Brian Hecht and Bob Greer discuss the importance of music education in schools and its profound impact on students’ emotional and academic development.

Brian Hecht

Brian Hecht, a Dallas native, joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as a Utility Trombone in September 2021. This position subs for other players when they are unable to perform or plays when a piece calls for four trombones. Before this, he held positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the United States Navy Band in Washington, DC. Throughout his career, Brian has performed with major ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony. He has been a featured soloist with several prestigious groups, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the U.S. Navy Band. Brian’s accolades include first prizes in the 2009 Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition and the Edwards Big 12 Bass Trombone Solo Competition.

Brian’s introduction to music began at George W. Truett Elementary School in Dallas, where he signed up for piano classes to avoid P.E. “Music began as an excuse to avoid gym class, but it turned into something I really enjoyed.” At Coppell Middle School East, Brian joined the band as a trombone player.

When he discovered the piano, he noticed music more in life, especially in movies. Brian was intrigued by the emotional aspect of the music in scenes and the unique way it captivates the audience.

Bob Greer

Bob Greer joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as an Assistant Librarian in August 2018. As Associate Librarian, Bob manages all public domain works owned by the symphony, including orchestral parts and conductor scores. He is also responsible for renting music that is under copyright. Additionally, he prepares and distributes music folders for each musician before every concert. His responsibilities include editing, repairing, and marking pieces before they leave the library for the performers.

The selection process for music librarians is a challenging task. When asked about the audition process, Bob states, “The library audition process begins with a comprehensive test covering orchestral, operatic, ballet, pops and other relevant music. This includes virtually anything that could be asked about classical music. It is a daunting challenge!” An active member of the Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association (MOLA), Bob gives clinics on incorporating technology into symphony orchestras.

Born in Fort Worth and raised in Arlington, Bob began playing the viola in 5th grade. He enrolled in various string programs and studied Music Theory and Composition at the University of Texas at Arlington. Post-college, he began his career as a Music Librarian with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

The Benefits of Music Education

Music education offers numerous benefits that enhance a student’s life. Engaging with music can improve memory and language skills, and studies have shown that students involved in music programs often achieve better grades and perform well on standardized tests. 

Emotionally, music provides a creative outlet for expression, helping to boost self-esteem and reduce stress. Socially, participating in music ensembles fosters teamwork and collaboration. Moreover, the impact of music education is long-lasting. Students who develop a music appreciation carry this passion throughout their lives, potentially pursuing careers in the arts or simply enjoying music as a hobby.

When asked about the importance of music education in his formative years, Brian said, “Music has always been so much more to me than entertainment. It has also been a therapist and an educator. Young kids have so much going on in their lives and are experiencing a wide variety of constant emotions. Music was my way of dealing with those emotions. It can be an incredibly useful tool for today’s students in helping with emotional expression. When I was happy, I could play music that boosted that happiness. When I was sad, I could play music that helped me work through feelings and get them out instead of bottling them up.”

Brian also adds that music positively impacts a child’s developing brain. “Practicing a musical instrument has been proven to increase organization and brain function in many individuals and can help young students improve their abilities outside of music by teaching hard work, time management and achieving goals.”

Mentors in Music Education

Both Brian and Bob discuss the importance of mentors in fostering the development of musicians. Mentorship contributes to nurturing talent and supporting young musicians in their journeys.

Brian speaks warmly about the encouragement he received from his older brother, who was also involved in music. “Having someone close to me who was passionate about music made a huge difference. My brother’s involvement in cello and trumpet inspired me to take my own musical journey seriously,” Brian shares.

Brian attributes much of his career success to his high school teacher, Jon Bohls, and band director, Scott Mason. “Jon was my private lesson teacher who I met with on a weekly basis for lessons on singing through the instrument with my greatest sound. He showed me what the world’s greatest trombone players sounded like and had an incredibly gorgeous sound on the instrument himself. Getting to reinforce my goals with him every week helped me to set my sights on the highest level of trombone performance,” Brian said.

Scott Mason’s influence was equally profound. “Scott Mason took those goals and demanded them from each and every one of his students. He loved his band program and the students that were a part of it and regularly worked with me after school to get my All-State etudes to a higher level. He showed me what hard work looks and feels like, and how amazing the reward is for putting the time and effort in,” Brian recalls.

Similarly, Bob’s journey was significantly shaped by his early music teachers, particularly Lyn Stone, who taught him from 5th through 9th grade. Bob reflects, “Her instruction in music theory ignited a lifelong passion in me. This passion led me to major in Music Theory at the University of Texas at Arlington.”

Bob credits his wife, Louanne, with a significant influence on students. She has taught middle school strings in Arlington for over 17 years and revels in her students’ success and accomplishments. “Having grown up learning music in public elementary, middle, and high school orchestras and witnessing the dedication my wife gives to her students, I am continually amazed by the accomplishments these music students achieve,” said Bob.

Teamwork in Music

Being part of a team for a music production teaches young people valuable skills in collaboration and communication, which are essential for achieving a unified performance. Additionally, working toward a common goal in a musical setting creates shared accomplishment, boosting confidence and a sense of belonging. Bob reflects on the cohesion bonds present in teams. He says, “One incredible thing about playing in an orchestra is the level of teamwork required—each player must fully buy in.”

Brian reminisces on the camaraderie amongst his band members at Coppell High School. “It’s a feeling akin to family, that was unlike any other group I was involved in,” he says. “My time in the CHS Marching Band contributed greatly to my decision to pursue music as a career.”

Texas Influence

The Lone Star State’s musical heritage powerfully shapes young musicians. Brian reflects, “Having the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a world-class ensemble, right in my backyard was an invaluable resource for my musical inspiration and development. Attending DSO concerts and hearing world-class musicians in person showed me the level I needed to achieve on my instrument.”

In Texas, high school football reigns supreme. With over 1,200 high school football teams across the state, Texas boasts one of the most competitive football scenes in the country. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the marching band, an essential component of the game-day experience.

“Marching bands in Texas are unlike anywhere else in the world,” says Brian. “You can’t have a high school football game without a marching band halftime show, and the crowds LOVE it. It is a truly unique feeling to see people stay in their seats at halftime because they want to see the band perform.”

The Future

Music education offers a unique avenue for students to explore their creativity, express their emotions and develop essential life skills. As Brian eloquently puts it, music has been both a therapist and an educator, helping him navigate the complexities of youth. Bob’s reflections on the cohesion and teamwork within an orchestra emphasize the social benefits of participating in music programs. Their stories underscore the importance of early music exposure, dedicated educators’ support, and the value of teamwork and perseverance.

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Cover photo courtesy Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Sara Aguinaga’s passions include reading, creating art, and traveling. She enjoys exploring the culinary diversity across the expansive Lone Star State. As a licensed massage therapist, she strives to bring peace to the lives of others.