Thorn just completed his freshman year as an instrumental music education major. This summer, he is taking on a handful of jobs to gain some experience directly with students. First, he will offer private trombone lessons to two students. Second, he will serve on the marching band staff for both Fort Zumwalt North and West High Schools.

“These experiences will require great time investments and a general commitment to the benefit of students,” Thorn said. “Taking advtantage of summertime opportunities not only keeps me active in my career path outside of class, but also serves to augment my teaching experience.”

Between the two high schools and the private lessons, Thorn will have the opportunity to work with students across a range of abilities and knowledge. There will be pre-lesson planning, the in-person teaching aspect, and then post-lesson evaluations.

“I will need to tailor each lesson to the individual to best set them up to achieve their personal goals,” Thorn said. “It is absolutely critical for future educators to invest in growing their abilities to best serve their future students.” 

Thorn credits his passion for teaching to his own band directors, past and present. He says they helped him use his joy in music when pursuing his career. 

Thorn participates in several music programs on campus, including the Southeast Marching Band. He’s a trombone player, but he really wants to focus in on some of his teaching skills with his opportunities this summer.  He will focus on his own music skills when he returns to campus in the fall. 

“The music education program itself will allow for degree completion but the people within the program are what truly prepare me for success,” Thorn said. “The educators who pour their hearts and souls into their crafts inject excitement and intrigue into lessons and rehearsals. Because of the work ethic and positive culture that permeates the music education program, I will not earn a simple degree. I will graduate as a uniquely prepared, musically distinguished, and fundamentally sound professional.”

Thorn has a number of faculty and staff members at Southeast who have inspired him in his first year. Dr. Joseph Jefferson has helped him develop as a brass musician and expand his musical knowledge to jazz. Thorn says Dr. Jim Daughters has encouraged him to familiarize himself with every instrument and continue to look for teaching experiences. Dr. Aaron Wacker has enoucraged cultural awareness in the classroom and inspired positivity. And those are just a few he has named. 

He also says the music students are particularly inspirational as he continued his education.

“They have inspired me to dive into currently unfamiliar aspects of music education through daily, thought-provoking discussions,” Thorn said. “They provide high standards for me to chase and avenues for camaraderie in my studies.”