The Mountaineer

Issue date: 5/13/08 Section: Feature

Media Credit: James Choy Jason Chevalier conducts the Wind Ensemble during a rehearsal moments before their performance.

"Fear, dread, and nervousness" were the words Mt. SAC music department chair and professor Jason Chevalier used when describing his first teaching experience. At just 19 years old, he was "put in front of a whole ensemble" to begin his career as a music teacher.
It could be considered a "sink or swim" situation, said Aaron Spoor, adjunct teacher of fundamentals of music history and rock history in regards to Chevalier's circumstance. On the other hand, it also proves it is hard, yet possible, to beat norms at a young age.
In his second year of attending Cal State Fullerton, Chevalier was suggested to help teach band at Nogales High School. Even though he admitted he was overcome with anxiety from having no prior teaching experience, he put aside self-doubt to direct the ensemble, and was eventually hired.
"I just did it," Chevalier said. "I used to get an upset stomach driving there but by the time I finished college, I had so much more experience."
He started off playing the flute in fourth grade, the clarinet from fifth grade through college, the baritone in his first semester of college, and now plays the tenor saxophone at his church, which he says is "so much fun." His learning experiences have helped him to prepare for the future. And the self-assurance gained from teaching at 19 allowed him to feel at ease on his journey through the music field as a teacher.
"It is courageous to go in at 19 and rise up to department chair," said Spoor.
Agreeing with Spoor's point of view, Matt Cahow, adjunct rock music history and guitar teacher added that Chevalier is "a strong leader [that] asks for what he wants in a nice way."
And in reflection of his musical experiences, Chevalier credits Dr. Mitchell J. Fennell, director of bands and coordinator of music studies at Cal State Fullerton, as his greatest influence. Under Fennell's guidance, Chevalier earned a bachelor's and master's degree at Cal State Fullerton.
"He took me under his wing and inspired me, scared me, yelled at me a bunch of times," Chevalier said. "He was like a substitute father figure."

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools