By Russ Levine

Special to the Weekly

This is to recognize Ann Marie Fischer and Lisa Geddes for their work as music teachers at Lopez school.

In 1988 Ann Marie was hired to be the new music teacher.  “My first year was full of learning and adapting, but the kids were great, and the community was very supportive.”

Ann Marie quickly realized that Lopez secondary students were unique and needed a program designed for them. She decided to focus on singing, ensemble playing using current musical styles, ethnic music, and life-long musical skills. The first rock band was formed, followed by years of recording original music.  Choir  took off, and provided many students with training in vocal skills, and ensemble participation.

Changes in the program over the years have reflected Ann Marie’s own changing musical tastes and those of her students. “I learned about popular music from Zimbabwe, particularly marimba.  The marimbas live in the music room, and most students learn to play them. They love whacking away, but also make beautiful music!”

For the last seven years Ann Marie has co-taught Musical Theater with Richard Carter. “The first day we throw out a theme for the story, and the kids write a script and come up with music that works.  It is really fun to teach, and great to work with Richard, who is a highly skilled drama teacher. “

Ann Marie also spent a year on a Fulbright exchange, teaching music at Kallion Lukio, in Helsinki Finland.

Another change in the program occurred 13 years ago when Ann Marie began job sharing with Lisa, who took over  the elementary music program. “I was very pleased when Lisa agreed to join me. I knew her well musically from our experience in Mamatamba.   She has a magical way of engaging the little ones in the language of music.  Watching her teach is a delight.”

As well as being music teachers,  Ann Marie and Lisa love to play music and have participated in community bands.  Lisa has played with Mamatamba, Callanish,, and Sabroson, and  Ann Marie with Santos de Lopez, Mamatamba, and Sabroson.

After 28 years of teaching music, and hundreds of performances,  Ann Marie is moving on to coordinating the Parent Partner and CVA programs.  “Change is good….I am enjoying the challenge “

In addition to teaching elementary music, Lisa began teaching Spanish in the high school in 2009.  “Although these are two very different hats to wear, there’s a surprising amount of cross-over between the programs.  I use a lot of Spanish in my music classes and a lot of music in my Spanish classes.”  Lisa is taking a one year leave-of-absence to further her studies in Spanish, and will return in the fall of 2016.

Ann Marie thanks Bosko Bailey, Hawk Arps, Celia Rosenberger, Summer Moon, Jaime Cordova, Llewellyne Arden, Dean and Caroline Jacobsen, Colin Doherty, Sue DuMond,  Cheap Friends, Jesse Hammond, Bill Johnson, and parents  and community, for all the support they have given the program.