Aerosmith Singer Makes Surprise Visit to Farmington School
Minnesota This Week Newspapers, MN
December 22, 2006
Steven Tyler sings ‘Wheels on the Bus’ with Akin Road Elementary principal
Just like his band’s classic rock tunes “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion” elicit energy and excitement from fans, a surprise visit to a Farmington elementary school gave one famous rock star rave reviews.
The legendary lead vocalist Steven Tyler from the popular rock band Aerosmith made a surprise visit to Akin Road Elementary School on Dec. 8. Tyler shared in some music therapy with some students and surely gave many teachers and fans a thrill.
Teachers and staff can now say they hold lasting memories of an encounter with Tyler, famous for belting out tunes in his distinct, loud and clear voice that hints at his rebellious nature.
That day the only detail that staff knew was that someone was coming to work with the kids in music therapy, according Ben Januschka, principal at Akin Road Elementary School.
One colleague in the building had an association with the legendary rock band and which is why Tyler came to surprise staff and students.
Tyler, 59, came into the school building around 2 p.m. to bring an early Christmas surprise to a few adoring teachers and Januschka.
“He was fascinating, just watching him interact with the kids,” Januschka said. “He was so natural with them, and they all responded so well.”
Aerosmith remains a legendary classic rock band known for popular hits in the 80s and 90s and even in past years.
“I think the vast majority of children did not know who he was,” Januschka said.
“I am an Elvis fan, and without Elvis, Aerosmith would not have happened,” Januschka said in jest.
When asked if he was an Aerosmith fan, Januschka responded quickly, “I am now.”
During his visit to classrooms, Tyler joined the children in the song “Itsy, Bitsy Spider” and “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Walking through the halls as a humble guy eager to please the kids and staff, Januschka said he was very friendly and down to earth. Tyler did not show any signs of being a famous rock star.
“He was none of the stereotypes,” said Januschka. “He honestly seemed to be enjoying himself. He said he had such a good feeling here in the building.”
Tyler walked along the halls popping his head into a few classrooms.
First-grade teacher Glenyce Doffing and her assistant Amber Schaeffer were in complete “awe” of Tyler as he walked into the classroom.
Tyler tried to explain to the youngsters who he was and why he was famous for singing in Aerosmith. Tyler said he understood how the kids did not personally know who he was, but that their parents would know him and his band.
“He said ‘tell them I am the guy with the big lips,’ ” Doffing said. Tyler talked about his famous daughter, Liv Tyler, who played lead roles in the highly acclaimed films “Lord of the Rings” and “Armageddon.”
Doffing’s first-grade class and many other classes at Akin Road gave Tyler rave reviews as each group of students smiled and posed for photographs.
Many students still questioned who this famous rock star guy was visiting their class. Doffing told her students she would explain who he was after he left the class.
“Then his bodyguard gave me the thumb’s up,” Doffing said.
“It was just so much fun and it seemed to be a treat for him, too,” Januschka said. “He seemed to be enjoying himself and he seemed to enjoy the kids.”
Tyler strolled around the elementary hallways with a couple of other people without toting any musical instruments.
“If he felt he missed an adult or a kid, he would stop by the classroom,” Januschka said. “He told someone if they missed the flash when they were taking his picture. He said, ‘Oh, just take it again.’”
Sitting in the principal’s office to chat for a while, Januschka said he did not feel star struck or nervous because Tyler came across as easy going and friendly.
“The guy was very nice to talk to. He was definitely approachable. He did not have an air that he was a prima dona rock star. He was very genuine.”
One memory Januschka, 48, said he can share with family and friends is that he actually got to sing a duet with Tyler. Both sang the child’s favorite “The Wheels on the Bus” for a class. The duet provoked much laughter from students and provided good conversation for Januschka to share with his wife that evening along with a cherished photograph.
“He was so gracious. He had such a wonderful personality. It was almost like showing a family member around the building,” Januschka said. The staff was all so excited just like kids at Christmas.
Januschka said as he was in the building Tyler received a phone call from the famous band The Who. The band wanted to know when they could get together.
“He said tell them I am in school right now,” said Januschka adding how that was cool.
Januschka told Tyler anytime he wanted to return for a visit or if he ever wanted to work with children, he could apply for a teaching job at Akin.
“It certainly was just a great experience. It was fun having him in the building. We did not know he was coming,” Januschka said. “It just happened - and that made it even more special.”
December 22, 2006
Steven Tyler sings ‘Wheels on the Bus’ with Akin Road Elementary principal
Just like his band’s classic rock tunes “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion” elicit energy and excitement from fans, a surprise visit to a Farmington elementary school gave one famous rock star rave reviews.
The legendary lead vocalist Steven Tyler from the popular rock band Aerosmith made a surprise visit to Akin Road Elementary School on Dec. 8. Tyler shared in some music therapy with some students and surely gave many teachers and fans a thrill.
Teachers and staff can now say they hold lasting memories of an encounter with Tyler, famous for belting out tunes in his distinct, loud and clear voice that hints at his rebellious nature.
That day the only detail that staff knew was that someone was coming to work with the kids in music therapy, according Ben Januschka, principal at Akin Road Elementary School.
One colleague in the building had an association with the legendary rock band and which is why Tyler came to surprise staff and students.
Tyler, 59, came into the school building around 2 p.m. to bring an early Christmas surprise to a few adoring teachers and Januschka.
“He was fascinating, just watching him interact with the kids,” Januschka said. “He was so natural with them, and they all responded so well.”
Aerosmith remains a legendary classic rock band known for popular hits in the 80s and 90s and even in past years.
“I think the vast majority of children did not know who he was,” Januschka said.
“I am an Elvis fan, and without Elvis, Aerosmith would not have happened,” Januschka said in jest.
When asked if he was an Aerosmith fan, Januschka responded quickly, “I am now.”
During his visit to classrooms, Tyler joined the children in the song “Itsy, Bitsy Spider” and “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Walking through the halls as a humble guy eager to please the kids and staff, Januschka said he was very friendly and down to earth. Tyler did not show any signs of being a famous rock star.
“He was none of the stereotypes,” said Januschka. “He honestly seemed to be enjoying himself. He said he had such a good feeling here in the building.”
Tyler walked along the halls popping his head into a few classrooms.
First-grade teacher Glenyce Doffing and her assistant Amber Schaeffer were in complete “awe” of Tyler as he walked into the classroom.
Tyler tried to explain to the youngsters who he was and why he was famous for singing in Aerosmith. Tyler said he understood how the kids did not personally know who he was, but that their parents would know him and his band.
“He said ‘tell them I am the guy with the big lips,’ ” Doffing said. Tyler talked about his famous daughter, Liv Tyler, who played lead roles in the highly acclaimed films “Lord of the Rings” and “Armageddon.”
Doffing’s first-grade class and many other classes at Akin Road gave Tyler rave reviews as each group of students smiled and posed for photographs.
Many students still questioned who this famous rock star guy was visiting their class. Doffing told her students she would explain who he was after he left the class.
“Then his bodyguard gave me the thumb’s up,” Doffing said.
“It was just so much fun and it seemed to be a treat for him, too,” Januschka said. “He seemed to be enjoying himself and he seemed to enjoy the kids.”
Tyler strolled around the elementary hallways with a couple of other people without toting any musical instruments.
“If he felt he missed an adult or a kid, he would stop by the classroom,” Januschka said. “He told someone if they missed the flash when they were taking his picture. He said, ‘Oh, just take it again.’”
Sitting in the principal’s office to chat for a while, Januschka said he did not feel star struck or nervous because Tyler came across as easy going and friendly.
“The guy was very nice to talk to. He was definitely approachable. He did not have an air that he was a prima dona rock star. He was very genuine.”
One memory Januschka, 48, said he can share with family and friends is that he actually got to sing a duet with Tyler. Both sang the child’s favorite “The Wheels on the Bus” for a class. The duet provoked much laughter from students and provided good conversation for Januschka to share with his wife that evening along with a cherished photograph.
“He was so gracious. He had such a wonderful personality. It was almost like showing a family member around the building,” Januschka said. The staff was all so excited just like kids at Christmas.
Januschka said as he was in the building Tyler received a phone call from the famous band The Who. The band wanted to know when they could get together.
“He said tell them I am in school right now,” said Januschka adding how that was cool.
Januschka told Tyler anytime he wanted to return for a visit or if he ever wanted to work with children, he could apply for a teaching job at Akin.
“It certainly was just a great experience. It was fun having him in the building. We did not know he was coming,” Januschka said. “It just happened - and that made it even more special.”
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