Since 1982 I've been teaching in the public schools of Texas. I've been an orchestra director, full-time substitute, and for last 23 years in Temple, I've been an elementary music teacher. This decision isn't coming with a big smile but with a huge sense of sadness since my decision is based upon my health issues. I know that everyone says that God closes one and door and then opens another - or is it a window? I am so grateful for all the wonderful moments I've had sharing my love of music with children. I tried to count how many productions I've done but I honestly don't know. I usually had around 4-5 shows each school year. So since being here in Temple that means over a 100! As I reflect over these 100 shows and 29 years of teaching there are some memories that stand out above the rest:
*****One of the first programs that I did at Jefferson Elementary was about being on the farm. I had told the kids to dress like they were working on the farm. Well that night one of the kids showed up with mud on his clothes and dirt on his face. He said, "Mrs. Thweatt, you told me to dress like I had worked on the farm!" A few years ago I ran into that same boy, now a 6'5'' young man and we had a good laugh.
*****In my second year of teaching at Jefferson I recall the day I asked a first grade class if any of them would like to share a song. One beautiful little blonde-haired child raised her hand. I anxiously awaited.
The next thing I knew a heavenly angelic voice began singing "You Are My Sunshine". It was the sweetest, most clear and pure voice I had ever heard. It was Sarah Brindley, who has become a professional opera singer and performer.
*****The Disney Review at the CAC in the early 90's. We had a huge storm just prior to the show and the electricity went out. The curtain was electrically operated. Try having 100 kids on stage...no lights, then lights, but the curtain won't work! Some dads came down and saved the day by figuring out to get the curtains open despite the broken mechanism.
*****Hooray for Hollywood.... All of the staff at Jefferson dressed up like different characters to help raise money for a new playground. Mrs. Johnston, the principal, won the "Oscar" for her portrayal of CruellaDeVille. The children never quite looked at her the same. Of course my personal favorite was when my Audrey sang "Till There Was You" from "The Music Man".
*****In 1999-2000 I taught K-2 at Reagan Magnet. That spring the school property was sold to St. Mary's Church and the school was to be closed after a 100 years! I was in charge of singing us out in style. We did a musical review that started with the year that Reagan opened in the 1895 or so. We did a musical number for every decade. Vanny Bolsins, the principal, did the Jitterbug swinging when we came to the 1940's era. The children loved it. This show was definitely one my favorites and best productions. Reagan had been such a part of Temple's history that many people wanted to get involved. We had a Dixieland Jazz group, a country band, the Sweet Adelines, and lots of wonderful acts by children and staff members.
*****Not all of the shows were wonderful. One group of children doing a Christmas show were just out of control. I had tried every trick in the book but there are just some combinations of kids that don't need to be together on risers! One very unruly boy....in the middle of the show...decided to clean out his nose and wiped it on the girl's head in front of him. I nearly threw up as I was directing! As soon as the song was over I got a teacher to remove him from the stage for the remainder of the program. Earlier this year I saw him at a local pizza buffet. He came up and hugged me......but I have to admit, I was so glad that Tim and I were just leaving because I honestly could not have gone back to the buffet!
*****The first year I taught at Thornton Elementary I recall a young kindergarten student's curiosity. He sat on the front row of the benches and was very attentive. I had mentioned to the children about not screaming so loud when they sang, that it made my ear drums hurt. Before I knew what had happened this young boy hopped up on the bench and put his hands to my shoulder and tried pulling my head down toward him. I asked him what he was doing. He sweetly replied, "I want to see the drums in your ear!"
I could write more but for now...I just thank God that I have been so blessed to have a profession that has been so fun.....okay - stressful, too! This next Tuesday, May 24th will be my last production. I'll make sure that I take some tissues with me.
