Let's Catch Up With Ms. Matthews!
How long have you taught at Southern Lee? What classes do you teach?
"I am finishing my 8th year at Southern Lee High School. I have taught Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Chorus, Intro to Band, and Orchestra at SLHS. "
Marching Shows I have done at SLHS (I count how long I have been here by the shows I’ve done):
Caliente 2018
Wicked 2019
Frank Sinatra Show 2020 (never happened because of COVID)
The Spy Show 2021
Great Locomotive Chase 2022
The Rolling Stones 2023
Journey of Man 2024
Quidam 2025
What college did you attend? What did you major in?
Liberty University (Bachelor of Music, 2003)
Radford University (Master of Arts in Music, 2010)
Liberty University (Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education, 2025)
What was your first job as a teenager? Where did you work? Duties, Pay?
"I worked at a plant nursery for my first job. I cared for plants. I learned everything possible about plants. It was a physically demanding job, especially in the summertime, and I had really wonderful bosses, but it made me realize that I did not want to be working that hard physically, when I got older, so I needed to finish school and get a degree. "
Think back about your favorite teacher. Who was it? List a few qualities or attributes they have.
" Mr. Jim Owens was my favorite teacher - hands down. He was my band teacher in middle and part of high school. He had great energy and was so passionate about music. Every day was an adventure for him in the classroom. He loved music so much it was contagious. He held us to a very high standard and had the amazing ability to see us in the most positive light. He really saw me and my potential. For a quiet kid like me, that meant everything. He changed my whole life. I decided to be a band teacher and musician because of him. "
What song do you hear that puts you back in your Senior year of high school? What year was that?
1998 “You Get What You Give,” by the New Radicals - VERY underrated song
Pets? (names, species, info)
Sir - Shih Tzu
Wolfie - Mutt (Cava-Pekechon)
Favorite team, hobby, sports?
San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics
What actor/actress would play you in a movie?
Chubby Adele 🙂 (representation matters)
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
"I have the best job on Earth. I like my colleagues because they put the students first. I am proud of the people I work with because their priorities are correct. SLHS is the best place I have ever taught. I love my students because they work so hard to be successful in my class. I feel like my job has the maximum impact on others, and I enjoy the fact that we grow together as musicians and people. I like watching my students grow up and be successful. I like watching them realize how amazing they are when we go to competitions and assessments. I enjoy nurturing their potential and leadership. I enjoy getting better at my job every year. "
What advice would you give a parent who has a freshman?
"Make sure your kid is involved in some kind of extra or co-curricular activity that they enjoy. Core classes are great, but those extra activities are what help kids develop character and what make them want to come to school on those tough days. Teams and ensembles help kids learn that other people are invested in their success, and that they can be a part of something much bigger than themselves. That is important because it lets kids know they are important outside of their home. "
What is one misconception people have about working in a high school?
"People say to me all the time, “How can you teach at a high school? I could never.” In my opinion, high school is the best age to teach. My students want to be in class with me and learn about music. I am there to help and guide them by the time they’re in high school. They are old enough to be themselves and know what they want, for the most part. They can do incredible things with a little coaching and guidance. I like how independent they are, and how close they are to being adults and changing the world. "
Last thoughts for students:
"Choose a career in something that you are passionate about. Life is too short, and we spend over 40 years in the workforce on average. Make sure it is something that you enjoy and something that will make a difference, because that job will take up most of your time in life. Make it count for something!