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Children Are Music To Her Ears

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 24, 2008

After decades of teaching music, Kathleen Sanz made it to the hall of fame last year - the Florida Music Educators Association Hall of Fame.

But even as Sanz, Pasco County schools' supervisor of curriculum and instructional services, has risen through the ranks, she's maintained the same philosophy that inspired her as an elementary school music teacher.

"To be a good music teacher, the first thing you have to have is a passion for working with children," she said. "You have to provide an opportunity for creative and innovative learning and problem-solving, and you have to open the children's minds so that they develop the skills, confidence and discipline needed to help them in the future."

The Florida Music Educators Association inducted Sanz into its hall of fame Jan. 11 at a ceremony at the Tampa Convention Center.

The honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to music education in Florida and nationally. For Sanz, 56, the honor caps a journey that began at a young age.

"I've been interested in music education my whole life," she said. "I love the creativity and love the performing and playing."

Sanz started playing the flute in fourth grade and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from the University of South Florida. She earned her doctorate from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

While in Colorado, Sanz oversaw the work of student music educators at a laboratory school.

Back in Florida, she served for two years as a director of education for The Florida Orchestra, where she developed programs introducing Hillsborough and Pinellas County students to orchestral music.

Then she taught music to elementary students in Hillsborough County for 28 years.

"Elementary students are so darned cute, so honest and so literal," Sanz said. "I don't know that there's any better feeling in the world than helping them discover and develop their talents."

In 1985, Sanz became the supervisor of fine arts for the Pasco County School District, overseeing the curriculum for art, music, theater and dance.

In 1972, she joined the Florida Music Educators Association, where she has helped develop Sunshine State educational standards for arts education and helped with the association's assessment of fourth-, eighth- and 10th-grade music students. She has also helped oversee choir, band and music classes across the state.

Her role with the Florida Music Educators Association also has included legislative advocacy, which involves keeping lawmakers abreast of the state and needs of Florida's music education programs and compliance with national mandates for music education.

Over the years, her responsibilities have continued to increase.

In her role as supervisor of curriculum and instructional services, she oversees curriculum for all academic subjects - "everything from art, music and theater to math and reading."

She's also the president-elect of the southern division of the National Association for Music Education.

All her efforts fuel the same goal: more music education in schools and more students who love going to music class.

"Whether they become musicians or engineers, kids need music education for the skills and confidence it builds," she said.

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