as diverse as it was large, drawing from the very wealthiest to the very poorest neighborhoods in the city. No matter the background of the students, the commitment I made when they walked through the band room door was to develop every single student into a good musician.

During my second year as a teacher, I met Aaron, a 7th grader who had signed up for Beginning Band. Aaron decided to play the tuba, and in his Beginning Band year saw little success. What came easily for other students was difficult for Aaron. I was actually quite surprised when he continued the next year in the band program.

Because individual achievement was so central to the philosophy of our band program, I spent a great deal of time working with students individually before school, after school, and during my planning period. Mr. Dobbs, a band parent and local minister of music, donated part of his weekly off-day to help students one-on-one during class while I continued with the large group. Whether it was me or whether it was with Mr. Dobbs who was working with Aaron, he seemed to lack both interest and ability.

Along the way, I learned more about Aaron’s background. He had never experienced much academic success. His father had drowned in a boating accident a year or so before. His mother was raising four children by herself on a very meager income. It was no wonder that mastering the tuba may not have been at the top of his priority list.

In the middle of his 8th grade year, something changed. Aaron began to show remarkable progress. Everyone noticed a change in Aaron’s attitude. He took every chance he could to play for me or Mr. Dobbs and soaked up our suggestions like a sponge. Music and his participation in the band program had become important to him, and his success in the band room began to spill over into every area of his life. By the start of the 9th grade, Aaron was well on his way to becoming the best tuba player I would ever teach.

I wish that I could point to the “light bulb” moment. What caused the change? What caused this young man to become not only a gifted tuba player, but a leader?

The reality is, that for many students, and for many people who find success, there is no “light bulb” moment. Success is often the product of constant growth and a steady, supportive environment.

During the three years I taught Aaron, he taught me a few things:

We all need a place to belong.

We all need somebody who won’t give up on us.

We can all be successful. Sometimes, it just takes a little more time.

The next year, I moved to another city to teach, and Aaron went on to high school. I never saw Aaron again, although I was later told that every one of the children in that family became involved in the band program when they reached junior high.

Maybe they joined because their brother had learned so much about music. Maybe they joined because their brother had learned more than music in that band.

Boys and girls come from the worst of circumstances and walk in our doors to find the best of opportunities. For each of us, there is an Aaron for whom what we have to give will unlock the talents he has to give.