May 5, 2005

Teacher of the Month

Music instructor Lee Weber with student Kenzie Brand.

Music instructor Lee Weber

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

It is no surprise that Dartmouth Middle School instructor Lee Weber loves teaching music—because music has always been a part of her life.

Raised in a musical family, she started playing the trumpet in fifth grade, switching to French horn in sixth. Her parents were both professional musicians; her mother played with the Pittsburgh Symphony and her with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Symphony.

Weber learned alongside her talented parents, studying French horn with members of the New York Philharmonic, and eventually playing with the Livermore Symphony under the direction of Arthur Barnes.

She majored in music in college, receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of New Jersey in Trenton and her California Credential from San Jose State University. Altogether, she has taught instrumental music for 18 years, starting in New Providence, N.J. After relocating to California, she continued teaching in Hayward, before taking time off to raise her family.

When her children had grown, she loved assisting with her son’s garage band so much that she knew it was time to return to teaching music. She rekindled her career at Dartmouth Middle School, where she develops close relationships with her students and inspires them to excel in all areas of their lives.

Besides learning to play an instrument, her students learn leadership qualities, independence and study skills.

“Our program encourages kids to do better and better,” she says.

Weber appreciates her students’ enthusiasm and the amount of effort they put into it. “The kids make it all worthwhile,” she says. “It’s something they want to do and they get so much out of it.” In fact, half of the sixth grade students elected to join beginning band. From there, they go on to intermediate and finally concert band, participating in parades, and taking part in festivals.

Her concert band students are top notch. In fact, they have been invited year after year to perform at Disneyland. They’ve also participated in the Los Gatos and San Jose parades, as well as the California Music Educators Association Band Festival and solo ensembles. Their first and second place parade trophies, which line the music room wall, attest to their success and raise the bar for new students.

Music Aid Debbi O’Donnell views Weber as a close friend and admirable teacher. “She’s very dedicated,” says O’Donnell, “and has a passion for her job. The kids look to her as an inspiration and come to her with their problems.” Weber has also helped students who have gotten off-track straighten out through music.

Sadly, as she is retiring, the upcoming spring concert will be Weber’s last as music director for Dartmouth Middle School. To honor her contributions, the parents are planning something special and many of her previous students will be performing in the concert. “We’re going to be playing Revel’s ‘Bolero,’ along with 30 alumni, and doing a bunch of fanfares. It’s going to be exciting and emotional,” says Weber. Also making the evening special will be the debut of a musical composition conducted and composed by an alumni for the school, as well as a speech by another on ‘The Power Music Brings.’”

This will also be Weber’s one and only chance to perform in the school’s new performing arts building and gymnasium. “The room’s spectacular and state of the art,” she says. The band room is acoustically designed with soundproof folding walls and doors, and the gymnasium, which features a hi-tech lighting and sound system, can seat 1500. Best of all, the stage was designed so that performers have the option of facing into the music room, gymnasium or outside quad.

“We’re disappointed she won’t get to enjoy the new building for long after she’s been here all these years and instilled such high quality in the students,” says attendance secretary Nancy Durrett. “What will be nice is that at this final performance she’ll be able to have all of her students perform together on the new stage.”

Weber is looking forward to pursuing other passions, like riding and showing her Third level dressage horse, as well as gardening, but she says she will definitely miss the kids.

She will take with her many dear memories, including the kindness parents showed her following her father’s death by commissioning Dr. Barnes from Stanford to write a composition in his name.

Having the alumni come back and visit also moves Weber, as does knowing she made a difference in their lives.

“I think the programs at the high school are outstanding because of her leadership here,” says Durrett. “Children come back to visit her all the time. She has inspired them.” Some of these students plan to make music their career and are currently attending Julliard and the Conservatory at Boston. Another is in line to become the next music director at Los Gatos High School.

Weber takes pride in her students’ accomplishments, including those of drum major Kenzie Brand. “It has been fabulous to watch Kenzie grow,” Weber says. “She came in as a quiet sixth grader and learned the techniques of being a drum major, as well as the leadership qualities required to lead a band of 80, while gaining the respect of her peers. I’m proud of her. It takes a confidence, discipline, fairness yet firmness, an ability to take and give criticism and 100 percent reliability to set the example for the rest.”

Essay submitted by Kenzie Brand,
eighth grader, Dartmouth Middle School:

When I read your article, ‘Help us find the Teacher of the Month!’ my mind immediately thought of Mrs. Weber, my band teacher at Dartmouth Middle School. Mrs. Weber has given me and other students so many opportunities in band. She is in charge of over 300 students, with little help.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Weber spends endless hours arranging competitions, parade activities, festivals, concerts, community performances and even a trip to Disneyland at the end of the school year. She gives up her time on weekends, many evenings and even spends time on her breaks from school for several band activities and competitions. Mrs. Weber sets up fundraisers to help with expenses involving the band.

Mrs. Weber has encouraged and praised every band student. She helps every student to reach his or her maximum potential and not just in playing our instruments. When I started out in sixth grade, I was shy and nervous about playing with the band; afraid I would make a mistake. Mrs. Weber saw that and has pushed me to overcome my shyness. I am now an eighth grader and Drum Major at Dartmouth and someone who stands out as a leader. Mrs. Weber has given me the confidence to perform in front of large audiences and she has prepared me for music in high school.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Weber is retiring this year. Yet, I was lucky to work with her during all my years in middle school. Even though Mrs. Weber is going to pursue other dreams as she retires, every student that has passed through the band room will remember her as a special teacher. Mrs. Weber is not only, ‘Teacher of the Month,’ but also, ‘Teacher of a Lifetime!’