For many Performance Arts teachers, performing through an instrument, through a voice or through a character is what drove them to ultimately become educators and help pass down their enthusiasm to a new generation.

While time-consuming parts of adult life keep many of these former actors and musicians from their trade, Joseph Gutowski, Orchestra teacher, manages to continue.  He plays both violin and viola (his favored instrument) in orchestras and musicals, as well as sings and acts in performances whenever possible.

“When I graduated college, I said I would really like to still perform…with Orchestra, I kind of feel like you have to do what you preach.  If I don’t do it, I feel like I’m not as legit as a teacher,” Gutowski said.

“At least to my students, they need to be able to see me perform occasionally or else it’s like, ‘oh, right, you perform, OK.’  Because I’m still out there performing, I feel like it adds a little bit of credence to what I do everyday in the classroom,” he added.

Gutowski was first able to read music at the tender age of five and began playing viola in school at 12.  He first began singing formally when he joined his high school choir in 10th grade and has continued with both ever since.

“For time commitment purposes, I prefer now to play in the orchestra.  When I was in high school it was the exact opposite.  I loved being on stage and didn’t want to play in the pit orchestra.  But now that I’m a little bit older, my time is a lot more valuable than it was in high school,” Gutowski answered, when asked about his performing preferences.

Gutowski’s classroom is littered with posters and news information about upcoming local performances in the St. Louis area, many of which he is involved it personally.

Currently, the most notable orchestra he performs in is the Webster University Symphony Orchestra and his most noted onstage shows have been through the Hawthorne Players.

“I like to perform.  It’s not my passion.  My passion is standing up here and conducting students and making great music.  But I do still enjoy getting the chance to get out into the community,” Gutowski said.