Category: Buzz

Every time he does it, I tell myself I should tell you. Finally, this time I will. For the umpteenth time, when I went into his bedroom to ask how school and homework are going, Polo jumps up from his work and animatedly begins telling stories about your class. He resets his CD player to a specific track from The Messiah and goes into what makes that part so appealing to him, then, after another moment, says enthusiastically, “He’s such a great teacher!” and “Did you know it’s a round? He had us sing Row Row Row Your Boat to show us what a fugue is!” This, plus more about you at the keyboard, in front of the class, etc., goes on for about 10 minutes before I remind him that I didn’t come in to disturb his homework or distract him, just to check in… “Oh yeah…” he’ll say as he heads back into his room (his retelling includes coming out to pick out some melodies on the piano). I couldn’t keep it in because his increasing love of music is creditable solely to you and it makes me very, very happy. And if I were you, I’d sure want to know that what I do and how I do it is making a very big difference. Thank you.

I just spent 5 years at college studying music history and theory that you managed to teach me in just a couple semesters back in high school… I don’t think that I so much as encountered one name, piece or music characteristic in college that I was not already familiar with.

Lately I have been inspired by many people who live their life in search of meaning, they say they live longer, smile more often, and add joy to the world. You are definitely doing that!!!!…

I just want to take a minute to recognize the extraordinary talents of my good friend and the songwriter forWelcome To Grammaropolis, Cory Cullinan. The good Doctor and I spent just over three years together on the faculty of Pinewood School; he was the Music teacher and Choir Director, among other titles and responsibilities. I always admired the creativity of his lesson plans and his dedication to his students, and I’m thrilled that he agreed to lend his talent to the world of Grammaropolis.

THANK YOU for all you did to provide the Pinewood Singers with such an amazing performance “road trip”!!! Christopher had a fabulous time! He told me that the singing — the performances, the preparation, the bus trips, the group time….all that was even more fun than Disneyland (which, of course was a great time, too!). He loves being part of this group. Honestly, I think if you wanted him to dress in leiderhosen and yodel, you could probably get him to do that, too….!!! You have an amazing gift for connecting with these teenagers, and we are SO lucky to have you in their school lives. Thank you, thank you, and CONGRATULATIONS on the awards as well!!

I have had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Cullinan for two full semesters during my freshman and sophomore years at my high school. I still find it next to impossible to imagine just how much stamina and willpower and strength Mr. C commands; I have so much respect for him. In my mind, a hero is not necessarily someone who has saved my life, or rescued me from danger, or radically changed my life. Mr. C is a hero simply because he has given me, however unintentionally, the gift of inspiration. I can only aspire to simulate his remarkable qualities in my own life; but I shall try.

He” is Mr. Cory Cullinan, the Stanford grad, soccer aficionado and music zealot who came to take my high school by storm a few years ago. I had heard all the rumors and stories about him from my classmates — he had the kookiest sense of humor, he was shamelessly bold, he could turn anything you said in all seriousness into the corniest joke. So it was with the greatest anxiety and curiosity that I sat that day in his class for the first time.The twisted humor and carefree “let’s just have some fun” attitude continued through the rest of the semester. I came to accept and even enjoy the way Mr. Cullinan — or Mr. C, as he is more affectionately known — never failed to seamlessly blend insightful note-taking and lectures with his absolutely one-of-a-kind puns and wisecracks.

Thanks for your incredible influence on my life and career!

I am always inspired by your boundless energy, creativity and optimistic spirit Cory.

How do I get so lucky to have John Chowning and Cory Cullinan in my universe? Mr. Chowning came to PPSC last year and volunteered a concert and talk to my students and the community and here he is, Grammy lifetime achievement award. Cory is nothing short of amazing, and I’m so incredibly honored to have the history and legacy of both of these humans influencing what’s happening where I work and help me do the job I love. To both of you — thank you for inspiring me and lots of generations to come.