by Mary P. Brooke

Rob Edwards, possibly one of the best known teachers in the Sooke school district, retired in June 2009.

“I taught 12 years at various private music schools then after graduating, did six months instructing at the Music Education Dept., teaching adults at UVic. That's when I decided that I'd rather work with kids,” says Mr. Edwards who taught all subjects (but a lot of music) to Grades 1 to 7 for 20 years. In those two decades he had a short stint at Sooke Elementary followed by years at Colwood, Glen Lake and finally at John Muir where his in-school teaching chapter closed this year.

A born musician (guitarist plus many other instruments), Edwards says: “It cannot be stated how important music is (listening, playing and eventually writing). When music is played, listened to and created, it is therapy, social interaction, and so soothing when one is under stress. My years of singing and teaching music with the little ones has kept me young.”

“When the kids have mastered a melody on an instrument, everyone sees (and hears, ha) how proud and confident they are in being successful,” says Edwards who now dabbles in apparel modelling and promoting music for the band Troyka.

“I'd really like to see the Sooke District have a Fine Arts program at the highschool level. Hockey, curling, hair and nails are already there. Why not a program that gives the students the opportunity to make a living in a creative lifestyle as a recording producer, engineer, jingle writer, studio musician, or agent? I've seen the positive effect of music on kids and hope that the Board keeps providing this much needed course. Music gives balance to our daily and usually stressful lives,” he said.

After this chat Rob Edwards dashed off to prep a last-ever batch of report cards, play some guitar and listen to music.   MM