Beloved chorus director bids farewell
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Emily Light
May 14, 2010
Filed under Top Stories
As seniors walk across the stage this year, another Eagle will be celebrating her final year here at East. Chorus director Bebe Snyder will be retiring after fifteen years of dedication to the school.
“It‘s going to be hard without Ms. Snyder, I‘m so used to her and her ways,” said junior Tyrus Threatt.
Threatt describes Snyder’s relationship with students as one of a mother and child, a relationship that should not be broken. Like a mother, Snyder encourages her students, and is dedicated to them.
“I have brought to them a level of dedication and commitment at every level; whether casual in the hall, or daily in the classroom,” said Snyder.
Snyder is such an effective teacher that she manages to change students’ perspective on choir and make them just as enthusiastic about music as she is.
“I was angry my sophomore year when I saw I had choir. But after spending 2 years with Ms. Snyder, I learned my voice is a beautiful thing, and I love choir now,” said junior Kyle Sanders.
Principal, Rick Parker, has agreed to let Snyder participate in the process of picking her successor. Students are expecting this person to be similar to Snyder, but she has other ideas.
“I‘m looking for someone with a passion for choral music and is attracted to sewing into the lives of young people. Someone who is much younger, has lots of energy, and is ready for a long term commitment.”
After her departure, Snyder is looking forward to having no schedule. She describes what she feels now, as feelings that a senior may be experiencing. Students suspect that Snyder will enjoy retirement and opening a new chapter of her life.
But still, Snyder has deep feelings of sadness about ending such a rewarding career.
“Some of the best years of my life have been spent on the campus of East Meck,” said Snyder.
After leaving, Snyder will not be returning; she wants to give her successor a chance to succeed, without competition. Threatt wants her to be there for his senior year and to see all the hard work the choir has put into its performances.
Although she will not be there physically, Snyder wants her students to know that she will be cheering quietly on the sidelines.
On April 29, students, alumni, and teachers celebrated Snyder’s last concert. The night was filled with tears. When it came time to sing the final song, “Friends,” everyone participated in shedding a tear.
“We are all going to miss Ms. Snyder, and hope she enjoys retirement, and its filled with music,” said freshman Ian Magnusson.
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