When Choir teacher Mr. Jordan Smith was a senior in high school in Memphis, Tennessee, his theater instructor convinced him to student direct his school’s first-ever musical.

“Directing Godspell was one the most overwhelming-yet-rewarding musical experiences in my life, and I credit it as being the reason I wanted to become a music teacher,” Mr. Smith said.

The big opportunities did not end there.

“When I was 12, I went on a singing tour of Jamaica with the Boys and Girls Choir of Memphis,” Mr. Smith said.

Now in his first year of teaching, Mr. Smith faces the big challenge of getting boys to join and stay in Choir.

“A lot of the time it’s because our society doesn’t see singing as a masculine thing to do,” Mr. Smith said.

Mr. Smith likes the diversity of the student population here.

“It’s really beautiful to see students of different cultural backgrounds interact,” Mr. Smith said.

Mr. Smith has two goals for this year.
“I want the students in my classes to feel comfortable singing in front of people and take singing and performing more seriously,” Mr. Smith said.

Outside of school, Mr. Smith likes going to the river park and watching the water flow.

“It’s calming and a good way for me to clear my head,” Mr. Smith said.