Roy Carson is known as the leader of Powell River Community Band. He is also the father of Take 5 jazz band members Eli and Steve Carson. But it is as music teacher for every elementary school in School District 47 where the elder Carson thrives. Teaching music has always been his ambition; he has been doing it for 23 years.
How did you get your start in music?
Music was part of our family; it’s just what we did. My sister played the flute, my brother played the oboe and we all sang. Dad was a musician. Mom played the piano. There was music happening all the time. And I’m a charter member of the Powell River Boys Choir. I remember riding my bike to Grief Point Elementary School for choir rehearsal when I was in grade three.
How many different school bands do you conduct?
I have sort of little mini-bands at every elementary school. Grade six and grade seven students all study instrumental playing. They all get a chance to play a band instrument. It’s a program that I designed. It’s kind of like a workshop. I warn them: this kind of thing you have to study for a long time to become good at it. You have to work at it for several years and for many people it’s a lifetime.
Does it bother you to hear the squeaking and squawking every day?
I just know it’s normal to sound like that. You can tell when the kid is trying. If somebody is trying it’s not noise. The minute you see they’re not trying and they’re just making that sound, that gives you a headache.
Is there a particular song that gives you a headache?
It’s not like “Hot Cross Buns” is my favourite song, but there’s nothing wrong with me hearing it with the right attitude. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “Hot Cross Buns,” probably millions. It’s still okay, provided you see the kid is learning.
Do you hear “Hot Cross Buns” in your sleep?
No I don’t. I can’t stand it. I would never play it, ever. But that just happens to be a song kids gravitate to when they learn their first three notes.
Is being a teacher what you wanted to do as a musician?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher since I was in grade 10. I’ve always had a desire to do it and I’ve spent my whole career doing it. I’ve studied forever and can kind of do it in my sleep now.
