ABOUT ME
My Name is Evan West. I grew up in a very diverse small city called Brooks, located in southern Alberta. During my youth I was in the Air Cadet Squadron, 239. Air cadets was very helpful to me and gave me confidence and a good solid foundation for me to be a leader. I took various music courses through air cadets, as well as I learned how to fly. I climbed up the ranks and eventually lead my squadron as Warrant Officer 1st Class. Every summer I went away to camp, learning various leadership courses, public speaking, and how to be a teacher at the Military Base in Penhold, Alberta. I taught at Penhold during the summer months for a few years after High school. It was great to have a small insight into the teaching world, and to have such large responsibilities. I taught music lessons, conducted the various bands, and was responsible for over 300 students and their general well being. As much as working for the military was strict, there is a strong sense of kinship between each teacher, and we learned to work together. At the base, we had over 5000 cadets, ranging from ages 12 up to age 19.
Air cadets also taught me the importance of serving the community. We did various fundraisers every year, from fundraising for the Veterans to asking for donations for the needy. I learned to be selfless and to be aware of the needs of those around me. Teaching is very much a selfless act, and you realize that you are doing it not for the money or the benefits, but you are helping children grow and better themselves. One day they will be the leaders of tomorrow, and I would be proud if I could help form that next generation.
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In 2003 I graduated from the Brooks Composite High, and I went straight into the music faculty at the University of Lethbridge. My main instrumental focus was the Euphonium. I worked with great professors; one of the most inspirational was Tom Staples. After I completed my Graduation concert, I focused on performing with the Global Drums group at the University.
With the Global Drums I was fortunate enough to travel the world and spread the joy of the Steel Pans and other percussion instruments, such as the Taiko drums, samba drumming, and African traditional percussion. I traveled to Florida, Texas and Japan to perform as a guest performer. The University of Lethbridge is very blessed to have this program available, and I would recommend to anyone wanting to join the University, to sign up to Global Drums.
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After 4 years at the University I took some time off to become more financially stable, and to help out my family. I had many opportunities to work with students of all ages during that time, including a few years I traveled with animals and created an educational program teaching grade school students about the diversity of various animals. I tied it into the school curriculum and worked with schools and churches all across southern Alberta. Later on I went into construction, which was another one of my passions. I worked as a contractor for a while, and later went into retail and worked as a local commercial accounts sales associate for a major construction supply chain. There I learned how to improve my communication skills and to be part of a team that created a successful business. After a few years I became more financially stable, and I decided it was time to complete my studies to get back to what I really wanted to do.
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In 2017 I graduated with a Bachelor in Music from the University of Lethbridge. I am currently pursuing a degree in Education so that I can continue to positively influence the lives of our children and the leaders of tomorrow. I am excited to rise to the challenges they may face, and to try to anticipate the technological and societal requirements that will be placed on them in their future jobs and careers.
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As for anyone, the process of learning never stops as you grow older. The only difference is that my reason for learning becomes more for helping the students, and not just for myself. I strongly believe in a growth mindset, and hope to continue with that belief well into my retirement years and beyond.
