Teacher spotlight

Editor's note: This is a continuation of the "Teacher Spotlight" series.

Music is a balm for the soul, and for Christie Averweg, Clarke Community Middle School band director, her personal mission is to promote it.

“I strive to instill an appreciation of music in all of my students,” Averweg said. “I love teaching band because the study of music promotes teamwork, discipline and patience.”

The seventh and eighth grade bands are under Averweg’s direction, as well as the middle school jazz band.

In addition to teaching middle school students, Averweg works with the high school color guard and serves as a ninth grade advisor.

Starting out

Averweg’s foray into teaching music has taken her all over south central Iowa. She attended Simpson College in Indianola, and for the first half of her student teaching experience, she worked with Brad Lampe, Clarke Community High School band director.

During this time, David Twombley, who was the middle school band director at Clarke, allowed Averweg to rehearse his band.

In 1997, Averweg earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education. For the first three years of her professional music career, she taught elementary and junior high band in Mount Ayr.

In 2000, Twombley decided to retire and encouraged Averweg to apply for the open position at Clarke.

“I was eager to work alongside Brad Lampe and continue to learn from such a knowledgeable and accomplished band director,” Averweg said.

Back at Clarke

From August 2000 and on, Averweg has been living and working in Osceola as the middle school band director. This year marks her 15th year of teaching at Clarke and her 18th year of teaching overall.

“I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach such polite, caring and talented musicians during my career at Clarke,” she said.

Throughout her musical career, Averweg has also received many accolades.

In 2005-06, she was recognized by “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” In 2008, Averweg acquired a Master of Education degree in quality schools from Graceland University in Lamoni.

She is a member of South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA), Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA), Iowa Alliance for Arts Education (IAAE), Mu Phi Epsilon, which is a professional music fraternity, and the International Double Reed Society (IDRS).

Her primary instrument is the oboe.

Quality of music

According to Averweg, in order for band members to give a quality performance, all of the participants must cooperate and work together harmoniously to attain common goals.

“They learn to communicate effectively with each other, as well as learn to solve problems together,” she said. “Band members exhibit discipline and patience by making the commitment to be part of the band organization, attending rehearsals and lessons, and practicing to improve their individual playing ability. These qualities of tenacity and persistence establish habits for a positive and productive life.”

Even though Averweg’s professional music career may have began 18 years ago, participating in music will always be a creative and lifelong endeavor for her.

“The study of music fosters imagination, appreciation and sensitivity,” she said. “I encourage involvement in music, as well as all other areas of the fine arts.”