This week’s episode is a tribute to a personal hero, gone too soon: Grace Hoger Kerr. Grace was Giacomo’s high school choir teacher who passed away in 2018 at the young age of 54, and to whom he attributes his lifelong love of choral music. We chat with two of Grace’s former students, Barbara Maurer Raniere and Danielle Esposito, about what Grace meant to all of us, and the power of choral singing to form life-long communities.

This week is dedicated not just to Grace, but to all the music teachers out there who make a difference every day. If you had a formative teacher who inspired you, or if you’re that music educator yourself, this one’s for you! 

Be sure to check out this episode’s page on our website for additional stories, photos, and remembrances of Grace. 

Episode transcript

Music excerpts

• One Small Voice by Kenny Loggins, arr. Jeff Moss
• He’ll Carry You by Hillary Weeks
• Amazing Grace, trad., text by John Newton, arr. Grace Kerr

Theme Song: Mr. Puffy by Avi Bortnik, arr. by Paul Kim. Performed by Dynamic