Andrew Simon

Mr. Simon working with Women's Glee

Mr. Andrew Simon came into my world in mid-December, 2017.  It could not have been a more timely entrance.  I hadn't had an intern since 2009.  When I was approached by his Music Ed professor at the University of North Florida in October, there was no way I could have known what was heading my way.  I agreed to take him on and I am so thankful that I did.

My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October, 2016 and had been in remission for the past 18 months.  In January, 2018, her cancer returned with a vengeance and she opted not to treat it.  We were told she would be gone by June.  Mr. Simon was such a gift!  He covered my classes when I had to be away supporting my mother.  He bonded with my students and they learned so much from him.  He lifted my spirit when it was at it's lowest point and we were nearing the end of this chapter in our lives.

I told Mr. Simon that I was going to have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.  Although I had given him Women's Glee as a laboratory choir, he learned all of our music for the Spring concert in case my mom passed away and I could not be there to conduct.  He had such a good attitude and assured me he would see me through this and he did.  My mother died two days after our concert.

Mr. Simon graduated from UNF on Friday, April 28th and I know in my heart of hearts we will be forever friends and lifelong colleagues.  My heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. Timothy Groulx, Professor Jane Palmer and to Andrew Henry Simon for being my support system (either directly or indirectly) over the past 6 months.  I would not have survived this experience without you.

And to my sweet Momma, who will always be in our hearts....

Jo Ann Nader Abdullah

October 16, 1934

May 3, 2018

Until next time....

Our Mascot

My mother is in the fight of her life with a dreaded disease that will eventually take her from us.  She desperately wanted to attend my spring concert on May 1st, but knew she would not have the strength to do so.  I told her we would "Face Time" her with the chorus and she could watch them perform on the computer.  That wasn't good enough.  She said, "You tell the kids that's what we're gonna do, but mark my word, I will be there in person to hear them sing!"

It took 3 caregivers and a wheelchair, but she made it.  It was the most precious time I had ever experienced with my mother.  She considers herself the official mascot of the Fletcher High School Chorus and wasn't going to miss this opportunity.  She knew in her heart of hearts, it would be her last.

I may be an absolute mess at our concert on Tuesday, but the concert has been lovingly dedicated to my mother and the kids will give their all for her.  That's just the kind of kids I am blessed to teach.

Until next time....

FMEA 2018 Artistry:Teaching and Performing

 

FMEA 2018

I recently returned from the Florida Music Educator Association's Professional Development Conference which is held in Tampa, Florida every January.  The theme this year was "Artistry: Teaching and Performing."  It was a special year for me.  It isn't every year that you have both current and former students performing in All-State ensembles all at the same conference. I had FOUR former students and ONE current student perform this weekend.  It was a weekend filled with music-making and I could not have been more proud of each of them!

Thursday, January 11th (7:30 p.m.) - The Stetson University Concert Choir performed for conference attendees and TWO of my former students were in the ensemble!  This is the top auditioned choir at Stetson University.  

The youngest graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and is a freshman at Stetson.  I taught Amber D. at Chets Creek Elementary School.  [ I could not catch her after the concert to take a picture :(  ]

The eldest was my student his senior year at Duncan U. Fletcher Senior High School, the school where I currently teach.  His name is Jack S.

Jonathan Maerkl (Band/formerly at FHS); Dee Dee Tamburrino (Chorus at FHS)

(Jack played tuba and sang in the chorus)

Currently a performing member of the Stetson Concert Choir

and is graduating in May, 2018 (music major)

Friday, January 12th (6:00 p.m.) - The All-State Men's Chorus performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Waterside.  My current student, Jack R. spent 18 hours in rehearsal this weekend and countless hours of private study prior to his arrival in Tampa on Wednesday evening.  He was representing Duncan U. Fletcher Senior High School and our choral program at All-State this year. 

Jack R. and Mrs. Tamburrino

All-State Men's Chorus 2018

Grand Ballroom - Mariott Waterside

Tampa, Florida

Saturday, January 13th (9:00 a.m.) - The All-State Treble Chorus performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Waterside.  This performance received 3 standing ovations!! What an incredible experience for my former elementary student who is now at LaVilla School of the Arts.  She also sings with the Jacksonville Children's Chorus and recently returned from Rome, Italy where she was privileged to sing for Pope Francis!!

Emmie H. 

All-State Treble Chorus 2018

Saturday, January 13th (6:30 p.m.) - The All-State Middle School Band, High School Concert Band and High School Symphonic Band performed at the Tampa Convention Center to a packed house.  I taught this young lady in elementary school as well.  She is currently a student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she plays flute in the band program.

Ashley S. (3rd chair flute)

All-State Concert Band 2018

It was a true blessing for me to take part in FMEA this year and witness the "fruit of my labors" in such a profound way.  I do my best to instill a love of music-making in all of my students and it is very exciting to see so many of them continuing to pursue their musical passion as they matriculate through K-12 education and move on to college.  It is truly a gift for which I am extremely grateful!!

Until next time...