Franklin music instructor receives highest honor

Carrie Provost was a fourth-grader when a teacher sparked her lifelong love of the violin.

When she was a junior in high school, a music instructor helped set her on a path to become an orchestra director.

Now Provost is the one inspiring young students.

As a member of Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200's string faculty for the past 23 years, Provost has become a "highly respected educator known for her commitment to music education," colleagues say.

That reputation recently earned the Wheaton resident statewide recognition when she was named the Outstanding School Teacher of the Year by the Illinois American String Teachers Association.

The honor will be presented to Provost Jan. 29 during the association's annual luncheon at the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Convention in Peoria.

Provost said she doesn't know who nominated her for the distinction, which is given annually to "a teacher in a school orchestra setting who has achieved or maintained excellence" in the school's program.

"I feel very honored to be in the company of the people who have been the previous winners," said Provost, adding that someone can win the award only once.

Provost is no stranger to recognition. In 1999, she was a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Still, Provost describes the Illinois ASTA award as the highlight of her career, which started 30 years ago when she was hired by Naperville Unit District 203.

During her three years with District 203, Provost was assigned to teach at one middle school and seven elementary schools.

"It was challenging, but that's the real life of an orchestra teacher," she said. "Most directors don't get to stay in one building."

Even now, Provost splits her time between Franklin Middle School and its four feeder elementary schools.

When she's not teaching a class, Provost organizes a series of concerts and oversees Franklin's award-winning eighth-grade orchestra. In 2005, the orchestra presented the world premiere of "Americana Suite," the first piece conductor Norman Leyden wrote for a middle school orchestra since 1960.

Joe Kish, Franklin's assistant principal, said Provost is part of the reason Franklin has a high number of students involved with its orchestra program.

"Carrie does a great job with middle school kids, really building on their strengths and curiosities," Kish said. "She understands the idea that effort equals achievement. She understands that kids are going to get better by doing."

Provost, who also is a violist with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, said her goal is to give students an appreciation of good music.

"I always hope that they will continue to play their instruments," she said, "whether they major in music or not."