Meet Anne Gray, a seasoned music educator with a passion for inspiring young musicians. With 22 years of experience at Franklin Fine Arts Center in Chicago, Anne has dedicated her career to fostering creativity and nurturing talent.
Anne’s journey into music education began in a small, rural school in Northern Michigan. Inspired by her dedicated music teacher, who guided her from kindergarten through 12th grade, Anne learned firsthand the power of music education, even in resource-limited settings. This early influence, coupled with the inspiration she later received from her college choral director, who showed her “it was OK to conduct in a “go big or go home” way.”
Anne first heard about Music Will from her husband, a Chicago Public Schools’ Principal at the time. She has an after-school rock band and initially, she didn’t sign up for the program because she didn’t want to take away resources from schools that needed them more. It wasn’t until she was informed that Music Will also provides free training and curriculum and signed up for the Modern Band 101 training in 2016 that the rest was history! She started incorporating the methodology into her curriculum and witnessed a surge in student engagement and motivation because they were playing songs they actually wanted to learn.
One of Anne’s most rewarding experiences was witnessing the transformation of a student named Donachie. Initially resistant to music, Donachie would often lay on the floor during class, refusing to participate. However, when his class started learning guitar in 4th grade, a spark ignited within him. Little did Anne know, Donachie had already been secretly teaching himself guitar at home.
Recognizing Donachie’s potential, Anne asked him to help her simplify the arrangement of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for the class. He eagerly accepted the challenge, and together, they broke down the song into manageable parts. As an emerging and confident student, this collaborative experience marked a turning point for Donachie.
Today, Donachie is a thriving 8th grader who is the lead guitarist in Anne’s advanced rock band, a member of the choir, and a piano student. His passion for music is undeniable, and he continues to inspire his peers with his talent and dedication.
Anne’s commitment to her students shines through her innovative teaching methods and unwavering belief in music’s transformative power. Blending her expertise in dance and music, she infuses her lessons with movement and choreography, creating dynamic and engaging performances. Her students often take the stage in creative costumes, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to their shows. More than just a talented musician, Anne is a mentor who empowers her students to reach their full potential.
As a 2023 Co-Regional Teacher of the Year for Cook County and a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year, Anne’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. She credits Paul Gilvary, the now retired, “Chicago Godfather of schools with rock programs,” for his invaluable support and mentorship. Paul’s encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Anne’s career and building her successful music program.
Let’s continue to inspire the next generation of musicians and celebrate the power of music education, together!
To learn more about Music Will’s modern band curriculum and how it can transform your music program, or how you can become a supporter, visit MusicWill.org.
