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DEC.20, 2024— Choir accompanist Scott Parker stepped onto the Performing Arts Center (PAC) stage Thursday night not knowing what to expect.

The man known for his dedication to the District's music program was surprised with the Board of Education (BOE) Special Recognition Award. BOE President Laura Arrington presented Parker with the award during a brief break at the High School Chorus’s Winter concert.

Parker said the moment was both humbling and unforgettable.

“I’m very surprised and humbled,” Parker said. “I’ve been connected with Pal-Mac for my whole life. It’s just part of my blood.”

The 1984 Pal-Mac graduate's journey started as a student and evolved into a lifelong love of music, and his community. He started by playing in musicals and gradually transitioned into the accompanist position after retiring from his teaching career. His predecessor at the position was his mother, who held the role for nearly 40 years. She was in attendance Thursday night.

“I just kind of mutated into the role,” Parker said.

Over the years, he has played an integral part in the District’s music program, not just as a musician but also as a mentor and collaborator. 

“It’s kind of a second career, and I really love doing it,” he said. “I’m doing a lot more playing this way than just teaching, but being able to continue to work with the students here is very fulfilling. I mean, it’s a whole lot of fun.”

But his role extends beyond rehearsals and concerts. He said he supports students during solo festivals and musicals, often working with small groups or individually. He says his main goal is to get to know the students and help support them in their musical development and goals for the future.

 

Throughout his years of service, Parker said one of the highlights is seeing generations of students and siblings come through the program. 

“It’s fun, especially when they come back in as alumni and sing with the Choir or Select Choir,” Parker said. “It’s fun to have those family connections and get to see siblings of kids coming through because I’ve worked with the kids from fourth grade now all the way up through high school.”

His love for music is deeply rooted in his family. His wife’s family and his own are all Pal-Mac graduates, and his middle son even served as his page-turner during the performance where he received the award. 

During the award presentation, Mrs. Arrington noted the impact Parker continues to have on the program and community. 

“Scott’s knowledge of music is second to none, but what truly sets him apart is his kindness, his generosity, and his genuine care for our students,” Arrington said. “His contributions have shaped the lives of countless students, and for that, we are forever grateful.”

When he’s not heating up on the keys, he’s helping put out fires in the community. Literally. Parker has been a volunteer firefighter with the Farmington Fire Association for more than 30 years. Much like with the musical program, he says his family is part of the association, too. 

Balancing his musical commitments with his responsibilities as a firefighter is no small feat, but Parker takes it all in stride. He said the 2 a.m. fire calls aren’t a whole lot of fun, but the experience of driving the big fire trucks can be almost as exhilarating as playing piano for concerts. He added that it's a lot of work, but it’s worth it.

“I know at any given moment my pager could go off, and I could go running off to do whatever’s needed,” Parker said.

As the applause filled the auditorium, Parker’s surprise turned to gratitude. His dedication to music, education, and his community has left a lasting legacy at Pal-Mac. 

“I’m very happy to come back and keep working with Pal-Mac students. It’s a great place to do music, that’s for sure. It’s very fulfilling to come back here to where I came from.”

 

 

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