MANSFIELD — Students want to be where they’ll be successful, and will thrive in just such an environment.
That’s what Chris Japikse believes. He is the orchestra teacher at Malabar Intermediate School, and recently won the the Outstanding Young String Teacher Award.
Japiske received the honor the evening of Feb. 2 during the Ohio Music Educators Association convention in Cleveland from Ohio String Teachers Association. Only one winner is awarded in the state.
“Chris has two qualities that make him a nice fit. One, he has a wonderful rapport with students. He is into Star Wars, and Harry Potter and knows anime, so he really connects with the students,” Alicia Tremmel, the seventh, eighth, and high school orchestra teacher said. “Also, he knows his craft. He understands the materials we use. He is very strong. He understands the technical needs of students.
Japiske, a second-year teacher at Malabar Intermediate said, he didn’t know he was nominated until he found out he won the award. He then called to Tremmel who conceded she had nominated him.
“She nominated me because of all of the work I have done to help grow the program — in size and quality,” Japiske said. “Traditionally, we have had a very successful program, but with many levies failing that hasn’t been the case lately.”
Among the fourth, fifth and sixth grades at Malabar, Japiske has grown the program from 34 students to 109. Tremmel said the near-tripling of the size helps put the orchestra program back on the path for success. Both orchestra teachers said times have been harder for the elective classes since levies and lack of knowledgeable string teachers were available. Being able to teach students successfully at Malabar Intermediate helps keep students interested through graduation, Tremmel added.
Japiske, an Olentangy High School and Otterbein University graduate, said he thinks his success comes from being able to challenge his students while keeping them excited to learn to play the string instruments — many for the first time. He said only one of his 108 students had played a violin before taking his class.
“My philosophy is that the most important thing is for kids to enjoy string music,” he said. If they don’t enjoy it, they won’t get anything out of it. Orchestra is an elective also, so if they don’t like it, they’ll quit.”
Japiske mentioned a variety of scientific studies proving performing arts students perform at higher levels in core classes.
“Especially in strings, students do better in school. There is muscle coordination which works both sides of the brain and allows (students) to succeed. I want them top be successful in everything they do.
“I set a high standard in my class. If I challenge them, they can meet expectations and feel successful. They’ll stay,” he said. “Learning life skills comes from enjoyment, and every student deserves the chance to succeed.”
