Thank you, Mrs. Dalpez, for your patience. I remember you teaching me how to play the violin in 5^th grade- and only those with an open mind could see the potential when I first played (or screeched?) on my violin. You also managed construction (which caused many setbacks for the orchestra- need I mention the less-than-ideal double wide portable?) with grace and a positive attitude.

Thank you, for giving me something to look forward to in the school day and making orchestra one of my favorite classes. I love walking into the auditorium every A Day and hearing about your crazy bird stories, sight-reading pop charts, and having candy thrown at me. There is always something new and fun in orchestra, which is a welcome contrast to the usual monotony and predictability of the school day.

Thank you, for giving me tea when I don’t feel well, for listening to my music recommendations, for pushing me to become a better musician, for buying making the orchestra class cookies after a concert, and for everything else that you do.

And most of all, thank you, Mrs. Dalpez, for being such a great teacher. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the memories you have left me with.