Phil Robb’s story-ending quote, the last line in Reporter Sara
Suddes’ story in Tuesday’s print edition, struck a clear and
heavenly note.
”
You want to give the kids an opportunity to have a musical
moment when you get that ting down your back and you go like
that,
”
he added, shivering to demonstrate. Those moments usually come
when the students hit a particular chord just right, he said,
”
when things just click and it doesn’t touch your ears, it
touches something inside you.
”
1. The choir programs under teacher Phil Robb have thrived and grown
Phil Robb’s story-ending quote, the last line in Reporter Sara Suddes’ story in Tuesday’s print edition, struck a clear and heavenly note.
“You want to give the kids an opportunity to have a musical moment when you get that ting down your back and you go like that,” he added, shivering to demonstrate. Those moments usually come when the students hit a particular chord just right, he said, “when things just click and it doesn’t touch your ears, it touches something inside you.”
That’s what Mr. Robb has been doing for a quarter century – pursuing that magical moment with thousands of students when art and passion transcend technique. What he’s touched as an educator is indeed something deep inside his students, but his efforts have also touched our community deeply. Anyone who has heard his choirs sing over the years has been moved. It’s nearly impossible not to be. The notes have been that clear, the harmony that moving and the effort that pure.
2. The invitation to Carnegie Hall is well-deserved icing on the cake
His choir students understand the magic moment, the work it takes to achieve that and the commitment that it takes to all work together to make such incredibly beautiful music. They also understand the necessary passion which drives a marvelous teacher to take students to great heights. That final understanding is a gift unto itself.
If there’s a height greater in America than to be invited to sing at historic Carnegie Hall in New York, it’s a mystery to us. But that’s exactly what the Gilroy High School Chamber Choir has been invited to do this spring. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime – and a fitting reward for Mr. Robb and his students who are in the midst of raising funds for the trip.
In addition, and a complement to the singing, Mr. Robb has taken great pride in bringing more and more young musicians into the fold to perform with the choir.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Through both the musical selections and through life experiences – the choirs legendary international performing trips – the students are introduced to different cultures in a very personal way that gives them a far greater appreciation of the world around them.
3. Enthusiasm and discipline are the foundations for the GHS choirs
As he has waved that baton directing his students Mr. Robb has woven a “body of work” that is a legacy truly worthy of an inspiring novel and TV documentary.
He and his students exude that rare combination of enthusiasm and discipline which yields superior results.
It’s a perfect time of year to say thank you to Mr. Robb, to all the students who have sung their hearts out under his guidance and to the Gilroy Unified School District leaders who have supported the music programs. As we hear and sing Christmas carols this season, let us remember the wonder and joy brought to us by Mr. Robb and the Gilroy High choirs.
ACTION ITEM
– If you would like to make a donation to the Gilroy High School choir program to help fund the trip to Carnegie Hall, contact Phil Robb at Ph**********@gu**.us or call 847-2424 ext. 8567.
