Category: Teaching & Learning

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.

A renewal… A continuation of Cory’s lifelong belief that music can educate, connect, and foster empathy. It’s a reminder that joy, paired with purpose, can be a transformative force.

Mr. Cullinan is an inspiring, effective educator who left a lasting impact on my life. More than 20 years later, I have vivid memories of his high energy teaching style, positivity, and deep commitment to his students. He is rare, one of a kind, and brings out the best in everyone around him — I am lucky to be in touch with him today. Little did I know at the time, but his lessons (both academic and otherwise) would influence me lifelong. This statement comes from the perspective of someone who had zero interest in learning music — I grew up with hearing problems and struggle a lot with sounds. Yet, knowledge of music/AV has been necessary for my career as an entrepreneur, so the foundation his teaching gave me was invaluable. And I can hear better than I could as a kid!The teaching profession needs more leaders like Dr. Noize, especially in light of the many traumas that young people are navigating due to the pandemic and climate change. He embodies the existence of bright light on the other side.