Revisiting our core values: lessons from John Coltrane

A core value at Berkshire Country Day School is Community: We establish trust, cooperation, and accountability within an atmosphere of belonging where we all invest in the success and well-being of each other

During the summer, a friend told a story about jazz giant John Coltrane that has provoked in me continued thought and reflection.  I shared it with the students at our opening assembly on the first day of school.

Before a show in New York City, Coltrane was approached by a young saxophonist who asked if he could sit in and play with the group that night.  Intrigued, Coltrane asked his drummer what he thought about this freshman player.  Without much thought, the drummer shut down the idea, stating, “absolutely not, he’s no good at all!”

As the second set got underway, Coltrane invited the young player to join the group and play during the first song.  As the band was packing up the stage at the close of the evening, the drummer confronted Coltrane and asked, “Why did that guy get to play, especially after I told you he was no good?”

Coltrane replied, “I’m always listening to everyone, even if they only have two or three interesting notes to play on the chord progression.  Everyone has the potential to contribute a few good notes.”

Of course, the lessons in the story are readily accessible.  Aspire to be like John Coltrane!  Listen carefully and strive to be open to the contributions of others and the possibility that they will enhance your experience.  It takes courage to offer opportunities to outsiders who are not a part of your group.

Not everyone gets to be the leader of the band, and this story led me to also consider the qualities expressed by the other members of the group – the bass player, the piano player, and the trumpet player.  They, too, made it work for someone new to join in, even when they did not know them and what they may have to offer.  They provided support and the right chords and rhythm that enabled the saxophonist to participate and contribute to the group effort, offering their best in service of the larger group endeavor.

In life, and certainly within a school community, we encounter moments when we can choose to embrace newness, new people, and new ideas.  And, in so doing, we develop our ability to listen for and hear a few good notes that we never heard played that way before.