On June 7, a special retirement dinner was held in the brand new
student center at Gilroy High.
On June 7, a special retirement dinner was held in the brand new student center at Gilroy High. The evening honored this year’s outgoing Gilroy Unified School District staff and teachers. Although there were many highlights, from music by Joey Fortino and the Jazz Band, to Gene Sakahara and Sam Bozzo anchoring the evening as masters of ceremony, one tribute in particular stood out for me.
It came when Phillip Robb, Gilroy High’s choral director, gave tribute to a fellow music teacher who is retiring this June after a career of nearly 30 years with GUSD. When Mr. Robb spoke, I learned some Gilroy history that I had not previously known. Here is the surprising story he told:
“Back in the mid-’70s when some of us were starting our careers, a local parent began to volunteer in her child’s classroom. She came in each week and sang with the children and taught them what music was all about. She helped complete their education through music.
“Soon other classes were asking this mom if she would come teach music to them as well. This began the legacy of Gretchen Vandenberg in Gilroy. For the next two years she was a music volunteer. Finally, 29 years ago, she was hired as a music specialist in the district and proceeded to teach music in all 8 elementary schools.
“A few years later, I was doing credential work at SJSU, and Gretchen became my master teacher. I’d bring my guitar and voice, and we would conquer Rucker and Las Animas with music.
“Her passion to expose all children to weekly music eventually became a part of district negotiations in 1979-80 and concluded with elementary prep time being granted for elementary teachers, with music and P.E. for the students taught by specialists.
“Gretchen saw a real need and helped open the door for all children, no matter what their backgrounds, to have equal access to music.
“The new contract created new positions for elementary music specialists, and I was hired for one of the jobs. I began working alongside Gretchen. I quickly learned that elementary classroom music was not my favorite thing. I like teaching choir better with older kids.
“Besides, traveling from room to room to room to room 7 to 8 times a day, hauling my equipment and setting up each time for the next group of students was just too much. Gretchen, on the other hand, is unique. She is willing to go wherever kids are to give them the gift of music.
“Chatting with a couple of her former students today at the high school, they said “Dr. Vandenberg is such a warm and caring person, always wanting you to feel good, and so knowledgeable about music.”
“I personally am indebted to Gretchen for paving the way for me to be a part of music in Gilroy. Thousands-no, tens of thousands–of students over the last 30+ years have been given the gift of music through Gretchen. Other music teachers like myself have followed behind her through the door she opened.
“These past few years Gretchen has continued to be the spokesperson and advocate in our district in a time when elementary music is decreasing. She has fought for our students and continues that fight in order for all grades to have a complete education.
“Teaching takes its toll on us, and Gretchen is retiring not because she is ready to, but because her doctor is strongly suggesting it. However, she reminded us at the final district concert that she will still be around to be a part of music in our city.
“Gretchen, I thank you for a job, and the opportunity to grow up in this district. More importantly, on behalf of those thousands of students and parents you have touched–thank you.
“I know you’ll enjoy the change of pace, but please don’t retire your advocacy for our kids and music. Let’s continue to work so that we can get music back in the primary grades where it needs to be once again.”
Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a non-profit organization benefiting women and children. Her
column appears every Thursday. Reach her at ka****@ve*****.net.
