By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Beth Vaughn planted an earworm Thursday in the heads of Bowling Green Kiwanis members.
With brief instructions, the Bowling Green High School choral teacher led her musically challenged audience in an African American folk song – the same song she teaches students on the first day of school.
“You guys are doing great,” said Vaughn, who has taught music at BGHS for eight years.
“Was it perfect? No. Does that matter? No,” she said.
While a flawless performance would be wonderful, it’s far more important that her students learn the love of music, gain confidence in themselves, and develop a skill they can continue to use for years to come.
“Not everyone is meant to be a soloist,” Vaughn said. “We need voices to blend.”
Vaughn was recognized Thursday as one of the Kiwanis Club’s inspirational teachers of the year. In accepting the honor, Vaughn admitted to being out of her comfort zone since she is accustomed to having her back to audiences.
But throughout her life, music has had a way of pulling Vaughn out of her comfort zone.
She grew up in the small town of Delphos, singing as far back as she can remember. Her favorite song, according to her mom, was “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys.
Vaughn sang in church, and jumped at the chance to join the school choir in third grade.
“I couldn’t wait till I was in third grade so I could do that,” she recalled.
Then came band in fifth grade, when Vaughn decided to play trumpet.
“I still remember honking out those first notes on a horn – to the dismay of my family,” she said.
While her friends fizzled out in band and choir, Vaughn joined every choir and band the school district offered.
“Music gave me confidence,” she said. “Music is what made me feel accomplished, successful and happy.”
Then Vaughn was invited to be part of the All Ohio State Youth Choir – again being pushed out of her comfort zone.
“That was a pivotal and life-changing event for me” – a girl from a small rural town, she said.
Along her musical journey, her family, teachers and community supported her.
“It takes a village,” she said.
Her parents faithfully got her to practices and attended every concert.
“I really won the parent lottery,” she said.
When it came time to choose a career path, Vaughn toyed with the idea of becoming a physical therapist – a job where she could make good money. But one day, as Vaughn was practicing music, her mom asked about a career in music.
Vaughn was filled with relief.
“I could pass my love of music on to others,” she said.
She enrolled at Bowling Green State University, and was again shoved out of her comfort zone when asked to direct the state youth choir.
“I can remember almost throwing up before the first rehearsal,” Vaughn said.
As a music teacher, Vaughn frequently hears people confess to having no musical skills. They repeat the familiar refrain, “‘I was told I can’t sing by my music teacher,’” she said. “I just cringe.”
Anyone can sing, she said, if they have a desire to learn, get some instruction, and practice.
“You don’t have to purchase an instrument. You have it right here,” she said.
As choral director, Vaughn gets to watch students gain skill and confidence over years.
“I get to see them grow. Shy, awkward middle schoolers become leaders and leads in the musical,” she said.
“There’s a sense of belonging, a sense of accomplishment” that comes with being part of a choir, she said. “Many students finally find a place they fit in. Many students struggle in other areas, but they can shine in the arts.”
“It gives me so much joy to see students shine,” she said. “I hope I’m a part of my students’ village.”
Vaughn’s “village” includes her husband, who is choral director for Wauseon schools.
“He’s my biggest sounding board,” she said.
