United by Music; Reunited in the Corps

By Senior Chief Jim Bean, director of the Highty-Tighties

“There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware, it’s a small world after all.”  - Robert and Richard Sherman 

 After a twenty-two-year tenure as a trumpet instrumentalist in the United States Naval Academy Band, I decided to begin a second career as a teacher. Since I had studied music education in college and my wife had also been a music teacher, this seemed like a logical choice, as she could easily assist me with lesson planning, classroom management ideas, and any other needs I may have as a first-year teacher.  

One of the rewards of teaching is the ability to see growth and development in your students, both academically and in maturity. As an elementary music teacher in a small, rural town on the eastern shore of Maryland, it was truly rewarding to see the excitement that each child had when entering the music classroom and the progress each one attained throughout the year. 

In 2007, first-grader Luke Schauber entered my classroom as one of those conscientious, knowledge hungry students and fourteen years later, this same student joined the Highty-Tighties as a new cadet! 

Cadet Schauber was here for his first month and, like any new cadet, was shy about approaching someone with any authority. While reading his Guidon, the name “Bean” triggered a memory and upon reading my biography was shocked to think I may have been one of his teachers at Sudlersville Elementary. After asking his parents, and particularly his sister, who won a recorder instrumental performance contest I sponsored, they determined it was, in fact, me. I still recall when New Cadet Schauber approached me after band practice and asked if I remembered his sister, Hannah. Not only did I remember her, but I remembered Luke immediately as a first grader when prompted by his question. 

Any staff member in the Corps of Cadets will say the most satisfying aspect of mentoring young people here at Virginia Tech is watching their progression from a timid new cadet to a confident young adult, to mature leaders capable of leading men and women after graduation. I feel very honored to witness the evolution of Luke Schauber from grade schooler to Band Company commander to soon to be Naval Officer. It really is a small world!