Touching surprise caps final concert for PdC High School vocal music teacher
Longtime Prairie du Chien High School Vocal Music Instructor Phil Stiemke shows off his surprise retirement gift, a brand new Rickenbacker bass guitar, to a full gymnasium during his final concert Tuesday night, May 23. (Photos by Correne Martin)
Phil Stiemke shared many grins, jokes and even held back tears at his last concert. He was proud to see many alumni come to the event and perform a surprise final number, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
From the emotions on the faces of students and alumni Phil Stiemke taught over the years, his impact on the school’s young musicians was clearly evident.
By Correne Martin
In the 1970s, Phil Stiemke worked hard to save money for his dream bass guitar. He finally got enough to purchase it and he loved that guitar. Not too long afterward, someone broke into his car and stole it.
If you know Mr. S, as he’s affectionately been called at Prairie du Chien Schools for 19 years, chances are, you have heard this story or at least heard about the Rickenbacker bass guitar he used to have. He still talks about it nearly 40 years later.
For his retirement, which is happening at the end of the school year, his family proposed a Replace the Base crowdfunding campaign on GiveButter.com to Stiemke’s alumni, students, family and others who’ve known and loved him. The premise of the fundraiser was to pull together about $2,000 and purchase a brand new Rickenbacker as a surprise gift to give him after the final song of his final Prairie du Chien High School concert last evening, May 23.
According to GiveButter.com, 105 percent of the funds were raised. The website plea to alumni read: “Let’s see if we can make this happen and make a dream come true in his final year. Think about what it would be like seeing all you wonderful people from the past surprising him with your presence and a gift from a time before many of you were born.”
And, oh, what a surprise it was last night. In front of a packed gymnasium that sat for a couple hours listening to the high school bands and choirs, the concert choir and some alumni who had traveled home for the concert sang “What a Wonderful World.” Then, the guitar story was retold and a brand new Rickenbacker was presented to a teary-eyed Stiemke. After only speaking a few words and cracking several jokes, the guitar was locked back in its case, with Stiemke’s proposition, “Now, I have to start a band.”
Closing the night, between bittersweet tears from many, another surprise was sung, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
In preparation for this special night, students and alumni offered some comments via an online greeting card and to the Courier Press regarding just how special of a teacher he has been to them. Here is a sampling:
“You really helped to deepen my appreciation and love for music and its endless creative potential. Most of all, you showed me the beautiful bond that people make among one another when they come together for the sole purpose of creating music. Thank you for all the laughs and memories, Mr. S!”
Jessica Mara
“You gave me multiple chances to be myself when it came to the stage. You gave us ample knowledge, always telling us about another great artist to listen to or watch. You have a lot of passion when it comes to music and art, and that passion makes yours brighter. You inspire so many. Mr. S told me to be realistic about my dreams, but to still chase after them. PdC is losing a great one.”
Jared Mikkelson, 2016
“Thank you for the gift of the best of yourself...and for always getting us home in time for Letterman.”
Shari Dewet (Lewison) ‘91
“Besides teaching us fun oldies, you were a great role model to me and many others. You helped us build character and confidence. You stepped in when our band teacher resigned. You were a mentor we could truly trust and ‘lean on.’”
Sue Soukaseume
“You are a big part of the reason I am a teacher today. Thank you for really caring and showing me every day how a teacher can truly make a difference.”
Wendy (Huntington) Bernett
“You’ve made such a huge difference in so many lives throughout tyour time at PdC. I know I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for your wonderful influence. Yours is a bright and shining legacy. Thanks for teaching me so many lessons in and out of the classroom.”
Kyle Berry
“Thanks for bringing vocal jazz to PdC, for the musicals and playing at our wedding. Enjoy your next great adventure.”
Mike Placko
“It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to me over the years. From the countless hours of rehearsals and endless choir lessons. You are not only my favorite teacher but a mentor and friend. Thank you so much for all the words of wisdom (and hall passes) over the years.”
Sarah (Goree) Pink
“Thank you so, so much for all that you have done for me. You gave me confidence and a safe place to grow as a person when I really needed it. The community that you have built over the years has given so much opportunity to so many people. I am forever grateful for my years with you.”
Claire Winkleski
