Adored music teacher wants you to join her retirement bash

One of the city’s most highly respected women in music is retiring — and she wants you to join her for an unforgettable party at the end of the month.

Denine Williams, an esteemed music teacher and theatre director at Korah Collegiate, is capping off 35 years of instruction with an evening of food, music, and laughs at the Machine Shop on June 27.

As SooToday reported last month, Williams announced she’d be leaving her role as head of the school’s music department — through song, of course — during a professional activity day on April 19.

Beloved by many of her students, who are affectionately referred to as “losers,” Williams’ positive spirit and love for the craft have shone through every project, performance, and class she’s led since the 1980s.

“Why would you want to be called a loser, you’re probably thinking,” she told SooToday in a previous interview. “It’s because of the message on the back of the shirts we give to students.”

Williams’ message reads:

“With music in my life, I lose my inhibitions, I lose my fear of failure, I lose myself in the music.”

Overseeing consistently entertaining musical theatre productions, taking the Korahsters choir and band members on elementary school tours, and staging seasonal concerts at the school only scratches the surface of what the experienced teacher has accomplished.

Former students credit Williams for helping them “break out of their shell” as teenagers, which paved the path towards confidence and success in the professional world for many.

Some have even found international success and have risen up the ranks of the music and arts industry, including notable names like Joni Henson, Crystal Shawanda, and Tyson Hanes.

Her efforts as a leader were recognized in 2021 when the Community Builders Awards presented her with the Arts award, which goes to an individual who has helped to strengthen the local arts community by championing an individual, event, idea, ethic, or philosophy.

The immense difference she’s made for students, as evidenced by her recent Facebook posts that go down memory lane, is why Williams deserves to go out with a bang, according to colleagues.

Williams' retirement party will take place at the Machine Shop on June 27, beginning with a social at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

The evening will include speeches from several teachers, colleagues, and staff from Korah, while alumni will also join the festivities for live performances.

A choral production of “Homeward Bound” is also expected by former students in attendance.

Tickets are $60 and they’re available for purchase by e-transferring louisaguertin@hotmail.com and can be picked up at the door.

The cost of the ticket includes wine at the tables, dinner, and retirement gift. A cash bar will also be on-site.