In many of out vocal careers we have gone through at least three or four conductors. Hopefully each one of us has had a conductor that has made a significant impact on our lives. One of the greatest conductors and one of the greatest men that I have ever met was my All-Ohio State Fair conductor, Mr. Charles R. Snyder.

The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir is made up of two-hundred and fifty individuals from all over the state of Ohio. Participation in the choir lasts for three weeks. One week of rehearsal before the Ohio State Fair begins, and two weeks through the fair. The choir stays in dorms on the fair grounds. It was the most memorable experience that I have to date, and Mr. Snyder is a big part of that. Through all the frustration of learning fifty pieces of music in one week, the hot weather, long rehearsals outside, and trying to make friends among two-hundred and forty-nine people you don't know, Mr. Snyder is the glue that holds the group together. He always made it an obligation to talk to everyone.

By the end of the three weeks he knew everyone's name and knew enough about everyone to be able to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with each individual. What an incredible memory!!! I think his greatest attribute that he has is that he cares about everyone. You could be the kid that always got in trouble and Mr. Snyder would still love you. So this article is written to hopefully remind some of us of the great experiences that we have had along the way, and to recognize those conductors who have made those experiences possible.

Thank-you Mr. Snyder, from the bottom of my heart.

Stephanie Rightler is a senior music education student

Appeared originally at http://web.utk.edu/~acdautk/articles1.htm