NURTURING the minds of the Limestone Coast’s young musicians for almost 10 years, Grant High School teacher Scott Maxwell has been recognised for his efforts on a national scale.
Mr Maxwell was announced yesterday as one of four nominees for the 2018 ARIA Music Teacher Of The Year award.
Out of more than 1000 nominations, he was narrowed down to the top 20 and ultimately the final four.
The process began after Mr Maxwell was nominated by his peers and students for the award and although some teachers only received a handful on nominations, it is understood he received many.
“It was pretty amazing when I found out I had been nominated,” Mr Maxwell told The Border Watch yesterday.
“I figured it was maybe my students or other teachers here at Grant but apparently I had quite a few supporters.
“I was completely stoked when I found out – I could not believe it.”
As overwhelmed as he was, Mr Maxwell then had the task of submitting a brief about himself and the music program at Grant High.
Once shortlisted to the final four, Mr Maxwell was informed an ARIA ambassador would visit his school to create his nominee video.
The ambassador he was lucky enough to be paired with was South Australian native Guy Sebastian.
“I was pretty excited when I found out Guy would be coming to Mount Gambier,” Mr Maxwell said.
“The fact he is from SA really resonates with me and it show my students anything is possible.
“It was a really cool feeling to know he would be supporting me on my journey.”
Guy made a surprise appearance in the Blue Lake city late last month for the video, with his low-key visit causing a buzz around the region.
Although Mr Maxwell was aware Guy would be here, he decided to keep the secret under wraps hoping to surprise his students during class.
“We got the kids up and singing Battle Scars by Guy,” Mr Maxwell said.
“It was a little bit of a prank because all of a sudden he walked in and began singing with them.
“I think the kids were all pretty amazed when he showed up and they found out what he was here for.”
Although his students may have gotten a shock when the global success walked into their classroom, Mr Maxwell’s efforts in the community were sure to be recognised sooner or later.
Alongside Mike Bakker, Mr Maxwell has produced original musical theatre pieces for students to perform for the past few years.
When he first started working at the school, students performed traditional musicals but the pair found it hard to find many suitable productions.
The teachers wanted to make sure students were involved in every aspect of the production, without the need for outside help, a task which proved challenging.
The pair then devised a plan to start creating their own completely student-driven productions.
“It was really important to us to make sure they were part of everything we were doing,” Mr Maxwell said.
“I think creating something from scratch really helped them feel a sense of ownership over the productions.
“They were more excited to take part and build something as one big team – I think it has a big impact on their lives.”
The musicals are something Mr Maxwell hopes students will look back on in years to come when they reminisce about their high school days.
Mr Bakker takes care of the script and technical features, while Mr Maxwell turns his focus to the music and lyrics.
It is something Mr Maxwell has been passionate about for many years, recalling his high school days writing music in his bedroom.
“It has always been part of who I am,” he said.
“I would sit in my bedroom every night and compose.
“That kind of passion is something I always aim to instil in my students – I want them to love it as much as I do.”
Mr Maxwell believes music is one of the best things in life and has helped shaped the man he has become.
“I have really learnt a lot about myself over the years as a musician,” he said.
“From my younger days playing in bands to now teaching, the discipline and passion you pout into it can be associated to all aspects of life.
“Music has really opened up the world to me.”
Although he has devoted much of his life to his craft, Mr Maxwell did not believe he would ever be recognised on such a grand scale.
“The most rewarding thing about my career is not only getting to do what I love every day but also seeing that improvement in students when you’re teaching them,” he said.
“Those small victories are what it’s all about, they’re the things I work towards every day.
“It really makes you appreciate what you do.”
As humble as he is about the nomination, an ARIA is something every musician dreams about.
“It’s one of the pinnacles in the Australian music industry,” he said.
“Obviously everyone would love to win one, so to even be nominated is completely overwhelming for me.
“Celebrating myself is one thing, but I would love for Grant High School and the South East to be recognised for what we’re contributing to the industry.”
With only 47 days left until the award night in Sydney on November 28, the Limestone Coast is now tasked with backing Mr Maxwell by voting for him online.
“I only get to attend the event if I win – so I’m hoping everyone will get behind me,” Mr Maxwell said.
“A win would not only be for me but for my fellow teachers, my peers and my students.
“Let’s get me to the ARIAs and show Australia everything our region has to offer.”
Year 10 student Sam Saunders expected the entire school community to get behind Mr Maxwell in the voting poll, praising the teacher for his enthusiasm and encouragement.
“He is really supportive of all the students,” Sam said.
“He will guide anyone who wants to pursue music through the path they want to take.”
First coming under Mr Maxwell’s tutelage at the start of 2016 as a trumpeter, Sam has since learnt the piano and was the keyboardist in Spectrum – a musical developed by Mr Maxwell and Mr Bakker.
“All the time we spent practising and working on the musical was a lot of fun – it was just enjoyable to play new music,” he said.
With voting details yet to be released, it should only be a few short days before the community can sing its praises of Mr Maxwell.
