By Kate Anslinger
All you have to do is watch Charles Kircher in his classroom at the Arthur T. Cummings School to realize that he was born to share his love of music with his students. His students seem to have no problem engaging in song while he stands in front of them conducting with an obvious passion. While he has only been teaching music for two years, he has the ease of someone who is a seasoned teacher. In addition to his role as the music teacher at ATC, Charles assists Chelsea DaPaz with the band and jazz band at the middle school.
In a brief interview, Mr. Kircher, who is originally from Saint Louis, Mo., tells us about how he learned what his true calling was and how his students have inspired him to become a book worm.
Tell us about your background
I have always been a musician, and up until a few years ago, I performed in local theaters and bands part-time while I made my career as a salesman. After realizing that I was never going to be truly happy unless I was able to share my love of music and the arts with others, I went back to school at UMass Lowell and got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. I am so happy to be here in Winthrop helping my students understand the importance of music and the arts in everyone’s life.
Â
Has anyone inspired you along the way?
Growing up, I was very lucky to have some amazing music teachers who inspired and encouraged me to nurture my talent in music. It was through them that I grew up playing a multitude of instruments. I also sang in the choir, which was always my favorite.
If you weren’t a teacher, what other profession could you see yourself doing?
After working in a different field for so many years, I cannot see myself in any other job than this. I am enjoying being a part of the ATC student’s musical learning more than I could have ever imagined. I look forward to hopefully starting an after school choral program soon here, as well as continue to help nurture a love of music and the arts in everyone!
Do your students inspire you?
Today I am finding that my students continue to inspire me on a daily basis. They are constantly finding different ways of seeing things that I have never thought of. They have also inspired me to read more. Seeing students with their noses in books has turned me into a bookworm myself, and I love it!