2024 BAK'D Apple Award

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 BAK’D Apple Award, Middle School Band Director Liesl Hansen and Middle School Strings and Orchestra Director Joe Rowling!

Their story began in 2007 when two musicians were hired in the Middle School to support a new band program and create dedicated strings classes for Grades 5 and 6. These strangers soon became inseparable while growing and expanding the music program to be an integral part of the LJCDS culture, not only of the Middle School but of the community. Liesl and Joe work so well together that it’s only fitting they be honored together.

Director of the Arts Robert Wagner reflects, “Liesl and Joe have such a mastery of their subject that if they had chosen, they could have made a successful career in the field, but their passion for inspiring youth through music is so strong that there really was no option for them but to be in education. Their hard work and passion have positively impacted thousands of students over the last 17 years. That is evident in the number of alumni who visit and stay in touch.”

This dynamic duo hit the ground running, setting out to encourage and excite students through a journey of musical skill-building and performance opportunities. Though unique in their methods, Liesl and Joe aim to instill perseverance, dedication, and teamwork in a fun environment. Their focus is on keeping the challenging process of learning an instrument positive for these young learners. 

“There’s no shortcuts. You have to put in the work,” shares Joe. “I teach them to reflect on their playing as we go through each line. I’m listening for what they fixed or are doing better this time and helping them notice the difference. We talk about how we can improve it; can we count this rhythm or use more air? It’s motivating to show them they can get better.”

“There’s so much room for growth,” explains Liesl. “We remind them to be patient and take it one step at a time. In Middle School, the critical voice in our head starts to get vocal, so we talk about not listening to that negativity. It can be difficult because what they play and how they play can be personal. I want to make sure that they speak to and critique themselves in a healthier, more positive light.” 

These best friends who finish each other’s sentences feel lucky to work together and are grateful for the support they receive from the school and our families. Read more about their backgrounds below.

Liesl Hansen comes from a very musical family in Michigan, and yes, her name is from the classic film The Sound of Music. Her musical journey started in fifth grade when she chose to play the French horn and continues to this day. Liesl conducts Hornswoggle, an all-French horn ensemble, and the La Jolla Brass at a local church. She is finishing her last two classes for a songwriting certificate from Berklee College of Music online. Before moving to San Diego, Liesl earned a bachelor’s in music education from Michigan State University and was a member of the Spartan Marching Band for five years. She spent a semester studying horn performance in Vienna, Austria, where she studied with Wolfgang Tömbeck, principal horn soloist for the Vienna Philharmonic.

Joe Rowling always had a passion for music. He remembers listening to his mom play the piano and trying to mimic her songs as a young child growing up in San Diego. It wasn’t long before he started piano lessons. Violin lessons began at age 7, and later the viola. He also became interested in composing, leading to his entering and winning young composer competitions. Joe went on to graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of music from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He participated in USC’s Outreach program, teaching free after-school music classes for elementary schools that did not have music programs. Joe is “all about music all the time.” He has arranged pieces for his classes and is constantly looking at new music technologies. Outside of teaching, Joe performs with the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra, the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra, and at special events throughout the year.

The BAK’D Apple Award was established by the Rubenson family in 1997 to honor a faculty or staff member who makes exceptional contributions to students’ total personal growth and extends themself on a personal level to be a friend and mentor to students. The winner should also have such a passion for their expertise that students are inspired to share that enthusiasm. BAK’D is a combination of the first letters of each member of the Rubenson family’s name (Ben ’95, Aaron ’92, Kathie and David), and “apple” refers to the apple orchard at their home in Julian, where they have invited faculty to join them to harvest apples over the years.