St. Luke's: Describe yourself.
Daniel Driskell: I am from Mobile, Alabama where I went to Baker High School and the University of South Alabama. I also attended Florida State University. I am proud to be a performer, teacher, arranger, and a father. I was blessed to have excellent teachers who inspired me to learn a variety of styles in music and different instruments.

I began playing the piano at age 7 and my dad was persistent that I continue throughout my school years. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with playing, listening, and writing music! I spent a lot of time playing music in churches, practicing classical music, playing in jazz bands, and learning from my peers, mentors, and friends.

SL:   What led you to want to become a teacher in the fine or performing arts?
DD:   I love to see the change that music can make in a person. It was inspiring to watch Mrs. Ellen, Dr. Holm, and Mr. Middleton (three of my piano/guitar teachers) and to see the love they had for each student as they worked to encourage and challenge each one at different levels of ability and experience.

SL:   Why should the fine and performing arts play a key role in a student’s education?
DD:   Appreciating the arts is a key to one’s overall education, sophistication, emotional well being, and interaction with others. It reaches us in a personal way touching our very spirits.

SL:   Do you collaborate with other departments within the school? If so, how?
DD:   Of course! I love to work with the chorus, drama, and art teacher on projects that show our students’ talents. We are planning several events this year that are collaborative and engaging in a multi-sensory approach including our plays, chapel events, and the Wildcat Winter Extravaganza.

SL:   How do you connect fine and performing arts to other subjects?
DD:   Music is definitely connected to many other subjects. I love to show students how the phrases in music are like a sentence, with punctuation and crescendo. Every note of music can be explained mathematically using music theory, from chord progressions to melodies.

SL:   How do you promote interest in fine and performing art classes with the student body?
DD:   I am privileged to work with students of all ages at St. Luke’s. It is a joy to see them singing, dancing, and making music as they learn to participate in an ensemble.

SL:   What is your teaching method/philosophy?
DD:   I always use a “hands on” approach to learning. Often students can find new abilities and learn to appreciate others by playing the drums, piano, ukulele, bells, guitar, etc… As I always tell people “If you have never seen or touched a harp, how would you know that you want to play one.”

SL:   How do students know they belong in your program/class?
DD:   I believe that any student can learn to use their talent for singing and/or playing instruments. God has given us all certain abilities but most great artists got where they are through hard work and perseverance.

SL:   Describe the trajectory, vision, future, etc of St. Luke’s fine and performing arts program.
DD:   I am looking forward to the future at St. Luke’s. We have many talented students with positive attitudes. Participation is one of the main goals I have, letting all students, faculty, and families know that they have a place in the arts. We hope that people in the community will start to hear good things from our performances, parades, shows, sporting events, academics, and more.