MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR

My son-in-law recently sent me a video of my kindergarten-age grandson singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas”. As you can imagine, it’s very cute. The abandon with which he sings takes me back to my grade school music classes.

I LOVED the music teacher at Garrison, Dorothy Paige-Turner. I vividly recall her as being an AMAZING vocal talent and instructor.

I was only ten years old, but I knew this woman was extraordinary. As you must know, I am a big fan of teachers and I appreciate their abilities and dedication, but I felt her voice was meant for larger audiences. Twenty-five kids sitting on the floor shaking tambourines was not nearly enough adulation.

I remember asking her to sign a yellow legal pad for me one day after class. I wanted her autograph! I joked that I was going to keep it to prove that I knew her before she was famous–if only I’d have been able to predict Ebay.

I don’t know where the signature ended up, but I can tell you that Dorothy Paige-Turner is truly a local superstar and area-music influencer.

I did an internet search and found several articles and other sites for her. Including a Spotify page. I read that Paige-Turner (I also love her name) did indeed teach AND perform–garnering the audience she deserved. She retired after thirty-four years in the district but continues her musical impact on stage and through instruction.

It’s funny how memory works. I mean, one minute I’m listening to my adorable grandson serenade me, and the next I’m knee-deep in nostalgia.

Grandson…Christmas song…music teacher…youthful memories…
If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was the beginning to a Hallmark Holiday movie!
That’s it, I’m writing We Wish You a Memory Christmas! Look for it next year in the holiday line-up, lol.