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That was nice when Billie Eilish thanked her choir teachers at the Oscars when she won Best Song for “What was I Made For” from Barbie.
I had great choir teachers all through junior high and high school. Ms. Glinka was 7th grade. It was 1978 and she was my first-ever “Ms.” It took some getting used to (to call a teacher MIZZ, when we’d only ever had a Miss or Missus). Ms. Glinka was a cool, modern woman who wore dangly earrings. Her main influence on me was that she loved The Beatles and taught us their music. I specifically remember singing When I’m Sixty-Four and Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da in her class. Whoever introduces you to The Beatles shall never be forgotten. Am I right? Thanks Ms. Glinka. You rocked.
8th grade was Mrs. Nolan. She was married to Mr. Nolan, who also taught at the school. Mrs. Nolan was a bit more traditional than Ms. Glinka, but also great. She liked Irish/Celtic music. She taught us All Around My Hat by Steeleye Span, which I loved singing. I still sing it to this day and attempted to teach it to my kids.
Finally, in high school, we had Mr. Phinney. He was a legend in my town. A tall, demanding, sexist, old-school choirmaster, Mr. Phinney presided over the music wing of the school with his equally-powerful counterpart—the Band Director, Mr. Toland. As a majorette (baton twirler) for the marching band, I worked with Mr. Toland as well. If they liked you, you were all set. Fortunately, they liked me, so I had a TON of fun performing in high school ensembles, musical productions, and twirling my baton with the marching band. My best friends came from those circles, two of whom are still close friends of mine.
Although I did not became a professional musician, music is an important part of my life, especially singing with others.
Thank you to my public school music teachers.
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Amazing, Thanks for sharing yours and Billie’s link. We are blessed to have teachers, who have shaped us positively.
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We are indeed. Thank you 🙏🏼
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Big choir! Either you went to a Big high school or pretty much everyone participated.
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There were 250 kids in my graduating class. 1000 in the whole high school. Pretty typical for the Boston suburbs.
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Great teachers! Music was such a big part of your life growing up. Very cool.
What Was I Made For is such a beautiful song. I’m touched by it.
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Thank you. I was lucky to grow up in a school district that had a great music program. I agree—it’s such a poignant song. I’m glad she won the Oscar!
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Indeed you are! Music teachers impart a way of being in the world, which is hard to compare to other lessons.
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So true. They bring the joy!
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This is wonderful, Mary. Thank you for sharing. I owe so much to my choir teacher in high school. He provided the support and encouragement I needed to reach for the sky with my singing. Because of him, I won trophies in choir and first place in my senior talent show. I had my time in the spotlight touring the east coast singing a rock Gospel song and at conventions. So many great memories. Cheers to the teachers who made a difference!
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Wow, that’s amazing Lauren. So glad he/she recognized your talent! Yes, cheers to the teachers 🥂 😃 🎶
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