Through all of the young musicians he has taught as a music teacher at Brooks Secondary School, choral conductor with Powell River Academy of Music and former artistic director of International Choral Kathaumixw, Paul Cummings has had a tremendous influence on the local music scene. Cummings’ personal instrument of choice is the trombone, and he can be known to sing some sweet jazz, too.
What was your musical path?
The music program in Powell River was fantastic as a child. I went to Courtenay Youth Music Camp jazz program for three years as a teen, which absolutely blew my mind. I have had the opportunity to play in ensembles with the likes of Diana Krall and Phil Dwyer. There was no turning back. I studied with jazz trombone legend Dave Robbins at University of British Columbia, where I obtained a degree in music, followed by a degree in education. After teaching for 10 years in Mission, I took a year to complete a masters in choral conducting at Western Washington University in Bellingham, which was a fabulous experience.
Did you have any other dreams of what you wanted to do when you were growing up in Powell River, other than music?
Music and travel, those were my inspirations. Lucky for me, I’ve been able to combine the two. I’ve had 16 overseas tours since I started teaching.
Why the trombone?
In grade five, I tested out for grade six band. I wanted to play the trumpet, but couldn’t get a sound out of it. The music staff recommended the trombone because I could produce a good tone; things just took off from there.
Once you chose a musical career, did you always plan to teach?
My first hope was to become a professional musician. I learned that surviving as a professional musician was hard. I knew, after growing up in Powell River, that teaching music could be a fulfilling experience, so after my third year of university, I set my sights on that. It is one of the smartest choices I have ever made.
What are the rewards of teaching music?
By far it’s experiencing the musical progress of my students and ensembles. It doesn’t matter if it’s a beginning band or an auditioned choir. Watching dozens of kids working together on a musical goal is inspiring for me. I witness it every day. Everyone contributes in one way or another.
What music do you listen to?
Like Duke Ellington said, “There’s are two kinds of music, good music and bad music.” I like it all. My absolute favourite is jazz. Vocalist Kurt Elling and trombonist Carl Fontana move me the most, often to tears.
