NORWICH – After 36 years in the classroom – 24 of which were spent at the Perry Browne Elementary School – music teacher Dave Kirsch will direct his final spring concert at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The annual concert will be held outside the elementary school, weather permitting, and will feature performances by the Perry Browne Elementary String Players and Elementary Band, as well as the fourth and fifth grade choirs.
The decision to retire following the 2011 school year was a difficult one, according to Kirsch.
“I’m going to miss it terribly,” he said. “I just want to say thank you to Norwich. I was so lucky to come here. It’s been the perfect spot for me ever since I came here and I’ve loved it ever since.”
In over three decades, Kirsch has seen between 6,000 and 7,000 students walk through his door, the oldest of which are now nearly 50 years old. The youngest? Eight.
It’s a testament to the lasting impression the he’s had on multiple generations of students, said Perry Browne Elementary Principal Jennifer Post.
“Dave is a cornerstone of Perry Browne and he’s a terrific asset to the staff and as an educator. He’ll be missed,” said Post. “He’s touched the lives of thousands of students throughout the district and he’s been so involved with both the community and the school.”
A graduate of the Fredonia School of Music, Kirsch got his start in Waterville, where he spent the majority of his stay teaching instrumental music. Due to financial difficulties facing the school district, however, he was moved into the classroom.
“It was a little unnerving, as I had no experience in the classroom. When I went in, I discovered I loved it. I’d found my niche.” stated Kirsch. “The funny thing is, as a music teacher out of college, you’re always looking for that big high school job. I thought this would be a stepping stone for me, but I found out that this was that big job.”
For Kirsch, the joy of being in the classroom was seeing the kids’ faces light up and the excitement and fun that the music creates.
Former students of Kirsch’s have been offered one last chance to perform under his direction during Thursday night’s concert, he added, singing the children’s song that made him famous at Perry Browne, “Señor Don Gato.”
In his 36 years as a teacher, Kirsch said he’s performed the song anywhere from 29,000 to 40,000 times. Over the years, his students have had a number of favorites, he added, but none compare to the popularity of “Don Gato.”
Kirsch said he’s also enjoyed seeing those students of his who went onto perform at the middle school, high school, college and even professional level, knowing they began that journey right there in his classroom.
“I’ve had a great career, but it’s hitting me now. It’s sad for me,” said Kirsch, who will be returning to Perry Browne on a limited basis as a substitute teacher next year. “This was my place. It’s where I wanted to be and I’m so thankful.”