
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 10, 1993                   TAG: 9305100323
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Greg Denton never doubted what he would be when he grew up. A lifelong love of music and the influence of his junior high school band director made the choice easy for Denton, who started out on the saxophone.

"The band motivated me to be the best I could be. I always wanted to be involved in music, and my junior high band director had more influence on me than any other teacher," he said. "I hope I'm passing that along to somebody."

Denton, who directs the band at Northside High, says the immediate feedback his pupils get in band class is especially gratifying. "They can hear their accomplishments immediately. It's neat to see the light go off in their eyes when they learn an instrument."

"Mr. Denton is wonderful, kind and funny," said his nominator. "Sometimes, when we can't get something right, he tells us a story about his life. Then, we play the music perfect - well, almost perfect."

Denton, who is married and the father of 4-year-old Allison, still plays the saxophone or clarinet almost every day. He is a member of the orchestra at First Baptist Church and plays in local dance bands.

If you have a nomination for Teacher of the Week, send the name of the nominee, his or her school and why you think that teacher should be honored. Include your name, telephone number and school and send to NewsFun, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491.

by CNB