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The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Thomas Grandprey
Teacher of the Month
By Crystal Patriarche
Grandprey says his biggest challenge is trying to fit enough hours in the day for family and all of time it takes to have a dynamic band program for the students. His favorite part of the day is seeing his family. "My oldest daughter, Ella, is 2 1/2," he says. "When I open the door and hear the racing footsteps coming and the word daddy, there is no better feeling."
Grandprey recalls one of the times that make him feel good to be a teacher. He had a student who was difficult. He had many conflicting opinions from Grandprey's about music and what was best for him as a player and as a group member. "He came back after a couple years of college and apologized and thanked me for not giving up on him," he says. "He said he learned a lot from his membership in the jazz band. This affirmed to me something that I have known from my days in the service/performing group 'Up With People' – as teachers we never know the good we do, as the fruits of our labor blossom in places we won't see, but it does blossom."
In this case, Courtney Jones is making sure Grandprey is recognized and aware of the good he does on a daily basis. "Mr. Grandprey has inspired me to play music and taught me how to love it," Jones says. "Without music my life would be less satisfying, and without Mr. G I wouldn't have music."
