Fred was my friend, teacher, confidant, and choir director. He taught me many, many things about singing. I think about him weekly and miss him so very much. He could look at me and know that I needed a hug or just some kind words. I did the same for him. He brought much joy and happiness to my life. Each time I listen to choral music, daily, I think about him and I can see him directing the music to which I am listening.

I sang with Fred for his last few years. My favorite "Fred" quote is "When I die, I want to come back as an alto!" The man was truly inspirational. He still touches my life today, years later and two thousand miles away.

Mr. Bellinger taught me many things that have influenced my life in so many ways. Although I never became a singer in the fashion that he had saught to shape me, he instilled in me a work ethic, and sense of dignity that has helped me in so many situations in life, and which I attibute to the successes I have had in life thus far. Mr. Bellinger was truely a great man with a wish to create a sense of excellence in his students. I will always remember him with fondness and the greatest of admiration and respect.

Among other things, Mr. B taught me, "If you're going to make a mistake, make it big!" That is, always sing with confidence in rehearsal even if you're NOT confident that you know the part; directors and fellow musicians can only recognize and correct mistakes if they can hear them! A sound piece of wisdom that I've tried to pass on whenever possible.

Mr. Frederick Bellinger, the former choral director of Cranbrook schools, he particularly influenced my decision to become a chorus teacher myself. Mr. B was much more than a teacher. HE helped guide me through many tough personal times, as well as try to tap into the talent that he knew I had, but I could not see. To try to put into a few words what he meant to me, and how he influenced my development and current success would be a disservice. Suffice it to say that without him, I would not be who I am today.