Hey Kids it’s dad, and for today’s TommyLog I want to talk to you about a influential teacher in my life. Mr. Richard Whitney was my music teacher while I was at Barker Road Junior High school. From grade 7 through nine I took music class chorus and was actually a member of the AV club where he was the advisor.
Mr. Whitney was a tech head, free spirit and loved rock ‘n’ roll music. I was in at least two plays were Mr. Whitney let the music, bye-bye Birdie and Oklahoma.
Mr. Whitney never wore socks. That was his trademark. Even to concerts he would be dressed up in a tux, he would have no socks on. Just awesome!!
One of my most memorable experiences with Mr. Whitney was the week the newest Rush album came out. Signals was the title and we spent an entire class dissecting the album song by song. Back in that day we were listening to the album on vinyl. He would stop songs mid song and we go through the lyrics so that we understood what was trying to be said.
I know for hundred percent certainty that my love of music and The rock bands Yes and Rush came from Mr. Whitney.
Thank you for sharing your life and your talents with me.
Kids, we really need to be a lot more like Mr. Whitney!!