Mr. Nathan Long, one of the band directors at North Campus, announced recently that he will  be leaving White Bear Lake Area Schools on August 14, 2008, in order to teach at an international school in Beijing, China. Mr. Long was kind enough to allow me to interview him about this rare teaching opportunity. 

Bear Tracks: When did you decide to teach internationally?
Mr. Long: I’ve wanted to live overseas for 10-15 years, so I’ve actually wanted to do it for a while. I found out in December about the opportunity and I took it. In 1999, I went to Japan. I really liked the Asian culture and its history. 

Bear Tracks: How did you research the job opportunity?
Mr. Long: I actually found it by accident. I was looking for instrumental jobs for some of my friends on the web, and I found a link to a job opening for an international job in China. 

Bear Tracks: Was there anyone involved in your decision?
Mr. Long: My wife. She was very supportive; she was okay with it. Three weeks after I made my decision, she got a job at another international school. She teaches K-5 music. 

Bear Tracks: Have you been to China before?
Mr. Long: I’ve never been to China. 

Bear Tracks: Why did you decide on China?
Mr. Long: The school I’ll be teaching at has a very good reputation. It’s one of the best international schools. It has a state-of-the-art facility and a good music program. I also think it’s cool to live in one of the oldest cultures in the world. 

Bear Tracks: Did you want to teach specifically in China?
Mr. Long: No. I was open to any Asian culture. 

Bear Tracks: What and who will you teach?
Mr. Long: I will be teaching middle and high school band and music theory. I will also be the director of the pit orchestra for musicals and I will be in charge of miscellaneous activities, like jazz band. 

Bear Tracks: Do you know where you will live?
Mr. Long: We’ll live in a two-bedroom apartment in one of the nicest suburbs, northeast of Beijing. It’s sort of like a country club there. 

Bear Tracks: Will you enjoy the food and climate?
Mr. Long: Food, yes. I’ve heard that the food is really good… and cheap. The climate is very similar to our climate, but warmer. The pollution is bad, but I’m not anticipating much. 

Bear Tracks: What musical opportunities do you hope to experience?
Mr. Long: Well, I get to travel with the honor band kids. The last two years, they’ve gone to Vienna and London. The ethnic music will be entertaining; the Chinese opera there is very different. I’ll also take music lessons on the pipa - a Chinese flute. 

Bear Tracks: Is this the first time an opportunity like this has been offered?
Mr. Long: Yes, it’s the first time it’s been available. I’ve taught one year at Paynesville, six years at White Bear Lake, and I’ve signed for two years at the international school in Beijing. 

Bear Tracks: Do you know any Mandarin (the language of China)?
Mr. Long: I know how to ask, “What is your name,” but my wife and I will be taking Chinese lessons in preparation. 
Bear Tracks: You know students and staff alike will miss you. Will you be able to keep in touch?

Mr. Long: I’m going to set up a blog that’s available for friends, family, and students. I’ll post videos and pictures. Anyone can check it out. I will be around, though, for Christmas and the summer. 

Bear Tracks: Do you think you’ll ever come back to White Bear Lake Schools?
Mr. Long: If I do return after two years, then yes. The hardest part about leaving is the students. I really like the students here. And of course, I like working with Mr. Rockford. It’s gong to be difficult to find another colleague like him. 

I would like to thank Mr. Long for allowing this interview and for working with the North Campus band students. I wish him good luck and safe travels!