John Gray is a 34-year-old Baton Rouge native who connects to Louisiana and his community through his passion for music. John attended McKinley middle and high schools, and then continued his education at Southern University where he received an associate’s degree in jazz studies and Louisiana ethnic music and a bachelor’s degree in music performance.
John’s current job at the Dunham School allows him to share his passion for music with his students. He teaches beginning through advanced band, and is the band director for all the school’s bands, including the jazz and pep bands.
Along with being a full-time teacher, John is also a member of multiple bands and plays three or four times a week. He is one one of the 12 local speakers you can come see speak on Feb. 28 at TEDxLSU 2015.
Recently I connected with John to learn more about his life, background and passions.
Why did you start playing music? How old were you when you started?
I started playing the violin in fourth grade as an elective. Not long after I began playing the trumpet. My dad always wanted me to play the saxophone and my band director thought I would be best on the tuba, but I was persistent about my trumpet.
What made you want to teach? What is your favorite part of your job as a teacher at The Dunham School?
I honestly never wanted to teach. I just wanted to be in the music industry. After teaching in an artist residency and summer programs, I realized that there was a future for me teaching.
My favorite parts of teaching are watching students have their “light bulb moments” and learning from the kids. I always tell my students that I do not have all the answers. Most of the time I end up learning just as much from them as they do from me.
If you could pick one person in the community to come watch your talk, who would you pick? Why?
Jay Dardenne. He is a cultural ambassador for our state, and I would like to have the chance to share my view about our state and culture with him.
If X is the thing that drives you, that connects you, that inspires you-what is your X?
The culture of Louisiana definitely inspires me.
What would you consider your greatest achievement so far?
I would have to say that I have two: Professionally, my greatest achievement has been being recognized as teacher of the year by the Baton Rouge Symphony. Personally, being able to build the program at the Dunham School and see it through has been a great accomplishment. Since I’ve been there, a band culture has been formed at the school. All bands have expanded in number and achievements as well.
Which fellow speaker’s TEDxLSU 2015 talk are you most excited to hear?
Definitely Maxine Crump. She has so much experience and an extensive background on her topic. I’m excited to see what she will bring to the table on the subject.
Do you have any rituals you perform before each show? Eat a certain food? Wear a certain article of clothing?
I’m usually rushing between one show and the next, so I don’t have time to really do any ritual. I usually have just enough time to pull the horn out and play.
I know you’re a Baton Rouge native. What about Baton Rouge makes you want to stay in this community?
The South Louisiana culture is definitely why I stay. I can’t imagine life without it.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was around 13 or 14 I thought I wanted to be an accountant because of the money, but by junior year in high school I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in music.
Where is your favorite place to shop in Baton Rouge?
That’s a tough one. This place would take all of my money if I went too often, but I would have to say Aristocracy.
If you could ask a question to one of the other TEDxLSU 2015 speakers, what would you ask?
I would want to ask Owen Carmichael why he is passionate about what he does. I want to know what makes him care so much about brain science.
To learn more about John and TEDxLSU 2015, follow TEDxLSU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Connect with John and his fellow speakers on Feb. 28.
