Over the past four years, I’ve learned things from Debbie Woodall that cannot be found in a textbook. Very few people are able to work and teach something that they truly love and show so much enthusiasm. Not many adults are able to work with hundreds of students in such a stressful profession and be so caring. Being able to even encourage a student to practice is an amazing feat, but being able to encourage students to take lessons or take up a new instrument is quite another. Through her compassion and love for music, and her enthusiasm and encouragement to share that love of music, Debbie Woodall’s compassion has touched not only my life but also the hundreds of students she works with daily.

Sometimes the difference between an average teacher and an amazing teacher is their ability to give or share a part of their gift with you. Debbie Woodall gives her all and gives all of herself to her students. Debbie Woodall would undoubtedly be categorized as an amazing teacher or maybe you could just call her an amazing friend. Not only does Debbie Woodall show enthusiasm while in the classroom, but her laughter and happiness stays with you once you leave the room.

Not only does Debbie Woodall treat her students like friends, the ninth grade band in particular, is like one big family, her compassion has brought us all together. Being able to help an unmusical student learn how to make music is an extraordinary gift. Not many people care as much for their line of work as Debbie Woodall. She seems to know that not all of her students will be musicians when they grow up, but she has such a desire for her students to appreciate music, her compassion stays with them forever.

Encouragement seems to be one thing many teachers don’t seem to convey to their studetns. Debbie Woodall would not be one of those teachers. She pushes her students to their limits and makes them go even further. She’s shown me that sometimes you won’t be the best but if you set goals you can achieve them. Debbie Woodall encourages us to go past our comfort zone and into the unknown but trying new instruments or even switching instruments. She hasn’t only encouraged me in her classroom, but her encouragement and words of wisdom also apply to the rest of my life. She has taught me you can go any place you want you just need to try.

Working with such a luminary in her field has inspired me to go to further places in my musical career. Having a very dexterous teacher has taught me so much about not only musci but about myself. Some people say that you won’t always remember someone but you will alwasy remember the way he or she made you feel. I can promise you this; I will never forget Debbie Woodall and exactly how she made me feel. Having such an inspirational teacher has impacted my life greatly and I will never forget her.