A teacher in Howard County is fortunate enough to have found a job combining his two loves: music and education.
All you have to do is listen to his students play for a few moments to know his passion for music is making an impact on his young musicians.
Matthew DeBeal says he's had a love for music since the age of seven, now he's sharing with his students at Mount View Middle School. The work they're producing is truly remarkable.
When DeBeal came to the school six years ago, his orchestra room looked a lot different than it does now. He's now rehearsing in a bigger space with about 60 more kids. It's a visual testament to his dedication to the program.
"I have to pinch myself that I kind of fell into this position and I've been able to continue to build it and make it stronger from where it already was," DeBeal said.
You won't hear "Hot Cross Buns" in his room, DeBeal chooses complex pieces for his students to play from greats like Beethoven and Bach.
"And I try to really challenge them and push them and test their limits and see what they can really handle," he said.
It turns out these kids can handle a lot. When the deadly attacks in Paris happened in 2015, they created a musical tribute for the city, performing France's national anthem.
"They do so much beyond what is required of them it's just amazing to see what happens when they put their whole effort into something," DeBeal said.
To nominate a teacher for the ABC2-MECU Teachers Are Heroes award, click here.
Download the ABC2 News app for the iPhone, Kindleand Android.
