A Musical Mentor: Band alumni weigh in on how Teague’s teaching inspired them to pursue careers in music education

Carolyn (Hitz) Cansler
DGN Class of 1995

Director of Bands, Griffin Middle School – Frisco, Texas

THEN: “Brayer was a bright, positive, energetic addition to the band program when he arrived.”

NOW: “I have sent [Brayer] recordings of my band’s performance for his feedback when preparing for contests here in Texas. I’ve always very much looked to his example and valued his input and advice.”

Chris Dortwegt
DGN Class of 2003

Director of Bands, Wauconda High School – Wauconda, Illinois

THEN: “The band room was the place we all wanted to be during the school day – it was where we felt challenged to improve both musically and personally. The environment that Mr. Teague established was one where we could be ourselves and have
fun, too.”

NOW: “The thing that sets Brayer apart…is his ability to connect with each of his students and make them feel important and valued… Brayer truly believes in the potential of all of his students, and his students thrive because of that…He inspired me to become a teacher myself, because I hoped I could make a similar impact for my own students.”

See related story: Grand Finale: Downers Grove North band director Brayer Teague will leave a lasting legacy when he retires

Kelly (Darrah) Miller
DGN Class of 1998

Band Director, Reavis High School – Burbank, Illinois

THEN: “We were able to perform extremely difficult music at such a high level because we knew that’s what was expected.”

NOW: “I would not be the educator I am today without the lessons I learned from [Brayer] all those years ago. I learned that it’s okay to laugh (especially at yourself); it’s okay to make mistakes; it’s okay to admit when you’re wrong; it’s okay to have fun (making music is FUN); it’s okay to have high expectations, and occasionally it’s okay to adjust those expectations.”