SPRING HILL, Fla. — It's all about heart and soul and a passion for music.
And for Powell Middle School band director Ross McCarthy and choral director David Pletincks, both knew they had that passion when they were young.
Both McCarthy and Pletincks help create joy and happiness on the Spring Hill campus through music education, and challenging middle school students to work hard every day and be their best.
What You Need To Know
- This week's A+ Teachers are Ross McCarthy and David Pletincks
- Both are at Powell Middle School in Spring Hill: McCarthy is the school's band director and Pletincks is the choral director
- Want to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here for more, and to view previous stories
"One of the best things about the arts is it does prepare you for a full, well-rounded education for the child. You teach the kids to experience things in so many different ways. We teach kids how to feel,” Pletincks said. “We teach them how to feel their emotions and how to express their emotions."
Students are performing and playing at a deeper level despite the barriers and distance from Covid-19 safety precautions.
"Just because you're playing notes on a page, doesn't mean you're playing music yet,” McCarthy said. “You have to find what's between the notes to make the emotion come out , and let them try to experiment with it. We play it different ways and decide do we get lower here or softer here. The whole team is working together 100% of the time."
McCarthy and Pletincks have a combined 34 years of experience at the school.
In fact, Pletincks came to Powell Middle just a year after McCarthy left as a student.
"They were willing to take on digital classes,” said Powell Middle Principal Thomas Dye. “They were willing to take on kids face to face, and they were even willing to jump in and do a hybrid. The amount of work that they put into the programs, it’s just amazing."
They're keeping the arts alive with their passion and dedication.
Even though the band and choir public performances are on hold temporarily, students say these A+ Teachers are giving them an even bigger gift.
"We've both talked to many students who will talk to us later and say that you gave me a level of confidence by being in your class for several years that I did not have,” said Pletincks. “You brought me out of my shell. The thing we really stress in our class is overall acceptance."
Along with a welcoming atmosphere, to refine their gifts and grow.
"Setting up a room of respect and acceptance for everyone,” McCarthy said. “It's okay to make mistakes as long as we're continually learning from them.”