INTERVIEW WITH 29 PALMS HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL MAYES

With art and music programs at risk in many schools, ROP broadcasting student, Stephanie Acuff, asks high school music director Michael Mayes for some impressions of his work…
It’s not easy being a music director; I asked Michael Mayes, Musical Director for Twentynine Palms High School what it takes starting with how he chose this career path. He said that it isn’t what he wanted to be in the beginning. But after his consideration of all of the things he had done in his four years of high school involving: Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Select Choir; he chose to take a higher education in Music. Mayes also said that the prerequisites in getting a Bachelor in Music was a long process, he had to take four years of serious voice and piano training, as well as having to learn ever instrument in a symphony and an orchestra. I then asked him what made his job worthwhile. He said “seeing the musical growth of the students”, seeing them have that deep willingness, to succeed and grow to be better over a period of time. The final question that was asked was what is the most challenging obstacle he has had to face being a music director? His answer was “Absolute perfection is so close, yet unattainable.” Reporting for Z1077 news I’m ROP broadcasting student, Stephanie Acuff.