Kenn's Book Of Poems

To my Wonderful Choir Teacher.

Where do I start?
A wonderful person deserves some words,
that's for sure.
But I express words far better in a poem,
So I apologize if it's too nerdy.
You've made my life brighter and made me happy,
I would always look forward to your class, both junior high and on.

Let's start with my first memory with you teaching me.
I remember it quite well because it was embarrassing.
We were practicing Battle Hymn when I was in the 6th grade.
It was veterans day, and you were conducting.
I got far too confident, and I oversang the last note, a D natural.
I always wondered if you knew it was me.

Then 7th grade. God I was shy as heck. Too shy.
I'm glad I'm not that insecure anymore.
You did make me smile though that first day,
The My Country Tis Of Thee renditions that were stupid.
Even then, you might've not have known it, but you inspired me.
Inspired me to want to become a music teacher.

Oh boy, 8th grade. That year was horrible for me personally,
but I had plenty of achievements that I made.
Getting a solo was at the top of that list,
and I started working harder when it came to OPUS.
I finally started breaking out of my shell. All thanks to you.
And your act of silence for the first day of choir was,
to put the least, hilarious.
I may have not have made New group, still salty but,
I knew that I restricted myself into a boundary again.
I immediately told myself I wasn't doing the same.

And this year. Oh boy. Yep, 9th grade. High School.
I was out of my shell completely now. Maybe too much.
You had become my favorite teacher at this point,
and you've helped me become the best singer I can be.
My division 1, that wouldn't have been possible.
It wouldn't have been possible without you.
You taught me and helped me to what I thought was okay for it.
And even though I messed up, I still did well because of that time.
Oh, and of course the Christmas concert. The quartet solo.

Of course though, this spring happened.
Everyone needs change in their lives at some point.
But it hit me hard because even though I've only had you for 3 years,
I grew close to you and looked up to you.
I cried at the letter when you said you were proud.
Because that's all I ever wanted. It's cheesy but it's true.
I cried at other things, but that definitely struck me.
And about comparing me to famous musicians,
I'm not that good just yet.
I was expecting though, a 'not to be so hard on yourself',
seeing as I always am.

I honestly wish you didn't have to leave,
but all things come to an end, all chapters close.
So, this was my own thank you letter,
And I thank you for teaching me.
Teaching me to excel in music and to confidently sing out.

Thank you Mr. Howell.