March Teacher Spotlight: Doug Eyink

Doug is an orchestra director at both Centerville High School and Watts Middle School, and he is the founder of the Alternative Strings program, which began over 23 years ago. Drawing on his love of bluegrass music, Doug started the program with the intention of introducing kids to jazz, swing, Celtic, bluegrass, and many other nontraditional styles, encouraging hundreds of students to "think outside the Bach" (as their shirts once said) -- to expand their horizons past the classical music taught in school.  

The Centerville Alternative Strings have become outstanding ambassadors for Centerville City Schools. Doug's annual Bluegrass Blowout concert in March gives students the rare opportunity to work with professional musicians, which further enhances their music education and their desire to perform well. He gives the students a chance to put their mark on the music they perform by letting them actively participate as players with short solos, as well as singing and/or composing some of the pieces played. The group also travels to perform at nationally known bluegrass festivals, performing on stage with nationally-renowned artists.

Doug’s education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Music in Music Education with emphasis in composition from Wright State University. He has also been recognized for innovative teaching by earning the Excellence in Teaching Award from Hadley Watts Middle School and the Notre Dame Society of Dayton, Ohio. In 2020, Doug was named the Outstanding Educator for Centerville City Schools and was inducted into the Centerville Education Hall of Fame.

Doug learned about the Baroque Violin Shop at the Ohio Music Educators Convention early in his teaching career.   

Can you tell me about your school’s orchestra program?

Our orchestra program in Centerville consists of three middle school orchestras, a High school orchestra program with three group levels and four extracurricular ensembles including Alternative Strings! 

What instruments do you play/teach?

I play and teach the regular orchestra string instruments. In addition to this I play banjo, guitar & mandolin.

How did your career in music get started?

My career began with the love of music! I began the cello in the summer of 3rd grade and the banjo in 6th grade. The love of both instruments, culture and music led to the mixture of bluegrass, Celtic, jazz.

What’s your favorite song to play?

Any song or tune on the Banjo! Bluegrass: Blue Ridge Cabin Home (song), Up on the Blue Ridge (instrumental). Jazz: Turtle Island String Quartet’s version of “Jaco” or anything by George Benson. Celtic: Varies a lot.

What are some of your other hobbies?

I love Gardening. I collect old Mason jars, old coins & stamps. I enjoy writing original songs, tunes and arrangements.

What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?

All of the Bluegrass Blowout Shows!!!

What do you find to be the best motivator for students?

Bill’s Donuts!!! Never stop encouraging your students and pushing them to do better and to try something new.

What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?

I hope the Alternative String program will continue to thrive and have a positive impact on students’ lives.

It’s looking like a return to normal for the fall of 2021 might just happen, how are you managing the pandemic until that time? What has been the most encouraging thing that you have seen during the pandemic?

We are managing the best we can with face-to-face learners and remote learners at the same time. The most encouraging thing that I have seen is the commitment from our students to stay the course and do the very best they can with the situation we are in. I am also encouraged that we now have vaccines available to put this pandemic behind us!