Trumpeter doesn't miss a beat as Director of Fine Arts for Gwinnett County Schools

What does it take to oversee the Fine Arts education of nearly 125,000 K-12 students in Georgia's 2nd largest county? Does that individual appreciate the contributions of 476 certified arts teachers? Do they go above and beyond their normal duties, spending a few days each week visiting Fine Arts performances at 115 schools from Norcross to Grayson? Would that person believe passionately in art education? And even, be an accomplished artist, themself playing the trumpet in their church orchestra every Sunday?

If your name is Dr. Robert Andrews, the answer is yes. For nearly a decade, Dr. Andrews has been Director of Fine Arts for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). And what a program he leads: 31 GCPS 2009 Fine Arts Finalists for Governor's Honors; 15 college scholarships from 12 high school dance programs; 312 All-state Band, Chorus and Orchestra participants; 16 individual actor actress awards and one state winner in Theatre Arts; 136 Competition winners in regional, state and national Visual Arts contests and the list goes on.

Evidentally, Gwinnett County Public Schools takes Fine Arts seriously and so does their leader, Dr. Robert Andrews. Starting with his illustrious career playing the trumpet in 5th grade, he's never looked back. Wanting to follow in his band instructor's footsteps, Dr. Andrews set out to get a BMEd in music at University of Georgia, an MMEd at Chicago's Vandercook and then, back to UGA for an EdS in Leadership. Other high notes he reached along the way include band leader at Dacula and South Gwinnett High Schools.

One might wonder if mastering the trumpet, conducting a band and a lifelong commitment to higher learning was the key to Dr. Andrew's success in the arts. But there was also another side to the story. When asked why art education is so important, he explained, "It uplifts the human spirit. If a person is down and they start to create a painting or play an instrument, it turns everything around."

Perhaps speaking from experience, Dr. Andrews explained how he performs trumpet each week in his church orchestra not to mention practice on Wednesday night. What's more, his passion for music extends to his family life. His wife is a piano teacher and is currently helping two of their grandchildren learn the keys. While, another grandchild has picked up the violin.

According to Dr. Andrews, the benefits of fine arts training are many:

The arts develop the whole brain-both the right and left side that helps with creativity and innovation, both skills much needed for the 21st century.

Arts students perform better academically taking AP art as well as other AP classes.

Some students become lifelong learners and consumers of the arts.

I was about to ask Dr. Andrews more about Gwinnett's program when his assistant came to remind him of his next appointment. The Georgia High School Association One Act Play Regional Competition. So, the interview ended, because, the show must go on. And if you happen to be a Fine Arts student in Gwinnett County Public Schools, rest assured. You have at least one major fan in your audience.