HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A new camp in Hillsborough County helped high school students perfect their skills playing the French horn this summer. Robert Luster, the Director of Instrumental Studies at King High School, is one of the teachers who dedicated their time off to teach them. He’s this week’s A+ Teacher.

Luster says he’s glad to give up days off to help his students learn how to play one of his favorite instruments.

“They are so invested in this and I truly feel honored that I get to share my passion with them,” said Luster.

Luster knows the impact playing an instrument can have on students. He remembers playing the French horn in high school. He says he was playing an emotional piece for a new teacher when he decided he wanted to teach students one day.

“I felt emotional. I was crying on stage playing this piece and I wanted to one day be able to share that with kids,” said Luster.

This A+ Teacher says it’s important to teach the kids lessons they will use outside of the classroom.

“They may not be music majors. They may not be musical professionals but they will go on to be great people and I hope to instill some of those life skills into them so they’re ready for that,” said Luster.

Ted Hope, Hillsborough County Schools’ 6-12 Music Supervisor, says he knew Luster when he worked at a Title 1 middle school years ago.

“I witnessed one time walking into his office, he had an ironing board in his office ironing the skirts for the girls because the next day they had a concert for their Music Performance Assessments. He has the ability to maintain students and keep them in the program,” said Hope.

Luster says he enjoys sharing his passion for music with his students, even during summer break.

“I’m happy to give up that time because watching my students get on that field or on stage and seeing them get to bring that music to life, it just warms my heart,” said Luster.