Teacher appreciation week

This week is teacher appreciation week. Did you have a teacher or teachers that made a difference in your life?

1989 I was playing clarinet in 7th grade band and I was unhappy. I decided I was going to quit band since I was not enjoying playing music anymore. I told the band director that I wanted to quit and I went to the counselor's office to change my schedule. While talking to the counselor, the high school band director, Don Avery walked in and asked to speak to me. We went into a small waiting room and he asked what was going on. I told him I didn't enjoy band any more. He suggested trying a new instrument and give band another chance. Little did I know that 23 years later I would still be playing music. I have been in a military band for 18 years and plan on staying until I'm 60. I met my wife at marching band camp in college. We have been married for 10 years and have two children. All of this, because a teacher did not want to give up on me.