Parker Live News from the Parker Strip since 2009.
Mr. John Woody, the music teacher at Wallace Elementary School in Parker for the past 48 years, is retiring. On Tuesday night Woody’s final band concert was presented to a packed room of parents, with three bands (beginners, intermediates and advanced levels) performing.
“I’m 49 years old, and he taught me how to play an instrument!” said one Parker resident.
Another: “Mr. Woody taught me music, and now he’s teaching my son.”
The sentiments were echoed again and again; John Woody has been a mainstay of the Parker Unified School District’s music program for almost half a century. Many parents and grandparents say they will miss his influence on Parker area students.
Woody was presented with a plaque after he presented students with awards, and the audience in the bleachers rose to their feet in appreciation of the time he spent educating.
In a moment of freewheeling instinct, Woody even allowed the band to finish the evening with a song they had “not fully rehearsed”, a favorite of the students: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”.
It sounded great to the audience, who cheered loudly at the end.
Mr Woody was taken for granted ..we always thought he d be here! He taught 2 drummers an 2 flutes at my house an we were in all the parades together..he ended on his bike an me Ihe golf cart..He was so dependable an on the spot. He put up with lots of sassy twirlers an even got whacked on his noggin at a preformance by Cherre Honey & Becky Ann Haynes…the girls never told which.baton whacked him.. Jerry played band Santa an said he didn’t know how john still had his hearing..if u visited the band room u kno what I’m talkn about! We love John his Wife Elaine an his beautiful daughters…John. was an asset to the whole community an so were his many many Band Moms an Scholarship donors..his kids at Band camp were ledgendary…a salute to Mr Music JOHN WOODY!
John and Elaine Woody have been such a great part of our community. Always cheerful and happy to help. I will miss them both very much. Congratulations on finally getting to go spend time with your grandchildren though!