Today’s story is about Capital City’s choir teacher, Michael Brand, who has been at CC for 5 years. I gathered up questions for him to answer to get a better perspective on his teaching career.

Q – Describe your teaching position at Cap City.

A – “I teach vocal music (choir). We have four curricular choirs at CCHS: Chorale, Bass Choir, and two sections of Treble Choir. We also have an extra-curricular group that sings a cappella and vocal jazz music, The Royal Blues.” 

Q – How long have you been in education?

A – “This is my 10th year teaching (5th at CCHS). Prior to moving to Missouri, I taught high school and middle school choir for 3 years in Illinois and then I was a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois for two years.” 

Q – Have you always wanted to teach? What made you want to teach?

A – “I actually started out wanting to be a performer, but I picked up a music education major in undergrad and found that I had a passion for it. Ultimately, I decided I would do both. I continue to perform as often as I am able, but teaching is my career.” 

Q – Have you always wanted to teach the content that you teach? What interests you about the subject?

A – “Choir is the one place where I always feel at home. My approach to teaching vocal music is centered around teaching to all types of people. We learn a wide variety of music and I really emphasize the importance of being a part of a team. I love how a boring alto part becomes interesting when you mix it with all the other parts. It’s like cooking: when all the ingredients combine in just the right way, you get a unique and fulfilling experience.” 

Q – Do you have any hobbies outside of school that relate to the subject that you teach?

A – “I perform at Capital City Productions in a lot of their musicals. I also music direct a lot of their shows and pick up gigs here and there when they come my way. As for other hobbies, I do like to watch movies, play video games, and build Lego.”

Q – Would there be a different subject that you would teach if you had a chance?

A – “I used to be a math wiz, so I could see myself doing that. That said, I have heard that they changed math, so I’d need to learn to deal with that”