Just read the news that my junior high school music teacher from Cincinnati Public Schools, Mr. Alan Coleman passed today. 

I know that he has had several health struggles over the last few years. I know that he lived out the faith he believed and he is at peace. 

In 1990, he wrote in my yearbook: 

“As Dorothy said to the scarecrow, I think I’ll miss you most of all.” 

Mr. C. you made an indelible mark on this (once) young student.  

You exposed our choir and chorus to songs from culturally and racially diverse places. 

( You also exposed us to wearing those horrible cummerbunds and bow ties for performances - but I digress). 

You were such a proud alumnae from Ohio University- that made a big impression on this girl who ended up being the first college graduate in her family. 

You TRAVELED everywhere! I didn’t see that from the adults in my world but it inspired me to dream about it! I remember following your Facebook closely when you traveled to DC for Obama’s inauguration. 

You were an activist as a teacher and union member. Guess what job I grew up to have? For a short time before you retired, we were even CPS colleagues. 

When I worked as a program administrator at The Salvation Army, you asked for a personal tour.  As we walked the halls, you sang to the preschoolers and toddlers. You told me I was doing important work and noticed the way I knew the names of all the children. When we said goodbye, you hugged me at the door so tightly and told me you were proud. 

You leave behind a legacy of talent and professionalism. More importantly, you leave behind scores of students just like me. We are students you influenced. We are people whose lives you inspired. We carry the beautiful bonds you worked so hard to create and cultivate in our hearts. 

We will keep your memory close and follow your example. 

I bet there was a cold Diet Coke and a perfectly tuned piano waiting for you today.

Someone I do not know wrote this. God bless you Alan Coleman.

“My heart is so heavy right now. Oh Alan Coleman I don't want to accept this! You made Western Hills High School better with the choir department. Senior Choir was the best part of my High School experience! Your love for everyone and music will definitely live on. You were and always will be my favorite teacher. Alot of people don't know this but when my mother passed away,  Mr.C and Jaelene Gibbons came to the service,  and we sang our prayer song, Lord Bless You and Keep You. He was always there for for his students. I love u Mr. C and always will. RIP.”