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.