My mom will vouch for this sentiment. I haven’t ever been too ladylike to her chagrin. ‘Twas not a phase. The phrase “like a bull in a China shop” suits me fairly well.
This “bull-itude” can include my movement as well as conversational skills.
So, when my Dad would get down on himself about never fully pursuing an operatic career and how he “settled” on being a school teacher, I would use my less than polished manner to say “What are you smoking, Dad? (He didn’t smoke.) I would say: “You have taught hundreds of students to love music over many years. Construction workers and plumbers can sing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas because of you. This is what it is about. Cut the crap.” He’d laugh and we’d carry on.
If he only knew that former student’s still reach out about him and a student from 1971 left a cross in his grave just last year.
My dad taught middle school music for over 30 years. He sang regionally and was a long time choir director and voice teacher.
As his often inappropriate and not always well behaved daughter (who gave him a run for his money,) I think of him daily. His life example was powerful. I was fortunate to have such a role model.
The pictures show him during his teaching career, at his final spring concert in 2000 (a year before his sudden death,) and a picture of my mom on a bench that she bought for the school in his honor.
The picture on bench is from last night’s spring concert at my father’s former school. On the bench with my mom is Veronica Hunt and Devin Johnston. Veronica is this year’s recipient of a vocal scholarship that my mom has offered since my father’s passing. Devin Johnston is Hauser Junior High’s new music teacher.
Last night, Devin kindly read a bio about my father before introducing my mom and announcing the winner of the Bruce Perryman Memorial Scholarship.
These are things that soften this often crazy tilt a whirl of life. ‘Will store for a rainy day.
#grateful
#akintsucrooner
akintsucrooner 