Dear Choir Teacher,

I want to start by saying thank you for everything. Teaching a class of dramatic kids who tend to share their emotions through song cannot be easy. Many days started with a loud chatter of all the things that had happened that day like when 94.1 switched from an Alternative Rock station to country (I'm still not over it) or when the musical rehearsals had run late. Many days ended with us rattling off songs we wanted you to play on the piano the next week. With all of these interruptions, you somehow managed to prepare us for our concerts and improve us each semester.

Thank you for pushing us to break out of our shells. This is a huge one. When I was a freshman I don't think I spoke more than five words a day let alone sang a solo on Friday. In just a year I got the nerve to sing a solo and by senior year, you couldn't shut me up. You never once said anything discouraging. Not even if we forgot the words or hid behind YouTube. You saw something in each of us that we hadn't realized was there yet and that is what being a teacher truly is.

Thank you for making us do sight reading. I never thought I'd say those words but it truly helps in college choir. Thank you for keeping things fun with songs that we enjoy and fun little dance moves. I personally am a little too thankful for the Disney songs.

Thank you for taking the time to help us prepare for whatever we needed. Whether it be a musical audition or an audition for a talent show you were always happy to help. It was always nice to see you out in the crowd at those shows too.

Thank you for helping shape me into the person I am today. I appreciate all of the things you taught me throughout high school. Thank you for pushing me to go out on a limb and try new things. I wouldn't have the confidence I do today without you.

Teaching is one of the most important jobs a person could have. You decided to teach a subject that to most of us in your class think is the most important one of all. It's the subject that is also our passion. You created a safe place for us to be our creative selves. The choir room was like a second home. No matter what was happening, as soon as you stepped into that room your shoulders felt a little lighter. Thank you for making a place for us to fit in and be ourselves.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Student