The Music and Sound Company

Testimonials

"A modern day Mozart" Bradley Fish - performer and producer now living in Madison, Wisconsin

"The songs reeked of teenage angst with a heavy dose of self criticism and teen undertones. Many remember shows where the crowd was pelted with hot dogs and turkey. Costuming and props were also common. The music was muddy punk rock with Chris adding searing guitar solos atypical of hardcore music at the time." Kevin Folta - Professor in the Microbiology Department at the University of Florida in Gainesville

Former Principal

Chris provided vocal and instrumental instruction at St. Mary's School for 13 years. Chris' abilty to motivate students of all ages was mesmerizing. His classses included two sections of kindergarten and one class of each grade level from first grade through eighth. Students were excited about singing and proud to share their ability to play an instrument. They concentrated on one instrument during each year. Over the years, Chris has added instruments to our program. Recorder, keyboard, and guitar instruction was offered to students in fifth through eighth grade. Each level of students accompanied younger students during school concerts. The night of the school performance was so polished that it appeared to have a magical element that was amazing to the audience.

Sincerely,

Principal, St. Mary's Catholic School

Parent of a Fourth Grade Student

I am a parent of a 4th grade girl, Elana, at St. Mary's. Elana has been at St. Mary's since 1st grade. One of the reasons my husband and I have been so pleased with her educational experiences has been the strong curriculum and instruction she has received in music class by Mr. Pawola. My daughter is a musician - she has played violin for five years - and music is very important to her. Below I will describe the reasons we have so appreciated Mr. Pawola:

Mr. Pawola's Curriculum

We have been thrilled with the music program at St. Mary's and the way we have seen it continue to grow even in the last four years. At the Spring Sing two weeks ago, I saw 5th graders playing recorders, 6th graders playing keyboards, and 7th and 8th graders playing guitar. You will not find this type of music program in public schools. There are not a select group of children playing the instruments - EVERY child is playing an instrument. Mr. Pawola is so talenteted and versatile - it will be difficult to find a teacher to replace him that has the range of experience and skill with as many instruments. Furthermore, the repertoire of songs the children are exposed to and learn is amazing. Elana sings songs with my 76 year old father that she learned at school, songs I learned as a child, and modern songs. Mr. Pawola chooses music that encompasses a broad range of musical properties as well as historical and societal reference points. The children are learning and connnecting throughout the generations through the music Mr. Pawola teaches them.

Mr. Pawola's Instruction

I have had the pleasure of observing Mr. Pawola in action in his classroom. I am a professor of school psychology, and have expertise in behavior management and instructional strategies. Mr. Pawola impresses me with his natural abilty to keep the children engaged and motivated, using appropriate behavior management techniques as necessary. The thing is, Mr. Pawola doesn't have to work terribly hard to keep the children behaving as they are so naturally engaged and having fun learning. Whenever I walk away from one of his classes, I wish that I could attend every day.

Mr. Pawola's Commitment to St. Mary's

I can't imagine a teacher more dedicated to St. Mary's School and Church. For Mr. Pawola, it is his vocation, along with being a wonderful father, to be the music leader at the school and church. We have been so blessed to have him provide his talents to our children and to our parish. When I am at mass, the music that Mr. Pawola chooses and presents usually moves me to tears. Through his music, he creates a spritual environment, both contemplative and joyful. Before Mr. Pawola directed the music at the church these past few years, I was very disappointed in the music offered at Mass. I felt is was distracting and not genuine. The music Mr. Pawola brings to our children and the church communty is heartfelt and GENUINE.

It is very hard to imagine another professional so willing to dedicate his career, long hours, and weekends to our parish so completely. It seems virtually impossible that we will find someone as talented as Mr. Pawola along with the level of dedication he has.

We trust him with our children, and in fact, we can't imagine anyone else providing a better musical foundation for them.

Respectfully,

Mother of a 4th Grader, PhD.

Former Colleague

I am pleased to offer these comments about Mr. Chris Pawola. I have taught with Chris at St. Mary's Catholic School in Sycamore, Illinois for the past six years. I knew of him from the period of 1991 - 1997, during which time my nepew and niece were students at St. Mary. In addition, my nephew took private guitar lessons from Chris.

Chris is a very dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable teacher and musician. I have observed the competent manner in which he has performed his duties. He communicates well, is courteous, sensitive, helpful, and sincere. He has an outstanding way in working with children and faculty.

Chris brings out the best in the students. Evidence of this can be seen in many ways, especially in the Christmas and spring presentations by the school children given to family, faculty, and friends. He also provides invaluable assistance to the teachers and children in selecting and performing music for the masses given by each grade.

I find Chris to be a person of good character and high integrity. It is a personal and professional privilege to work with Mr. Chris Pawola.

Sincerely,

First Grade Teacher, St. Mary School

musicandsoundco.com | services | about Chris Pawola | contact me

If you have any questions or comments, email chris@musicandsoundco.com to reach me directly.

629 Kenwood Court, DeKalb, IL, 60115