Music Teacher in Step With Students

I would like to express my gratitude for the article about Bob Wiles’ retirement from Thousand Oaks High School. I was one of Mr. Wiles’ students and choir members from 1972 until 1976.

Bob Wiles always had a lot to share with his students. He spent quite a bit of his own personal time and money on the students in his various groups. I feel that I was fortunate to have been able to sing under his tutelage.

Bob devoted himself to his vocal groups. He was always working on some new place for us to sing, setting up trips, ticket sales and anything else that would keep us busy. Music seemed to be his life at TOHS.

I am now a soldier in the U.S. Army and though singing is not a prerequisite, it has paid off for me. Calling cadence is important to soldiers marching or running. It causes a group to bond together as well as to regulate breathing for long-distance running.

Those who didn’t take advantage of the music program at TOHS missed out on a great thing. Those coming into TOHS are going to miss out on more because of Bob’s retirement. His replacement will have some large shoes to fill.

CHARLES S. ARNOLD, Orlando, Fla.