3 minute read
A Noble Professional
Long-serving BGS Music teacher Jim Noble has called time on his career after more than three decades of continuous service to Brisbane Grammar School.
For the past 37 years, Mr Noble has worked at BGS as band director and teacher of woodwind and brass instruments.
The American-born educator was also Master-in-Charge of Basketball during the 1990s, passing down a love of hoops to generations of BGS boys.
But he will likely be remembered as the conductor of the colourful BGS Marching Band, which became a regular fixture on Open Day as well as Anzac Day marches through the CBD.
“I carried the tradition of the marching band over from my predecessor, and it’s become the big selling point of my career,” Mr Noble said.
As one of the School’s longest serving current staff members, Mr Noble has had a tremendous influence on the music program.
“When I commenced teaching at BGS in 1993, it was clear that Mr Noble had established a strong relationship with his colleagues and was held in high regard by the boys,” Headmaster Anthony Micallef said.
“I consider him to be a superb schoolmaster, in the traditional sense of that title. He understands that teaching is as much about care as it is about content; and as much about guided practice as it is about telling students what to do.”
Born in Laramie in America’s Mountain West, Mr Noble’s journey to BGS began out of curiosity for Australia and was catalysed by meeting the love of his life in Far North Queensland.
“I was teaching in the States at the Middle School level. Over there, the band program is basically a band of about 70 kids, six periods a day,” he recalled.
“After four years, I decided to take a year off and travel. I landed in Cairns, I was staying at a youth hostel, and there was a girl who looked interesting.
“A Kiwi asked me if I wanted to go with him for a drive up to the Tablelands, and this girl happened to be in the car, too. We just talked and talked and talked.
“Long story short: we ended up spending three months traveling down to Brisbane. She’s from Beaudesert, so we settled here and had two kids. We’re still together today.”
After a brief stint working as an instrumental teacher at Cleveland District State High School, in 1986 Mr Noble landed a job at BGS.
“I was very happy, because the conditions and facilities at BGS were much closer to what I was used to,” he said.
“Having experienced what happens in America, I felt as if I had a lot to give to help improve the music program and give it direction.
“I’ve always enjoyed working at BGS. One of the most outstanding aspects of being a teacher here is the professional development support that we receive.
“There were times I would go to conferences in Chicago, and literally every year I’d go to a conference and the School would support me. They’ve never said no.”
While Mr Noble is looking forward to retirement, he hinted that his association with BGS may continue in a more limited capacity.
“I think in future I will still be conducting bands and teaching lessons somewhere,” he said, “it just won’t be a day-to-day, full-time job.”
