For 40 years now, Roland Woehr has stood at the forefront of music education at CHA and SCH. Despite his apparent youthfulness and lively nature, he has decided that the ‘24-’25 school year will be his last. At the end of what arts department director Megan Monaghan details as a “Legendary” career, it is important to look back on Mr. Woehr’s extensive contributions to our school and its community.
8th grade student and current Middle School Boy Choir member, Oliver Eckert has known Mr. Woehr since his early childhood, thanks in part to his two older brothers who both participated in SCH’s illustrious men’s a capella group, Hilltones. His brother Ethan is a current co-president of the program. Oliver described Woehr as an encouraging figure who has the ability to brighten anyone’s day. “Everything about [Mr. Woehr] is genuine. He really is just a nice, awesome person in and out of the classroom,” Eckert commented.
The idea of Mr. Woehr being genuine was also talked about by sophomore Hilltones member, Lucas Weinstock. “What you see is what you get,” he says. “The guy you see smiling and laughing in the hallway is the same guy you get in the classroom. He’s Authentic,” Weinstock added. Lucas also touched on what he thought of as the most notable part of Mr. Woehr, his welcoming attitude to any student who enters his room, singer or not. “Nobody feels uncomfortable. Everyone is welcome and no one is self-conscious about their abilities,”.
SCH’s arts department director, Dr. Monaghan believes that Mr. Woehr’s aptitude for teaching stems from his love of music. “All of us are ignited in different ways” she says, “And Mr. Woehr, to his core, is ignited by his passion for music”. Monaghan believes that Mr. Woehr’s motivation comes from his goal of inspiring students in hopes that they will find their passion as well, and continue enjoying the pursuit of music later on in their lives just as he has.
A perfect example of a student that Mr. Woehr affected is current 9th grade English teacher, and class of 2016 alumni, Mr. Allison. After going through a total of 9 years working with Mr. Woehr, culminating in his term as Hilltones co-president, Allison went on to have a successful singing career at University of Pennsylvania.
As shocking as it may seem, there is perfectly logical reasoning behind Mr. Woehr’s decision to retire now. With finances in order and a well managed pension plan, Woehr has decided that now would be the best time to pursue his goal of traveling. He’s spent his entire professional life at SCH, and has decided that it is time for the next step. Without a full time job, Mr. Woehr will have more time to do things he loves like composing music.
No matter what, our school’s music programs will continue to thrive with the foundations that Mr. Woehr and his legacy have left. Woehr would like his successor to know, “You are not just a music teacher, you are a boy teacher. If they know you are for them and that you’re on their side, it doesn’t matter what you’re teaching, they’ll do it for you.” This assertion sums up Mr. Woehr’s student-first attitude and his priority of making everyone feel welcomed.
Though we’ll miss him, Woehr and Dr. Monaghan would like to assure everyone that there is a national search being done to find the perfect replacement. Despite the new hire being inevitably great, we can all agree: Things won’t be the same without Mr. Woehr.
