Stan Harris went about doing good

When I think of music, I think of Stan Harris. I can’t help it—he is legendary in our family, having taught my three youngest children for years. Concert band, symphonic choir, jazz band, jazz choir, madrigals—even drama, Harris (and my kids) did it all. Now my children are grown, and unsurprisingly, none of them are professional musicians. And yet they still cherish the time they spent in Harris’ classes… and they aren’t the only ones.

Over his thirty-five-year teaching career, Harris taught music to thousands of youth. Under the tutelage and baton of Harris, they learned the fundamentals of music composition and performance. They learned to work together, to value quality, and to give and receive grace from one another. They became a part of something greater than themselves. Harris taught students to love music and, in the process, they grew into adults.

I recently interviewed Harris about his teaching career. Besides profoundly thanking him for all he had done for my children, I asked him how he felt about all the time he put into teaching. On a typical day, he began teaching Jazz Band at 6:30 a.m., taught five full classes during the school day, and then taught an hour of Jazz Choir. In the fall and in the spring, he added a rehearsal for the school musical—often making it a family affair by involving his wife and daughters in the choreography. Since my children rarely got home from play practices before 5:30, I know he got home even later than that. During his prep hour and lunch hour he was helping students record audition tapes for All State, All Northwest, and even private audition tapes. Why did he do that? Of the many students he taught, a few have become professional musicians, but he says that was never his goal in teaching. I asked him if he would do it all again, and without hesitation, he answered, “In a heartbeat.” He said he enjoyed being involved in the lives of his students and enjoyed watching them work hard to achieve their goals, and it was obvious that his students really mattered to him. He helped the bright, talented, motivated students, but he also took on those who were struggling with academics, personal problems, or home life. He created a safe place for students to hang out, eat their lunches, to do their homework…and I mean, he quite literally created the space: his office was outfitted with several couches and was one of the most popular lunchtime spots in the school.

My daughter said that when she or any student approached Harris with a problem, be it an inability to master a tricky piece of music, a late audition tape, or a scheduling conflict with play practice, his response was always, “What can I do to help?” Perhaps this sums up Harris’ career. He wanted to help, and that is what he was so successful in doing. Harris wasn’t the only dedicated adult to make a big impact on my children’s lives, but he certainly was one of the primary ones. Harris was one of many members of the community who made a big difference in the lives of my seven children, including librarians, FFA advisors, teachers, volleyball coaches, 4-H leaders, and more.

The service of these dedicated, Christ-like individuals has strengthened my faith and improved the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing them. When Peter described Jesus in Acts 10:38, he said that “Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.” Peter’s audience at the time didn’t know Jesus as the Son of God, but they knew that He had healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and taught people to love one another—there was no denying that the things he had done were good. There is something insightful in Peter’s description. Many of the things we say about Jesus—He is the Messiah, the Only Begotten, the Lamb of God, the Infinite Sacrifice—are descriptors that describe Him and Him alone.

We cannot be or do any of those things. But we can all be people who go about “doing good.” We can emulate Christ’s example within our families, our neighborhoods, and our workplaces. We can take time to comfort, to encourage, to hold a door, to go the extra mile, to find out how we can help. I do not know what faith Harris professed, if any, but I do know that he was an example of someone who went about doing good. He saw youth with needs and asked, “What can I do to help?” His Christ-like service changed lives. Because of his example, I believe many of his students are better people. I know that I and my now-adult children undoubtedly are.

Carol Kenley loves being a grandma, serving with the local LIONs club and Kids Kupboard, gardening and being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.