TEACHER'S CORNER: MUSIC TEACHER DUMEY FINDS CLASSROOM A STAGE

"There's no business like show business."

Vocal music instructor Mike Dumey said songwriter Irving Berlin had no idea just how true those lyrics would be when applied to teaching seventh-graders.

"There are many similarities between an educator and an entertainer," said Dumey, who works with students at the L.J. Schultz school in Cape Girardeau. "Many of the same techniques used to "work" an audience on stage are used very effectively on students in the classroom."

Dumey said he enjoys working with early adolescents because they challenge him as an educator. Students respond well when teachers are honest, direct and show respect for their students. Having a sense of humor also helps educators reach students.

During classes and rehearsals, Dumey tries to keep things moving to hold his students' attention. "A key word I use to quickly motivate my students is the word 'tight,'" he said. "Before a song, I might challenge them to be 'tight' in their performance. Immediately, they sit up straighter and there is an added spark in their voices that indicates extra effort towards perfection."

For the past six years, one of the highlights of the school year for Dumey as a director is the all-school musical given each spring. He said each year he is amazed at the amount of talent and the level of dedication found in the young actors and he's always proud of the end result.

Creative and supportive colleagues and interested students inspire teachers to strive for excellence, Dumey said, adding: that "if all the world is truly a stage, then I am glad that my curtain falls each day working with the students of L.J. Schultz Middle School."