Open Letter To EMEA Members/Spring 2002

I am sorry that I am not able to be there [Spring Conference, Frankfurt, 2002] in person to speak my piece, but this letter will have to do. I had planned on coming, how could I have not with Rebecca teaching next door, but a family emergency came up and I now find myself down in Bavaria taking care of my twin brother. He is still alive and we are all grateful. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

On June 14th, I find myself locking my classroom door for the final time after 30 years of always opening it again in the fall. Before I leave I would like to depart some words of wisdom if I may.
I was asked if I had any regrets. As the song goes, “Regrets, I have a few.” The biggest one is that I did not take a real active part in this organization. Yes, I showed up now and then, helped out when asked, but not much more. This is my fault. I ask all of you to do what you can to make this association grow and continue with the growth of music education. Get involved, run for an office, serve on a committee, be a meeter-greeter, great practice for when you retire and can do the same thing at WalMart.

As I look back my best memories are when I was with this group. We all have so much in common in and out of the class room. We are family. I remember with fondness the days on the Rhein. The nights in that one large room I try to forget. The Monastery, the castle on the Neckar, different schools, the guest houses, the beers and most of all the joy of making music together with you all. We did it all.

I can’t leave without mentioning my great encounter with the K-town music teachers when we did one, if not the first, all-area World’s Largest Concert. What a joy for all of us and our students. I thank you all once again. I thank Van Edwards, Paula Dorrella, Gary Giorgis and Rebecca Brashier for the privilege of working with outstanding music educators.

Now, I enclose a check to cover my first years dues as a member of the retired music educators association. I will always keep you all in my heart. God Bless you all.

MUSIC ALONE SHALL LIVE

Keith Boelter

P.S. I almost forgot the important part of retiring. I have a condo in Delray Beach, Florida and you are all invited to come visit, but not at the same time. Oh, why not?
Keith J. Boelter; 2520 Del Aire Blvd; Delray Beach, Florida 33445
telephone number 561 276 7375
keith_boelter@hotmail.com