Leroy Hughes knows firsthand the benefits of having talents and training in more than one field.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education, Hughes went on to study technology for his master’s degree. He taught band, general music and chorus in Escambia County, Fla. for 13 years. Then, he and his family moved to Baldwin County.

“I went into technology because I couldn’t find a music job in Fairhope,” Hughes said. He currently teaches career technology at Fairhope Middle School.

“It’s technology with a career twist — teaching different software programs that students could use in future professions, such as Photoshop, graphic design, English, science, and CAD (computer aid in drafting),” Hughes explained. “Students cover five or six units in a term, choosing from the 16 units that are available.”

Fortunately for the Baldwin County music community, teaching technology did not force Hughes to abandon his original field.

“Music is my first love,” he said. “I played piano starting at age 5, and later in college learned to play by ear.”

Together with Linda Abercrombie, Hughes helped form the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra in 2009 and aided in making it a non-profit organization in 2010.

“Soon after moving to Fairhope, I learned there was a Community Strings group led by Linda Abercrombie, organized through the Mobile Symphony,” he said. “Our daughter Jessica started playing with it, and I helped out by playing piano with the group.”

The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra includes winds, brass, and percussion as well as strings, and currently includes players ranging from seventh and eighth grades to college age.

The group rehearses at Fairhope Pre-K Academy on Nichols Avenue. They are currently preparing for a Dec. 11Christmas concert to benefit Toys for Tots.

There are differences between teaching music in school versus directing a voluntary group of musicians, Hughes said.

“When I was teaching general music in school, it was difficult for kids to pay attention because they were required to be there,” he said. “And in chorus class, kids sometimes thought it was an easy course, so they might not take it seriously. Attention is better in a voluntary organization.”

Hughes’ attention goes beyond career technology and a youth orchestra; he is also a church musician.

“I’ve been in music ministry in church for 25 years at Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Fairhope,” Hughes said.

At church, Hughes plays guitar and banjo, but choir is most important to him in his music ministry.

“Voice is my major instrument,” he said. “I sang in church choir growing up, and in middle school choir, and then in high school, I took voice lessons.”

And Hughes isn’t the only musical member of his family.

“I met my wife Tonya through church during college,” Hughes said. “Tonya sings too. We have two daughters. Jessica is 21, majoring in music education at University of Mobile. Victoria is 17 and is home schooled.”

Considering the hours Leroy Hughes spends in technology classrooms, youth orchestra rehearsals, and church, it might be hard to imagine him having time for other interests. “I like to fish in Fish River and Weeks Bay. We have a 14-foot open fishing boat.”

Hughes is pleased with his family’s 2005 move to Fairhope.

“I love Fairhope and the close community here, he said, “People are friendly.”

Giving back to the community is one of the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra’s goals, as they invite the public to bring a new toy for “Toys for Tots” (or $3) for admission to their Christmas Concert Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center.

The full orchestra, as well as smaller wind and string ensembles and an adult string group, will offer seasonal music for their audience.  

More information about the BCYO can be found at baldwincountyyouthorchestra.com.