Teaching philosophy

I believe that Education is the single most important thing that an advanced civilization does for itself. The deliberate process of passing knowledge and skills on to all young citizens, and continuing lifelong learning and research, is the means by which the civilization maintains itself and continues to advance. Humans, perhaps uniquely so, smile and laugh and cry from very early ages, suggesting that humans have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence, which in turn inspires the Arts ( creative writing, visual arts, music, and theater ) to exercise and express human emotions. Musicians participating in ensembles have the opportunity of also developing discipline and responsibility, which are important elements of every successful community. Therefore, all things considered, it is vital that the study of the Arts be an important part of organized and structured education for all individuals.

Teaching Bio

I began teaching music in 1970. Since that time I have taught in the public schools of Enosburg, Bakersfield, Montgomery, Middlebury, and Mill River Union High School. I have taught classes at Johnson State College, Castleton University, and I continue to teach at Middlebury College and MCMC. I taught and conducted adult community ensembles in Middlebury and Rutland County, and at an adult jazz music camp for over 25 years.

Performance Bio

Mr. Irwin organized, manages and plays Lead Trombone for the Vermont Jazz Ensemble (since 1976), and he also performs with VSO Fanfare ( Brass Trio ), Satin ‘n’ Steel, Stolen Moments, Moments Notice, The MoonLighters, The Gerry Grimo Band, The DoughBoys, and other ensembles throughout Vermont, while guest conducting or doing workshops and clinics several times per year. In 2014, Bear had the privilege of performing in a jazz ensemble formed to accompany Doc Severinsen ( The Tonight Show Band, 1962-1992 ) in a Concert Performance.

Bear Irwin began teaching instrumental music in 1970, and returned to teach instrumental music at Mill River Union High School in the Fall of 2003, retiring from MRUHS in 2015. Before returning to Mill River Union High School, Mr. Irwin taught vocal and/or instrumental music at Enosburg Falls Junior – Senior High School & Elementary School, Bakersfield Middle School, Montgomery Elementary School (’70 - ’74 & ’84 - ’92), Middlebury Union Junior and Senior High School (’74 – ‘76 ), Mill River Union High School (’92 – ’98), and Rutland Town School (’98 – ’03). Bear also taught Senior High Methods and Brass Methods on the Adjunct Faculty of Johnson State College and Castleton State College, and presently teaches trombone at Middlebury College. Bear has done graduate work at UVM, Central Connecticut State University, and Plymouth State College, studying with James Swearingen, Robert W. Smith, Anne McGinty, Jack Stamp, Richard Derosa, Craig Kirchoff, and H. Robert Reynolds.

Mr. Irwin served on the Vermont Music Educators Association Executive Board as District Divisions Coordinator (1989-2015 ) and as President (July 2001 to June 2009 ). Bear served as Vice President (‘90-’95) and President (‘95-’98) of the International Association of Jazz Educators Vermont Unit. Between 2000 and 2004, Bear was the Manager of the Vermont All State Music Festival Jazz Ensemble, and he was a Staff Member/Clinician/Conductor at Jazz Vermont (music camp with eight or nine ensembles for adults from all over the country) from 1984 to 2014.

Bear was a Director of the Lakes Region Youth Orchestra Concert Band from 2000 to 2014, and a coach of Shrewsbury Chamber Music Society Brass and Jazz Ensembles from 1998 to 2012. Mr. Irwin organized, manages and plays Lead Trombone for the Vermont Jazz Ensemble (since 1976), and he also performs with Satin ‘n’ Steel, Stolen Moments, Moments Notice, Doctor Burma, Catamount Brass, The DoughBoys, and other ensembles throughout Vermont, while guest conducting or doing workshops and clinics several times per year.

Mr. Irwin has been presented the Outstanding Vermont Teacher Award by the University of Vermont three times over twenty-two years ( from Enosburg Falls Jr.-Sr. H.S. in 1986, and from Rutland Town School in 2000, and from Mill River Union High School in 2008). He was named Vermont Educator of the Year by the Vermont VFW Auxiliary in 2000, and in May of 2009, Mr. Irwin was inducted into the Vermont Principals Association Hall of Fame. In 2017, Bear Irwin received the Special Recognition Award presented by the Green Mountain District V Music Festival and the Vermont Music Educators Association.

At this time, Mr. Irwin is teaching private lessons three days each week at the Middlebury Community Music Center.