Welcome to Andieland ---- The mind is like a parachute, for it to work it must first be open.

A little while ago, I found out that one of my favorite teachers passed away this week. Mrs. Williamson was my chorus teacher. She taught me just about everything I know about music. From the time I was a freshman until she retired when I was a junior in high school, not only was she my chorus teacher but she was also my vocal trainer, my piano teacher, music theory teacher and fine arts teacher. She was also my sister's teacher, which means for three years before I ever got to high school she was teaching me as well. During the time that I knew this unbelievable woman, I can't tell you how many chorus concerts and fundraisers we had, too many to count I guess. What I can tell you is how much culture and experience she gave to her students. It's not everyday that you find some willing to go to the lengths she was to give us the adventures of opening our minds with music.  Several times, we took trips into Philadelphia to dinner theaters, into NY, to on (and off) Broadway plays, to the Metropolitan Opera House to see operas and ballets. We saw "Les Miserables", "The Nutcracker", "Starlight Express", "Des Fledermaus", "Phantom of the Opera" etc. and a myriad of other plays and musicals. 

 

Other than this, everyday I can thank this woman for the voice I have, knowing how to use it, the music in my head and why I understand it. Everyday, I think of her because of the impact she had on my life overall. I haven't seen her in over 15 years, we wrote a few times, now I am am sadden by the loss of someone so great.

 

 So Mrs. Williamson, just to let you know, I am a better person for having know you. My children will be as well.  Goodbye for now and thank you for everything, you've touched a great many people. You are a true teacher. Thank you.

 

 So in true Mrs. Williamson style, we shall end this tribute as we did every session, class, concert or trip........

              "May the road rise to meet you,

              May the wind be ever at your back,

              May the Lord always hold you,

              In the hollow of His hand"

                                                                 Your grateful student, Andrea