Music teacher’s former students paid him tribute.

Students Made a Special Surprise to their Former Music Teacher

In school, teachers are our second parents. They teach us not only in academics but also how to enjoy life's roller coaster ride. 

These incredible professionals teach us respect, giving love and value to everything around us. And with that, they will be forever in our hearts. Their lessons and pieces of advice become part of our lives.

Just like this teacher who helped put his former student's lives on right track and in return they showed him how much he meant to them.

Mr. Moore’s former students.

Retired high school music teacher Robert Moore likes to ponder over his list of students: The names of all 900 of his former students and his lifelong dream would be to get those students back together again to see how they were now in life.

He spent 30 years directing one of the greatest high school choral groups in the country -- the Ponca City Chorale of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Little did he know, a small group of students had been plotting a surprise for the past year to give their teacher a night he would remember the rest of his life. They lured him out to the country and then gave him the greatest gift a teacher can receive from their students.

Robert Moore longtime director of the Po Hi Chorale.

From across America and three other foreign countries, Robert Moore's former students returned, almost 300 out of 900 of them, gathered to deliver a message telling him the huge difference he made in their lives.

Some went into education and mostly pursued music, including John Atkins, who graduated in 1976.

"I had a 25-year career singing with the LA Opera and all around the country and it wouldn't have happened without you," John said.

To repay Mr. Moore's teachings,  as their debt of gratitude, his former students rented out the old Poncan Theatre and put on one last show for their mentor. 

Formers students get together for a tribute concert.

Their harmonic voices, skill in instruments and their piled story of success are no doubt a testament to what a good teacher Mr. Moore is.

Former students said "discipline was huge," and Mr. Moore was "not warm and fuzzy." But they said they would do anything they could to please him, and on that night, they did just that.

Tough and strict teachers often go unappreciated, but if they're good and their tactics are for the betterment of their students, eventually the "thanks" come in the success of their students. Sometimes it is the only positive reinforcement a student might have in their life. 

Good job to all the teachers around the world, who became selfless just to guide students as they journey through life!

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

- William Arthur Ward