Dave Northrup  is a professional drummer who has been playing since 1991.  Successes have been many and have led to his present position as drummer for the country music star,  Travis Tritt!

Arkport Superintendent, William Locke and Guidance Counselor,  Brett Talbot, a personal friend of Dave's, collaborated in bringing Dave to Arkport. The program was designed,  not only for the benefit of Arkport students and staff,  but for those from outlying school districts,  including Addison, Avoca, Bath-Haverling, Canaseraga, Hornell and Hammondsport. 

In addition to thrilling the audience with his percussive virtuosity,  Dave imparted inspirational and unpretentious words of wisdom to young aspirants.

I'm blessed and privileged to be able to do what I love. It's been the road less traveled.  I'm not rich,  but making a living at playing drums is like winning the lottery. I challenge you as you continue through High School to do what you love.  If you stay focused and do the work,   you will be successful...ut you can't simply yearn to do something or be somebody,  you have to work for it and be realistic. You might even have to leave the area. For instance, I couldn't stay where I was (in Syracuse), because there was no work. It's like wanting to be a lumberjack and living in the prairies...you might have to leave your comfort zone.    I had to move (to Nashville. You can't say "I want to be an actor"  and then sit in front of the TV and eat a sandwich!  Share your feelings with positive people.  Talk with somebody who will help you figure out a plan.  Talk to someone who will encourage you and help you.

As a child,  Northrup was not into country music.  He preferred "Police,"  "Rush," and "Led Zeppelin."  The country music scene he was exposed to included "Hee Haw," and Kenny Rogers.  So how did he end up in Nashville?  He meditated about where he was going to live and what his long term goals were.  He could choose amongst New York City,  Los Angeles, London and Nashville.  He knew he wanted to be married and have a family.  He also knew that life in the other cities was not always conducive to family living.  Finally, the cost of living was also more reasonable in Nashville,  so that's where he decided to go.

To this day,  country music isn't his first choice.  He loves symphonic music and listens to all kinds of music which helps him develop as a musician.  His favorite musicians include Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, John Bonham, The Police, Peter Gabriel,  John Mayer, Nickelback and 3 Doors Down.

In sum,  for Dave Northrup,  music has been his livelihood,  his ticket abroad (he has played in several countries in Europe and in every state of the union but two) and a spiritual expression.  How wonderful that he could take some time out of his very busy schedule to treat the students and staff at Arkport with his great gift for music and his passion and love for life and people!

Dave offered to share center stage with students by allowing them an  opportunity to play for the crowd.  Dave was impressed with the level of musicianship and confidence demonstrated by the young people,  indicating that he would not have had the nerve to do so when he was in high school!

Dave congratulates  Marc L. a senior at Arkport who may pursue percussion as a career himself.

Nathan so impressed the master drummer,  he jokingly warned the student to "stay away from Nashville!"

Andrew N. from Addison demonstrates his chops for the appreciative audience.

  

Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn teaches  Instrumental music to Grades 4-12, and General Music to Grades 7-8 at Canaseraga Central School. He is  a member of the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble and the Sterling Brass Quintet (also based in and around Hornell)

For the future,  Chris plans to continue to build the Canaseraga instrumental program in the areas of both marching and concert band, and to continue to expose his students to unique opportunities such as the David Northrup seminar!

As for the things he likes best about teaching,  Chris likes  "Giving students, whether they intend to go on to do music later in life or not, a chance to experience it meaningfully during the school day and have a more fulfilling educational experience because of music.  The happiest moments are when a student comes into her lesson smiling and excited because she has put in a great deal of practice and effort and is just dying to show it off (unfortunately rare instances!)."

Chris became interested in the arts because....Band and theater were “my element” starting in elementary school.  They gave and continue to give my family and me great pleasure.  Though I started off a biology major at college, I soon realized the path that was right for me, so I stopped cutting my hair (going for that Beethoven look) and stuck with music.

WHY IS ART EDUCATION IMPORTANT? For the same reasons that math, social studies, foreign language, physical education, and English are important—because life would be incomplete without it!

I am a Wayland-Cohocton alumnus and both a SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Potsdam graduate.  I currently live in North Cohocton with my cat Herman, my vastly-superior-to-me-in-every-way wife, Bevin, and her marimba. 

Sarah Rich

Sarah Rich teaches K-12 general and instrumental music at Arkport.  She went to Rush-Henrietta High School and received her associates degree from Monroe Community College. She has a bachelor's degree from Crane School of Music @ SUNY Potsdam and a Master's degree from the University of Buffalo.

Sarah loves music and kids and feels truly blessed to find a job that combines these two things.  She has always loved music as a kid and was always in a band.  She never considered it as a career option until she went to college for a few years and realized that music was what she really loved.  There is much more to life than the basics or what is required.  The arts allow you to express yourself., learn about other cultures, smile and have fun.  Doesn't everyone love music?  It's everywhere in our lives and should also be in our schools - taught,  hopefully, by someone who loves music as well as our children.

Brett Talbot

is the 9-12 Guidance Counselor at Arkport Central School. He enjoys serving in this role and he enjoys the community in which he lives.  When asked his future plans,  he declares, "To stay in Arkport!"

 The thing he loves best about being a guidance counselor is to work with kids to help them make their plans for the future a reality.

Brett was very involved in the arts in high school, both vocally and instrumentally. He has been friends with David Northrup since the third grade. They had lost touch in recent years, so it was wonderful to reconnect.

 ourse called

    William Locke

Arkport Superintendent and

GST BOCES Arts Superintendent

Mr. Locke serves not only as the superintendent of the Arkport Central School District,  but is also the "Arts" superintendent for the entire GST BOCES region.  He has been instrumental in planning a number of innovative and enriching arts programs at Arkport which have involved,  not only Arkport students and staff,  but those from outlying school districts.

In addition to the workshop with Dave Northrup,  a few years back, Mr. Locke was also involved in bringing Broadway star, Chuck Wagner (starring roles in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,  Beauty and the Beast and even an appearance on The Dukes of Hazard), to Arkport.  This,  also,  was enjoyed by various students and staff from 14 local school districts. 

It is no mere coincidence that William Locke was chosen to serve as the arts superintendent.  According to his colleagues, he is a very gifted thespian and vocalist himself.  How fortunate we are in the GST BOCES region to have Mr. William Locke contribute his passion, energy and ideas to advance Arts in Education programming as administrator, educator, advocate and practitioner!