Chapman is not just any art teacher. He's an art teacher with a past -- a past that includes another form of art: country music.
For the past three and a half years, Chapman has been a member of the country music quartet 4Runner. Although not currently on the charts, 4Runner is a group with well-degined harmonies whose impressive debut self-titled included such strong custs as "Cain's Blood," "A Heart with a 4 Wheel Drive," and "Ripples."
Unfortuntely for the group and for Chapman, the music industry and the the fans are fickle. At one point, when "Cain's Blood" was surging up the charts, the group was selling thousands of records a week and touring with top names. Then the success stopped.
Unlike a lot of people, however, Chapman doesn't get down about it.
"We were number five in sales and then it hit a dead end. It was a struggle," he said, noting that his positive attitude helps keep his focus. "We're about to go back into the studio and record."
In the meantime, Chapman accepted the job at Cedar Grove.
"My first love is teaching and art," he said. "I was in eighth grade -- I've always liked to draw -- and the high school art teacher came by and asked if I had ever thought of taking art. I hadn't, but I did. I loved that guy and wanted to be jsut like him."
Wright State in Dayton, Ohio was his college of choice and it was from there that he received his "art ed" degree. It was also there that he spent much of his time, singing "in local gospel groups."
He was brought up in the church and was raised with the Southern Gospel sound -- complete with a bass singer (which is his range). To this day, he still gets together with a group and sings "oldies on Friday, old pop on Saturday nights and gospel on Sunday at Amway conventions all over the country."
Chapman is convinced that he will again have a musical career.
"I believe we have a viable product. I've been there and see how the people respond to us when we're in concert," he said. "It's a shame the record execs haven't seen it."
Those who have seen that he has a viable product to offer -- his art lessons -- are the students.
"I do fun things in class. Somethings I sing the directions," he said, as a number of children stroll past as he paints.
"Hi, Mr. Chapman," they call to him. He's loved by the students because he's fun. Plus he educated without being forceful.
Last week the students learned about complementary colors. Theyw ere to paint an initial using the complementary colors, plus the neutrals.
He continually tells them that there are "no mess ups."
“Usually when a child says he’s messed up, that means they want me to do it for them,” he said, noting that he doesn’t necessarily teach the conventional things in his class. He encourages them to “think about the color, to learn how colors work. I don’t care if they become great painters, if they just learn the colors.”
On a board in his classroom, he offers them these words: “Welcome to the art room, where all the fun is – please feel free to paint a masterpiece. Whether they know it or not, a lot of them do.” He entertains them in class. They all sing “I Love Art,” as they work. The song is simple: “I love art, I love art, I love art, I love art.” Not much imagination to the words, but in class it’s like cadences as they create. The point is, they create and they like it.
Their parents have noticed too. “I love how you teach the students how to draw,” parent Melissa Sumner said to Chapman during last week’s open house at the school. “I’m so impressed by what my son brings home…and he’s only in the fourth grade!”
During the open house, Chapman shared more than just talk with the parents. He allowed them to paint too. “This was the best idea for open house,” he said, as he watched an entire room full of parents and students paint together. Chapman has found a way to mix country music and the classroom. Reba McEntire has donated money to his class. She’s his “corporate sponsor.” “I was hesitant to ask her, but then I spoke with (her husband) Narvel and he said “yes,” he said.
With the funds, Chapman will buy “cultural things, art prints, videos on the lives of famous painters, display boards…I have always told myself that if I ever made it to where Reba is, I’ll give back too.” He’s still in touch with the music world. He still does “session work,” singing with McEntire, George Jones and Loretta Lynn. He also fills in, singing back up at the Grand Ole Opry.
Chapman, wife Yolanda (“a cool girl”) and children Jordan, Canaan, Bethany and Abigail are La Vergne residents, a move that made sense, then and now.
“I was teaching at McFadden in Murfreesboro and McFadden was 20 minutes from the house,” he said. “It was 20 minutes to Music Row, too.” 4Runner is in “transition,” according to Chapman. Two members – Craig Morris and Billy Crittenden – have left the group to pursue other options in their careers. Chapman is waiting for the next direction in his career.
“I’ve always lived my life knowing that God is in charge of my destiny,” he said. “If I am to be a teacher this year, that’s what I am. If I am to be a star next year, that’s what I’ll be.”
He is the illustrator in four children’s books, part of a series – coming out next April. They are written by Rutherford County teach Ray Buttrum. Chapman is not bitter about the current status of his music career. “I’ve had my moment in the sun,” he said.
“If that’s all there is, then I’ve done more than most people have.” Still, he believes stardom is in his future. “I am destined to be a star,” he said. “Even if it is in class.” |
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