Happy Teacher's Day!

Today is Teacher's Day in Korea. Kind of reminds me of Teacher's Day in the US. Oh, wait. In the states teachers get zero respect from anybody. Anyway, I used today's holiday as an excuse to write a letter to one of my favorite college professors, Ray Feener. Mr. Feener was the director of the Singing Men of Ohio during my tenure at college, and I was a member of the group my junior and half of my senior year. Here's the letter I sent him.

Dear Mr. Feener,

My name is John Shawler. You may not remember me, but I attended Ohio University from 1999-2003, and was a member of SMO from 2002-2003.

Anyway, it just occured to me the other day that I never had a chance to thank you. I was a music ed major at OU and my principal instrument was trombone, but I never enjoyed an instrumental ensemble half as much as I did SMO. A big part of that was the way you handled the ensemble. Even though I rarely go back and listen to wind ensemble recordings I was part of, I'm always listening to old SMO performances.

These days, music isn't a big part of my life anymore. After teaching elementary school music for 4 years in the DC and Virginia Beach area, I decided that I wanted a change and have been teaching English in South Korea for the past 10 months. I still sing in my church choir here (in Korean, of course--I'm the only foreigner there), but aside from that and teaching my students a song once in awhile, I never even think about music. Kinda strange that I spent all those hours practicing, huh?

I know that you've moved on from OU to bigger and better things, but I just wanted to let you know that you really touched my life in a profound way during my college years. I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into SMO, especially our Florida trip, the most fun I had in college. I still laugh at the surprise Harry Carey part in Please Mr. Columbus.

I'm sure you get these kinds of letters from SMO alumni all the time, and I would be remiss if I didn't add my thanks to the pile. Never underestimate the influence you have on your students, even those who are college age. I truly believe that through your direction, you provided many young men in SMO with an experience they will never, ever forget.

Best wishes,

John Shawler

If you get a chance today, why not write one of the teachers that had a positive effect on your life? I'm sure they'd really appreciate it.