Alabama Vocal Association Grateful Vivienne Atkins, President, AVA
I have a dear friend who retired this past spring. We taught together for nearly 20 years. He was one of the reasons that I am a teacher at all! Ron Harris, our theater teacher, and Eleanor Rolman Nation, who was always my mentor, are the two persons who's example I have tried to follow all these years. I fought against being a teacher until they lead me to the decision and showed me where I belonged. All this is to say that every year Ron freaked out when he saw the Back to School ads in the stores. He always dreaded the starting of school. I know that many of us feel that way from time to time. However, this year, I am looking at it differently. This year I am grateful for the chance to go back and affect young lives. This year I am grateful for a school system that values what I do. This year I am grateful for admin- istrators who support the arts. This year I am grate- ful for a parent support group that is unfailing in its
hard work to keep our programs going. I know that many of you do not have the perfect teaching situation. Some of you are fighting unsup- portive school systems, administrations, and even parents.
As hard as it is to keep going in those situ- ations, you can look at those young faces that look at you every day and be grateful for the opportunity to reach them and teach them.
song by John Bucchino which says "There may be times when I lose the light and let my spirits sink; But I can't stay depressed when I remember how I'm blessed." We are blessed with talent and with young hearts and souls to teach. We are blessed with the gift of music! So teach wherever you are - whoever you can. " For I believe that whatever the terrain Our feet can learn to dance.
moan or we can sing.” Let’s keep singing! Whatever stone life may sling we can
There is a wonderful
4 ala breve - August 2005
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