Welcome to the Royal Oak High School Choirs Web Page.
It is our mission in the Vocal Music Program to develop well-rounded literate musicians, singing different genres of music in a variety of performance styles. There are many opportunities for students to experience solo singing and ensemble singing. Students learn much more than just the healthy art of singing. They become music readers, develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
It is our mission in the Vocal Music Program to develop well-rounded literate musicians, singing different genres of music in a variety of performance styles. There are many opportunities for students to experience solo singing and ensemble singing. Students learn much more than just the healthy art of singing. They become music readers, develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
"Music is simply the vehicle that bonds us together."
- Deborah Buffa
- Deborah Buffa
DEAR STUDENTS & PARENTS,
Well, if you are reading this message, you probably have heard that I have decided to retire, effective this month, August, 2017. This was a very difficult decision for me to make. Everyone said you would get signs when it was the right time. Well, I never got those signs. I needed to be removed from the faces of my students and have the summer to decide. My heart kept saying DON'T RETIRE, but my mind and body said YES. My glaucoma has been a huge part of this decision. I know it's the right time.
I can now relearn how hard it's to let go, as our seniors do every year. But now I am the one letting go, after running the high school program for 20 years. I will miss the crazy things my students do on a daily basis, all those little things that made me laugh and kept me sane. I will miss the wonderful relationships that I have formed yearly, with my parents, especially in the choir boosters. Those wonderful group of parents would help out always and I really appreciated it. I will definitely miss making the music with the children. I know I can still make music, but seeing the faces of children after they have sung passionately, was worth the 35+ years of teaching at Royal Oak Schools.
I spent time taking pictures of the pictures of my students in the high school choir room. (See some pics below.) This gave me closure to end a wonderful music career. As I was leaving, my final comment was "please get someone good for my children," (all 400 of them!) I know the music program is strong and you have wonderful leadership - Bailey Golding, as student president and Jodi Rubin as Boosters president. Both of these ladies have the passion and drive to lead and carry on the wonderful traditions of Royal Oak vocal music program. I am only a phone call away, so
"Until we meet again, my friend."
Fondly,
Mrs. Deborah Buffa
Retiring Music Teacher - Oak Ridge Elementary
Retiring Choral Director - Royal Oak High School
Well, if you are reading this message, you probably have heard that I have decided to retire, effective this month, August, 2017. This was a very difficult decision for me to make. Everyone said you would get signs when it was the right time. Well, I never got those signs. I needed to be removed from the faces of my students and have the summer to decide. My heart kept saying DON'T RETIRE, but my mind and body said YES. My glaucoma has been a huge part of this decision. I know it's the right time.
I can now relearn how hard it's to let go, as our seniors do every year. But now I am the one letting go, after running the high school program for 20 years. I will miss the crazy things my students do on a daily basis, all those little things that made me laugh and kept me sane. I will miss the wonderful relationships that I have formed yearly, with my parents, especially in the choir boosters. Those wonderful group of parents would help out always and I really appreciated it. I will definitely miss making the music with the children. I know I can still make music, but seeing the faces of children after they have sung passionately, was worth the 35+ years of teaching at Royal Oak Schools.
I spent time taking pictures of the pictures of my students in the high school choir room. (See some pics below.) This gave me closure to end a wonderful music career. As I was leaving, my final comment was "please get someone good for my children," (all 400 of them!) I know the music program is strong and you have wonderful leadership - Bailey Golding, as student president and Jodi Rubin as Boosters president. Both of these ladies have the passion and drive to lead and carry on the wonderful traditions of Royal Oak vocal music program. I am only a phone call away, so
"Until we meet again, my friend."
Fondly,
Mrs. Deborah Buffa
Retiring Music Teacher - Oak Ridge Elementary
Retiring Choral Director - Royal Oak High School