Passion for music earns teacher national honours

Passion for music earns teacher national honours. Teacher David Lum, centre, leads the Agincourt Collegiate Jazz Combo including pianist William Tran, guitarist Kyle Willomitzer, drums Austin Lee and bass and vocals Laura Yiu through a performance at the Sept. 23 TDSB meeting. Staff photo/ERIC HEINO

For transforming the music program at Scarborough's Agincourt Collegiate Institute into what is now regarded as one of the best in the country, David Lum was recognized in front of the school board for winning this year's Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award.

Only the second time it has been given to an Ontario educator by MusicFest Canada since its inception in 2002, Lum was thrilled his hard work and dedication had not gone unnoticed, but remained humble when asked about what was special about Agincourt's music program.

"In terms of building the program, I feel like I'm driving a championship team of dogs on a dog sled. I just feed them, let them rest and they just go," said Lum. "I'm just along for the ride. It's my colleagues that are great and I wouldn't want to have worked with anyone else."

After Lum received a thunderous applause at the TDSB's Sept. 23 meeting, the Agincourt Jazz Combo performed the national anthem along with two other musical selections.

Agincourt's music program awards about 900 credits in music each year. It offers a large variety of traditional courses including orchestra, choral and jazz; students can also choose to study more contemporary areas in courses like music and computers.

Viewing his school as a place where students can find the self-expression and musical freedom they might not find in any other parts of their lives, Lum co-ordinates with feeder schools and makes sure students are developing their skills from a young age.

By the time they arrive at Agincourt, he hopes music is something students have a genuine interest in.

"Music is not for everyone and sometimes there is a stigma attached to being in a music program," said Lum. "The kids in our department have turned being a music geek into being kind of cool because it's such a large part of the school. It's a pretty unique place."

Students agree with Lum's recognition as top band director in Canada. They find inspiration in their own musical pursuits as a direct result of his passionate approach to education.

"Working with Mr. Lum is a great experience because you feed off the passion," said Kyle Willomitzer, a Grade 12 Agincourt music student.

"It's what he devotes his life to and that transcends to the people in the department. When you see him putting that much passion into the music, you can't help but follow suit and put forth the same effort."

Now that he has put himself and Agincourt on the national map, Lum plans to keep pushing himself and his students to reach their top potential. "We relish the ability and opportunity to challenge the students because they are constantly surprising us."