Every December “School Band and Orchestra Magazine” spotlights one outstanding music educator from each state in the nation as part of its “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.”

Georgia’s featured director for 2017 is Barbara Baker, band director at McIntosh High. This year marks the magazine’s second decade of highlighting the nation’s most exceptional music educators.

Over 880 nominations poured into the magazine from people throughout the nation wanting to honor music educators who have made a positive impact on the lives of students. Nominations are accepted from anyone (current and former students and colleagues, band parents, administrators, friends, spouses, former band directors, etc.) who admires the hard work and dedication that a nominee has given to his or her school music program.

The magazine’s editorial staff asked each director to tell them about their proudest teaching moments, how they hope to make a difference in students’ lives, and the most important lesson they try to teach their students.

In her response about how she makes a difference in her students’ lives Baker states, “I hope that the difference that I make is showing them that anything is possible. Music has a power that at times cannot be expressed in words but only through emotion. It is the most powerful communication that we have as human beings in a world that at times can be a lonely place. Hopefully, music will be part of my kids’ lives for a lifetime and not just for the years they work with me.”

Baker’s entire spotlight can be read online in the December issue of “School Band and Orchestra Magazine” at www.sbomagazine.com. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the December issue in the archives section.

Baker has been teaching band for 27 years.