John Brewington, a ninth-grade percussionist who was captivated by the applause of an orchestra performance, has dedicated his life to passing on the lessons that music instilled in him. For the last 40 years, Brewington has been teaching students in Virginia Beach, and will be the first recipient of a new honor: Champion for Arts Education.
Brewington’s love for music began at Chrysler Hall when he heard applause after a performance of ‘Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.’ His passion drove him to pursue excellence in music, leading him to teach elementary school band, play with the Richmond Symphony, and become maestro of the Tidewater Winds Concert Band.
Despite his early success as a percussionist, Brewington chose education as a smarter path. He wanted to transfer knowledge and excite students about music, just as it had excited him. When hired by Virginia Beach Schools as an elementary school band director in 1985, he aimed to create better people, not necessarily musicians.
Erika Frydenlund, a piccolo player for the Tidewater Winds, recalls Brewington’s influence on her during her time in his elementary school band. He inspired her love of music and was her favorite teacher.
Brewington pivoted after 19 years of teaching, seeking to make a bigger impact on more students. He became the fine arts coordinator for Virginia Beach schools, overseeing curriculum and instruction for various music programs serving thousands of students and teachers.
In retirement, Brewington remains active with the Tidewater Winds. He finds performing gives him access to musicians and conductors that he would not have had otherwise.
For more information, visit whro.org.