Thousands of students have passed through the halls of Eastern Heights school in the 20 years that Rachel Brown has taught music there. But only a handful of them know that their music teacher is a singer, songwriter and musician on the professional stage, as well. Rachel Brown comes from a long line of musicians, and it was her first passion. "My family is very, very musical," She said. "I didn't go to school to be a teacher until I was 25 because I was on the road being a rock musician. I started piano lessons at six, and my family...they all played, and their friends all played. That's just what we did." Teaching is Rachel's main gig these days, but she still performs regularly with her band, "Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys." This interview was recorded days before Rachel performed to a sold-out crowd at the Music Box Supper Club in Cleveland. In the classroom, Rachel gives her students the stage, teaching them the basics of music and specialized vocals but also encouraging presence and self-confidence. On Dec. 17, Rachel is hosting a "Carols and Cookies" sing-along with her fifth grade students. The students are learning to play the ukulele and this will be their first mini concert. Elyria Schools Pioneer TV YouTube will be there to catch the show so...stay tuned!
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