If anyone wonders why we do what we do, we have an easy answer: Preston Sangster.

First, there was sixth-grade Preston. Unable to afford the saxophone he longed to play, he found his gift on the decades-old clarinet that was his mother’s, then later on bassoon. Soon thereafter, his instructor, UT Professor and Joy of Music School volunteer Keith McClelland recommended the School to his young pupil when he could no longer afford lessons. “Playing clarinet was the first time I knew what it felt like to be good at something,” says Preston.

Then there was high-school Preston. Though there was a period during his senior year when Preston had to sleep on friends’ couches, even in his car, he never lost his dedication to music and academics. A graduation performance at the School’s year-end recital included a piano/bassoon piece he arranged himself, and a $300 book stipend from the School for the future University of Tennessee student.

College-freshman Preston worked 30 hours a week as a cashier at Walmart, took 19 credit hours, and was a member of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. Inspired by the teacher who “had his back 100 percent,” Preston majored in music education. “Keith McClelland is the reason I am a teacher,” he says.

Preston is not just any teacher. He recently was named “New Teacher of the Year” not only for Loudon County Elementary where he teaches more than 500 students each week, but also for the entire county.

So, thank you Preston Sangster for the reminder that with a simple donation of one instrument and the time of one gifted instructor, the joy of music is a gift that can live forever.

 

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