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CP ort Perry’s man of music is retiring. Charles White, Port Perry High School's ‘Mr. Music Man’ is about to step down from his familiar podium. After 35 years with a baton in his hand, Charles says that it is time to gear down from his hectic and demanding schedule at Port Perry High School. Even so, he is eagerly anticipating the school’s European Concert tour in May. “This is going to be a great way to wrap up my career with the kids at PPHS” he says of the trip. The students and their five Scugog’s Pied Piper prepares to step down from his podium at Port Perry High School performing groups will be appearing at many Mozart venues in Germany and Austria. Together, Charles and his wife Janice are looking at re- tirement with mixed feelings. He explained it this way; “We have some apprehension about what retirement means but weare looking forward to spending more time together and doing some travelling.” To aid in his “climb down” from full time teaching, Charles plans to do some supply teaching for “a year or so.” Janice teaches private lessons to piano students but is begin- ning to gear down her teaching time as well. He will also be continuing his work consulting in music and adjudicating at various Music Festivals. Charles has gained a notable reputation as a music adjudicator and has fulfilled that role in places as far apart as the Ottawa Regional Jazz Festival, the Sunderland Music Festival and the Peel Vocal Festival. He was also Head of the Durham Board’s Summer Music Camp for several rears. In looking back over his career he said, “I am so grateful to my predecessors Russ Baird and Pete Chellew. It was Russ who got me interested in Vocal Jazz. He also had such a broad knowledge of choral music, and he was so willing to share his expertise. Pete Chellew initiated me into the classic band literature,” he added. “It was Peter who introduced me to the music of Gustav Holtz and Ralph Vaughan Williams.” Beginning his teaching career at R.H. Cornish in 1972, Charles Please turn to page 4 freaiiction Serving Port rt Peny, Uxbridge & Surrounding Area The Window Store adheres W.D. Installation udines. The Window Store is a Your Assurance of a Quality installation! WINDOW STORE ive ila 905-985-6665 - Sunrooms For-AltVoursWniday Needs 182 North Port Plaza, Unit #7 -Reach St at Noth Port Rd. 2 FOCUS - APRIL 2007 focus@observerpub.ca