We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Germany and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The driving value that fuels me is my relationship with Jesus Christ, and the scripture which relates “in everything you do, do it as unto the Lord.” That principle is the focus behind my desire for excellence without compromising faith. As someone who has come to know God’s unmerited, unrelenting, unconditional love – I subsequently have a yearning to honor Him with my best. If He has gifted me with abilities, then I think He deserves the best I can give back in everything I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career as a musician began as a love for music that I could not escape. As I pursued initial studies there was a gradual awakening to the possibility that I could actually be good at music and do something great with it. Realizing the permissibility to pursue and someday fulfill my potential was both challenging and liberating – propelling me eventually through my doctorate in music. Yet through all the studies, I think I discovered that I was not truly stellar in any single area of music. My forte was more the fact that I was multi-faceted, although I couldn’t see how that was actually a strength. As I began to teach and direct at Cedar Valley College, I then came to realize that my highest potential was in what I could do through others. I believe that my greatest artistic legacy is in my students and casts that I have been blessed to equip and enable to achieve more of THEIR own greatness. I now see that I was intended to study and become all that I could be as a skilled musician in order to instill that in others. Creating art WITH others, I believe, is far more invigorating and fulfilling than one’s own individual achievement. It is therapeutic, enriching, and upbuilding to all who share it. Now, I like to say that my musical instrument is others and I get the privilege of playing through them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Initially I would share my home with them, sitting and visiting together – for the greatest sharing is personal. Since I live in Dallas County, I’d take them on a quick tour of the city, and then see what they would like to explore more deeply. Historical sites, downtown all around the courthouse and West End, some of our museums would be on the list. Bishop Arts District is close by and that would be fun. Visiting the largest state fair grounds in the county is essential. Driving over to Arlington to see ATT Stadium and the home of the Cowboys would be a matter of pride! Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is iconic Texas, and no visitor should miss that.

Eating Mexican cuisine would certainly rank high – from historical El Fenix downtown, to my favorites: Abuelos and Glorias. Since we are in cattle county, steak would have to be on the menu. In the old days my favorite establishment would have been Texas Land and Cattle, but these days there are many marvelous places to enjoy. Barbeque is then an absolute must – and while there are numerous great haunts I would want to give them their fill at Terry Black’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The “family” of Family Music Theatre deserves all the praise for any success I have experienced as a music theatre director. This family is the community of creatives (returning cast members, staff, volunteers, and regular patrons) who share the mission of top quality music theatre that is always safe for the entire family. We have never had great monetary resources, so as a result we are held together by mutual respect, love, and vision to do something bigger than we could ever do alone. I would be nothing without the collaboration and shared ownership of this community. What we do corporately has supported my personal vision. Achieving something of extremely high quality TOGETHER with others you love is sheer joy.

Website: www.familymusictheatre.com; https://drg.mymusicstaff.com/Home

Image Credits
Bill Hall, FMT Legacy Photographer

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