Teacher Profile: SB Ford

About SB Ford

SB’s family moved to Ft Collins, Colorado when they were 9 years old and Colorado has been their home since 1990. That's when they started learning piano and violin. They knew from the first time they saw and heard a violin that they wanted to play it. They took piano for several years, but stuck with the violin long term. They could tell that their violin teacher truly cared about them and invested time in getting to know them. She was always patient, friendly, and encouraging. SB aspires to be that kind of teacher for their students too. SB currently lives in Aurora with their spouse and their St Bernard. They play violin with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, where they are proud to bring the joy of music to the community. SB is grateful that they've had music as a companion throughout their life.

Music is a powerful connector. The two violins SB has now were from their grandpa. His violin traveled with him through WWII and he played in orchestras even throughout his years working at NASA and into retirement. When he was alive, he and SB bonded through playing family concerts together, and SB feels that connection with him even now when they play music.

SB’s first job was in a nursing facility and they used to take their violin to the secured unit to play in the evenings from time to time. It was notable that people who had trouble remembering the names of their loved ones could sing every word to “You Are My Sunshine.” That is the power of music to connect people to each other.

This joy and connection of music can be a gift that will follow a person everywhere. For SB, the goal of teaching is to spark that joy.

Beyond music, SB enjoys world travel, learning about history, playing with dogs and most other animals, baking, hiking and being outdoors, and seeing good art and live performances. They have worked with people from immigrant and refugee communities a lot in their varied career, and also have a background in conflict management and restorative justice practices. They speak some Spanish and currently teach English as a Second Language for adults and after school enrichment classes for youth. They love getting to know new people from all backgrounds and feel they can learn from everyone they meet. They look forward to getting to know families and students through spreading the joy and connection of music.