Mrs. Abel

Dear Choir Family, 

It is my most unpleasant duty to inform each of you that Mrs. Abel has had to resign as our pianist. While I am deeply saddened for the loss our department will experience, I am so very happy for her that the circumstances requiring this resignation present her a positive career advancement for her and her family. She was recently offered the job as Music Teacher at Holiman Elementary, here, in San Angelo and she accepted.

While we won’t get to enjoy her presence on a daily basis this school year, there is still the possibility that you’ll see her around the choir hall occasionally for certain events, and who knows what the future holds?! We are so happy and fortunate that she has graciously agreed to help us through to the start of school with Convocation Rehearsals and the Region Choir Boot Camp this next week.

The following is a brief statement from Mrs. Abel to all of you, the Central Choir family:

To all the students of the Central Choirs,

First, thank you. Thank you for your wonderful spirit, your passion for music, your desire to do what's right, your funny jokes, your care for one another, and your ability to bring a smile to my face every time I see you.

It has been a hard decision to make, but I have accepted a full-time music teaching position at Holiman Elementary. My family and I feel that this is what is best for us at this time. While I am excited to be with the young ones again, I will miss all of you greatly and the music we shared together.

You may not know, but last summer I dealt with a bit of cancer. It was a challenging time, followed by challenging months. I am blessed to have health now, and am grateful Mr. Gilmore and Mrs. Vaught extended the opportunity to accompany this great program when they did. I share this with you to thank you for being part of the recovery, and so you realize how special you will always be to me. I appreciate each of you and the wonderful people who teach you and support you. Thank you for being ginormous, spectacular bright spots!

I am going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes. Please keep the wonderful things about you a constant. Continue to grow and share your talents and passion with others.

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy: they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

Thank you always,
Joni Abel

You will be able to see Mrs. Abel [anybody catch that?] at our Convocation Rehearsals this coming Monday and Tuesday. On behalf of all of us, please share your thanks and well-wishes with her then or via any of the communication methods you have available to you (text message, Facebook, email, etc.) as she starts her new, full-time position in SAISD.

Sincerely,
Landon L. Gilmore, Director of Choirs
San Angelo Central High School