JULY 2025

It started in June, with the carrot cake.

A rectangle of spice cake in the larger half of the Tupperware and a few spoonfuls of sugar glaze in the smaller side. Leftover from a birthday celebration across the street—the first year without the person they were celebrating. “I saved you a piece,” he said simply.

A few weeks later, I returned the Tupperware with a wedge of peach cake—vanilla cake with sugared peaches in the middle and on top.

“It’s a Southern tradition,” I said, standing on the doorstep and squinting up at him in the evening light. “Never bring back an empty container.”

He smiled broadly. “Well, this is fun,” he said as he reached down to take the paper bag from my hand. “I love peaches. And I’ll be sure to get this right back to you!”

And he did.

A few weeks later, I saw him crossing the street. A former basketball coach, his tall, lean stature cast a long shadow on the grassy median. He carried a slim paper bag with a hand-drawn smiling sun on the outside, the Tupperware tucked inside.

“We call this ‘bark,’” he said as I pulled it out to take a peek. Crunchy Saltine crackers, a caramel-butter sauce, a layer of dark chocolate, and various toppings.

This tradition has me reflecting on the new school year (two weeks away, for me). Because it’s a lot like teaching, isn't it? We bring certain things to the table, but our students and ensemble members bring things, too.

Here are three good reminders:

Never show up empty-handed. Step into every class, lesson, or rehearsal with something to give—an engaging activity, an interesting question, a thoughtful word of encouragement. And remember, you can always offer your presence, kindness, and curiosity.
Embrace the element of surprise. Sometimes the best moments come when you do something unplanned: swapping repertoire at the last minute, pulling out an unexpected game, making a connection, or deviating from the lesson plan. Surprises keep it fresh for everyone.
It’s a two-way street. Music teaching and learning go both ways. My students introduce me to new music, offer perspectives I hadn’t considered, and share their joy of discovery. It’s important to remain open to that, to be willing to give and receive. Always embrace opportunities to be a learner.

Back and forth the Tupperware goes, from one kitchen to another. It was my turn last weekend—I packed up a few of these lemon white chocolate cookies.

Every exchange we have adds to the story, just like in music. It makes us more connected. And that, to me, is what makes both good food and good teaching so meaningful.