SURPRISE SONG: The US Choir leads “Thank You For the Music” to celebrate Erwin.
Photo courtesy of Episcopal Academy on vimeo.com
After leading a career of unwavering passion and commitment, Middle and Upper School music teacher Jim Erwin took the podium for his very last choir concert before retirement last Wednesday.
At the concert, students in the vocal ensemble and concert choir performed both well-known songs—such as “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Big Yellow Taxi”—and lesser known choir specific pieces like Mozart’s “Ave Verum.” Erwin’s pupils also secretly arranged a special piece, ABBA’s “Thank You For the Music,” to commemorate Erwin’s contributions.
A role model to all students, Erwin brings joy and life into music through his teaching. Walk into Erwin’s classroom any day of the week, and the energy is undeniable; it’s always filled with clapping, harmony, and most importantly, students making music together, no matter their ability.
Erwin attended music school and was a professional musician, but what truly inspired him to take on conducting students was his experiences leading a youth church choir. He remarks, “That’s when I said, ‘you know, I could do this for the rest of my life.’ I really fell in love with not just choir, but teaching high school kids’ choir.”
A pillar of the EA community, Erwin has worked tirelessly to spread the joy of music and appreciation of the arts to every student. Whether it be through getting everybody in the chapel to join in singing or directing his guitar classes, he has spread a sense of excitement everywhere he teaches. But it’s Erwin’s true love for the arts that makes the biggest difference. “The idea of communal singing, I just love that. I love the sound. I love that everyone is working toward a common purpose together, making music,” he explains.
After decades of turning the classroom into a community and skeptics into singers, Erwin’s mission reaches beyond the music department. Every student who passed through his program carries the message: “Just keep music alive. Don’t let it die out. Always have confidence. Everyone is a musician. Everyone has artistic capabilities.” Erwin instilled in each student the message that their voice matters and every moment together is worth the effort.
As Mr. Erwin embarks on his next chapter in life, there is no doubt his impact on EA will be felt for years to come due to his irreplaceable joy in music and teaching.