Name: Kirt Saville
My job at BYU is… serving as the director of the School of Music, associate director of bands and professor of Music Education. As the director of the School of Music I endeavor to represent, balance and guide the students’ and faculties’ interests and goals. The director position is like the narrow section of the hourglass where the interests of the upper administration press down and the interests of the faculty press up. As the gatekeeper of that intersection, I try to keep the sands of interests and obligations moving. As the associate director of Bands and professor of Music Education, I have the distinct pleasure of working with those students who wish to become the future music educators of America.
Currently I’m working on... way too many projects. Someday I’ll learn how to say “no” when I am already overbooked.
I’m currently reading… Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance for the second time. This book manages to encapsulate how I feel about the importance of hard work, passion, hope and purpose. I hope to use the concepts explored in this book in all of my teaching.
When I have 30 minutes of free-time, you can find me… listening to music!
My advice to incoming freshman is… Take a few minutes and introduce yourself to each of your teachers. Let them know that you’re interested and processing what is being discussed in class. Ask questions.
The best-kept BYU secret is…. The School of Music! Come and see (and listen) for yourselves. We have world-class performing groups. Come and participate or come to listen — but you really should come.
I chose to come to BYU because… I was guided and inspired to come here by forces much greater than my own.
I’ve hiked Y Mountain 0 times. I know … I’m ashamed.
Three things that are always found in my refrigerator are… a light bulb, steel racks and ice cubes.
You’ll never find me without… looking for me.
My most embarrassing moment was when… I had to admit I haven’t yet hiked Y Mountain.
My favorite joke is… Two penguins are standing on an ice floe. One looks at the other and says, “Hey, do you know what time it is?” The other one looks at him with consternation and says, “What do you think I am... A radio?” (This joke is better at 2:00 a.m.)
