Letter From A Former Student - Class of '99

In a letter dated June 7, 2007, a Grosse Pointe South Class of ‘99 student wrote:

I met Ellen Bowen in 1994 when I was a student at Brownell Middle School. She was volunteering that fall to help direct the all-school musical. Having never sung in a choir before my 8th grade year, I was shy, reserved, and scared of most things. But my experience with her and that production was so incredible for me, and so different than anything I had ever experienced before, that I was inspired to continue with her high school program the following year.

I identify most with Ellen’s choir program when I recall high school. Her program and her philosophies represent the foundation of what my life has become after my graduation in 1999. It was Ellen that pushed me to break out of my shy, reserved, scared personality to become a leader, a smart, hard worker, and an accomplished musician. She encouraged me to participate in workshops, camps, and challenging choirs, all of which were positive and lasting. It was her encouragement and my four-year experience in her program that led me to major in music at the University of Michigan, and ultimately why I currently work as a professional musician. Moreover, Ellen encouraged at least eight of my close friends, all of whom graduated from Grosse Pointe South in 1998 or 1999 alone, to major in the arts; they all currently work professionally in this field.

For the past two years, Ellen has been a wonderful mentor to me as a music educator. She has given me opportunities to teach privately and direct ensembles within her choirs. Her feedback has been more helpful to me than the university from which I am currently receiving my teaching certificate. I have built successful relationships with students, parents, and fellow musicians, and she is constantly encouraging me to learn from her program and other programs in Michigan. As an educator, it is obvious to me (or anyone for that matter) that the students adore what they do, love what she does for them, and do not feel threatened in any way whatsoever. On the contrary, the students feel neglected when she is not present to teach them. They have the desire to be pushed by her as I did, whether they want to pursue music after high school or not, through the hard work and discipline that she teaches; they choose to succeed. She is admirable, and the students would be at a great disadvantage without her.

Friends of Ellen Bowen Goes Live!!!!!!

Check out the Friends of Ellen Bowen Website http://www.ellenbowen.com and show your support!

Letter from a Parent.

In a letter dated June 6, 2007, one Grosse Pointe parent wrote:

Our son attended The Grosse Pointe Academy, kindergarten thru 8^th grade. At a very early age, he showed great prowess in music.

During these early years, as we contemplated where he might benefit most from high school, only one name kept re-occurring; that of Ellen Bowen. We repeatedly kept hearing the name Ellen Bowen, the fabulous music teacher at South. I prayed that she would not retire before our son got to South. Yes, Ellen Bowen was, and is, most definitely, the primary reason for our having chosen Grosse Pointe South High School.

Since he arrived three years ago, as a Freshman, we have, not once, regretted that decision. Ellen Bowen has, without a doubt, had the most positive influence on our son. She shares our son’s passion for music, and was quick to see his innate abilities. She mentors him, and supports his dream to, one day be a conductor. She takes a personal interest in her students and wants them all to succeed. She constantly challenges them, and under her tutelage, we are watching our son evolve, into a multi-talented, capable and self confident senior. There is no doubt, she is demanding of her students. What successes in life come easily?

She teaches values, like giving back, and does that by hosting a free concert at Christmas for Senior Citizens in our community. She stresses academics and insists that choir students carry a high grade point average. She offers a community service with her unbelievable shows and musicals of Broadway quality! South choir alumnae come to Ellen Bowen’s shows years after year. Parents of choir alumnae contribute to the Booster organization, long after their children have graduated. The Choir Boosters raise great sums of money to fund the program because they endorse Ellen Bowen. Families are selling their homes and moving out of the North district to be able to get their children into Ellen Bowen’s program or they are requesting special permission to come to South, while living in the North district, merely to allow their children the opportunity to be in Ellen Bowen’s program.

When we go to competitions, I feel sorrow for the children from other schools, who have as much potential as our kids, but not a teacher as capable as Ellen Bowen. They must settle for so much less…they settle for mediocrity. The students of Ellen Bowen shine in the public arena. We are proud to be under the direction of Ellen Bowen.

I believe that all teachers in the system could learn from Ellen Bowen. Why has no other teacher left such a profound mark on either of our children? Our sons have never felt such passion from a teacher. I often wonder, why the math teacher, or the science teacher, or the English teacher, not impact my children to follow their path in life?

Please allow Ellen Bowen to continue her work with the Choir. I trust her completely.

Coming Soon!

Coming soon www.ellenbowen.com! The website for Ellen Bowen supporters will be ready. Check here often to for updates.

OB

Some Quotes about Ellen!

"I am who I am due in no small part to Ellen Bowen's influence in my life. She taught me much more than a love for music. Ellen taught me about excellence, instilling my work with passion, and daring to compete. She taught me about teamwork and friendship. Those lessons served me as a student, as an aide to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, as a lawyer, as a citizen, and as a person." (Heather King, Esq., Class of 1992)

“John Artis, who once served as South's principal, now lives in Ohio where he has taken a job with another school district. However, his wife and daughter, Sloane -- who will be a junior in September -- plan to stay in Grosse Pointe until she finishes high school. The reason? Bowen. The Ohio school ‘doesn't have the vocal program like South,’ said Julie Artis, Sloane's mother. ‘It's hard to beat anywhere. We believe with Ellen's guidance you can't beat this.’” (Detroit Free Press August 3, 1999)

“The Grosse Pointe South High School Vocal Music Program, under the direction of Mrs. Ellen Bowen, has earned a national reputation for excellence in the performing arts education.” (Grosse Pointe South Choir Booster’s Association, 2007)

“Today's high school students have many choices, some with negative consequences. The vocal music program at Grosse Pointe South offers students a positive and productive opportunity to interact with professional musicians, actors and dancers in a celebration of the performing arts. While not all of these students will elect to pursue the arts as their life's ambition, this program teaches them discipline, teamwork and time management skills that will prepare them for an exciting and productive career in their chosen field.” (Grosse Pointe South Choir Booster’s Association, 2007)

“Mrs. Bowen has taken students of all sizes and shapes and guided them into becoming talented performers. In addition, she has always found a way to include students with special disabilities and other special needs. What is paramount to the parents of these students are the rewards that come far away from the footlights of the stage. The skills that these children acquire in this program are carried with them well beyond high school. The poise, confidence, organizational and communication skills they learn and develop will serve them well for the rest of their lives.” (Grosse Pointe South Choir Booster’s Association, 2007)