NICK LEIST'S OPUS; JACKSON BAND DIRECTOR RECEIVGES `LONG OVERDUE' AWARD

Jason Stadt plays trombone while Leist intently observes him.

Nick Leist coaxes a little more sound from the band.

"Mr. Holland's Opus," for those who haven't seen it, is the touching story of a man who dedicates his life to teaching children to love music. Jackson is home to a man with a similar devotion -- Nick Leist, director of bands for the Jackson school district.

Last month, Leist received the Charles Emmons Band Director of the Year Award at a Missouri Music Educators Association luncheon.

Barry Bernhardt, director of activity bands at Southeast Missouri State University, presented him the award and called it "long overdue."

"Nick is one of those unsung hero types," Bernhardt said. "He produces a top quality product every year. He's really dedicated to his students."

Bernhardt said there are always people in their profession who are constantly in the limelight. Leist isn't one of them.

"The Jackson band program is one of the best-kept secrets in the state of Missouri," Bernhardt said. "You won't find a better band program in the state."

Leist says he was amazed when he learned he had won the award, saying he had no idea he had even been nominated.

"I was absolutely flabbergasted," Leist said. "There are many, many band directors around the state more deserving."

Evidently those who voted for him didn't think so. Bernhardt said the award is given annually in recognition of "exemplary dedication, service and achievement to music education in the state of Missouri."

Leist said he has a "sneaking suspicion" that it was Dr. Robert Gifford, a band director at the university, who nominated him. He is only partially correct. While, indeed, Gifford was one of the nominators, Leist was also nominated by Bernhardt and Dan Peterson, the Northeast Missouri State University band director.

"It's normal for someone to get two nominations but three is quite an accomplishment," Bernhardt said. "I think the award was well deserved."

A distinguished award for a distinguished career, no doubt.

Like Glenn Holland in the movie, Nick Leist never intended to teach music. Despite a love of music at an early age, playing the trombone in high school and receiving a music scholarship for college, Leist's career choice had nothing to do with music -- he wanted to be an architect.

But that didn't last.

"After I took college band," Leist said, "I was a changed man. "And then I took a couple more music courses and I was hooked."

While attending Southeast, Leist became acquainted with a man who would play a significant role in his life, Leroy Mason, who was a band director at the university at the time.

"Mr. Mason saw things in me I didn't see," Leist says, fondly.

Even after he decided to make music his life, he didn't consider teaching. Mason had a hand in that.

"I had decided to be a professional performer," Leist said. "I had even auditioned and been accepted to Peabody College in Nashville to do some musical graduate work."

Then, during Leist's senior year, Mason asked him to help teach some students who wanted to participate in a parade to march.

"I became very excited about teaching those students."

Leroy Mason must have seen a fine teacher in that young college student, because he told Leist to try his hand a teaching for a year. "They'll save that fellowship at Peabody for you," Mason told him.

Leist had much respect for Mason, so he decided to give teaching a try, and he's never looked back.

He began teaching in 1962 at Advance, where he taught fifth-grade instrumental music and vocal music to high school students. He wasn't anxious to leave Advance, but when Hayti offered to double his $3,000 salary, he couldn't refuse.

Then he took a job at Caruthersville; it didn't pay much more, but it was a larger school and Leist says he considered it a "professional advancement."

He was teaching there when, in 1968, Mason came back into his life, calling to tell Leist that the Jackson job of band director had become available.

Leist was interested so he applied and was interviewed by then-superintendent Frank Wiley, who hired him.

The rest, as they say, is history.

He's been teaching at Jackson ever since and he says he's gotten up excited every morning, ready to go to work, a feat few can relate to.

There are many reasons for that, Leist said.

"The longevity of my career -- 34 years -- can be attributed to the administration I have gotten to work with and for.

"If I had stayed at one of those other schools I'm not sure I would still be a band director."

He cites Jim Nelson, who was principal of Jackson High School when Leist was hired, as an example.

"Jim was instrumental in helping me set up the band program," Leist says, unaware of his pun. "There wasn't much I wouldn't have done for him."

He has also enjoyed working with Vernon Huck, who is principal of the high school now, whom Leist says "would back you until hell freezes over."

"I have never seen the support that we get here in Jackson at all levels," Leist said.

While the administration has been good to Leist, he says it is the kids that make the job rewarding.

"Nothing in this world is more important to me than to help the kids express their feelings through a top-notch performance. When they perform and their eyes get to flashing and they're sitting on the edge of their chair, I still get misty eyed. It still thrills my heart and is what makes it worth it."

It is gratifying for Leist when students make the All State Band or become professional performers, but he realizes that most students never reach those levels.

"I hope we've made a difference for all of them."

In addition to the talent, he says he respects the discipline it takes a student to become proficient at their instrument.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe the self-discipline it takes. All your other buddies are out pitching a ball, but you know you need to put in the 20, 30 minutes of practice to get good. You have to make yourself do that."

There are more cast members to "Mr. Leist's Opus," however. At the top of the bill is his wife, Judy, whom he calls a champion. He married Judy the same year he began teaching and has been grateful for her support.

"She never misses a concert. She comes up here and watches the band march, even when it's cold. I'll say, 'Judy, stay at home in this cold,' but before I know it, here she comes."

Next up are his fellow Jackson band directors, Pat Schwent and Scott Vangilder.

"Those two people have been wonderful," Leist said. Schwent has worked with Leist over 20 years. "I jokingly told Pat that half of that award should go to my wife and the other half should go to her."

He said Schwent and Vangilder have made his job easy.

"It doesn't matter how good you are, I'm only one-third of this program. I can't give those two enough credit."

Leist says his career has been very rewarding, it may be winding down. He says his goal has always been to teach for 35 years and next year will be his 35th.

"After that I'll have to examine it real closely."

Leist agrees that the "opus of his life" hasn't been the music -- it's been the people.

And he has no regrets.

"It's just been a joy," he says, smiling.