Letter from the Editor: Listen

Music is powerful. It weaves its way into our lives in unexpected ways and evokes emotion, marks pivotal times in our lives, and inspires us. Give me the right beat, and I can’t sit still, even though I’m incredibly uncoordinated; the right lyrics and I must sing along, even if I sound like, well, someone who should stop.  

For me, music has been both a companion and an enigma. I played the clarinet in middle school—a fleeting chapter in my life—and I’m that person who overplays a song I like, ultimately ending with me never wanting to hear it again. But my truest connection to music is through my sister, a classically trained soprano. 

When she sings, it’s like the world stops. Pride swells in my chest, a tiny bit of envy appears (who wouldn’t want to sing like that?), and I am often overcome with emotion. It’s not just the beauty of her tone or the control in her performance; it’s the way her performance stirs something deeper. Her voice reminds me of how music has the power to awaken emotion and memories that we didn’t even know were there.  

Several years ago, my sister worked at a performing arts summer camp and she decided to sing, O mio babbino caro, an Italian aria during an all-camper meeting. Her goal was to introduce the students to classical music, as many had never heard the kind of music she was known for performing. As her voice filled the auditorium, the typically talkative children fell silent—you could hear a pin drop. She finished the piece with a flourish of her arms,  and the room erupted into applause and cheers. In that moment, she proved that music could break barriers, touch hearts, and leave an audience utterly transformed.  

Music at Tabor has been transformational for so many students. In this issue, we celebrate the extraordinary role music plays in shaping lives and learning. From the echoes of history that resonate through the halls of Hoyt and stories of students today discovering their talents, to alumni who have carried their love of music into careers, it’s clear that music at Tabor is a transformative force.  

As you read these stories, I hope you’ll reflect on the music in your own life—how it shaped you, challenged you, or brought you to tears. Because that’s the power of music: to move, to inspire, and to bring us closer to understanding ourselves and each other.  

Please note: We acknowledge that history is complex, and there may be instances in which we do not have the full story or include every Tabor constituent related to a single topic in one issue. We welcome and encourage alumni to share their stories and knowledge of Tabor with us. We’re excited to hear from you. Contact us at magazine@taboracademy.org.