Tom Fleming Retires from Teaching

Music Education in Fallon Will Never be the Same by Rachel Dahl -- Last week Tom Fleming put out a call to friends and family inviting them to attend his last Annual Pit concert at the old high school, and they came in droves. Fleming retires this year after a 32-year run at teaching. In what turned out to be an impromptu demonstration of mutual admiration between Fleming and many of the students he’s taught, the audience was treated to the magic that Fleming has created in Churchill County over the years. The CCHS Jazz Band and Minor Details choir performed several numbers along with guests from the Virginia City High school Choir, all-state singers from Fernley, Carson, and the Oasis Academy. Minor Details had just returned from the San Jose music festival where they scored a high Superior rating and earned not only the top prize for their division, but also the Outstanding Choir Award as the top choir at the event. It is custom for alumni to join in singing the traditional Celtic farewell song, “The Parting Glass” at the end of the concert, but Fleming’s students surprised him with a presentation of their own. Joined by alumni from over the past 30 years, and over-flowing the stage in the pit, former student Brian Elkins presented one of Fleming’s favorites, “How Do I Keep From Singing?” There was not an dry eye in the house, as Fleming was overcome with emotion and his beloved “Pit” filled with the sounds of a tribute to a life dedicated to others. Don Travis, who was in the audience with his wife Simmie, hired Tom Fleming and his wife Patty 30 years ago. Tom said he first met Patty when they were students at Montana State University, marching in the trumpet line. She was a math and elementary major, and he studied music. Over the years, Tom has taught at the high school and middle school band, Jazz band, Guitar, marching band, orchestra, strings, guitar, and choir, building a music program that rivals any in the state. He has produced plays and been involved in many community productions over the years as well. Fleming is also a writer, and has written seven screen plays, five of which have been optioned for film, and intends to get back to that in retirement. He said some of his stories were inspired by the stories of the old high school being haunted. “One day in class I made up a story and told the kids it was the God’ honest truth,” he said and that story became legend with his students. “Finally I wrote it down and then I wrote a screen play, and that one got optioned almost immediately.” Besides writing, woodworking, and travel, the Flemings plan to attend Burning Man after all these years. He said they’ve been “wanting to go forever and lived vicariously through our kids building them all kinds of things for it.” He said Patty built a cover for a Yurt for their daughter one year and ruined the sewing machine. “This year we have our tickets and we’re going early to get set up after all these years.” Several of Fleming’s former students sent tributes, including Elkins, who said, “Anyone who can put up with high school drama is already a hero in my book. It was fun for me to see at the concert that Tom Fleming has not only been a mentor to me and three of my other siblings, but now to the children of my classmates who remained in Fallon, as well. I graduated in 1991 from Churchill County High School, so I represent the first graduating class that he taught all the way from junior high through high school since he started teaching in Fallon in 1986. During that time he stretched himself by not only giving us opportunities in the things that he felt comfortable with and did well, such as directing choir and concert band, but he also took on other things that we needed that weren't necessarily his fortes at the time, such as marching band. I'm appreciative of his willingness to step outside his comfort zone for us. Because of my associations in the groups that he assembled and directed, I was able to build lifetime friendships. I, along with others, traveled from out of state to attend the concert on Friday night. I came from Utah, and I know that there was another who came from Texas, and there were probably others, as well. Patty Fleming, Tom's wife, and I had been in contact, and she asked if I would perform one of his favorite songs: "How Can I Keep from Singing?" I composed an arrangement of it, inspired by, written for and dedicated to Tom Fleming. I also recorded the accompaniment and was able to sing to that accompaniment during the concert, thanks to John Solomon, who has helped Tom for years with his sound system. Tom had no idea of the plan, so when I stopped by his house, and he invited me to sing onstage with the others that would be joining during the concert, I quickly agreed. Tom later told me that he was pleasantly surprised by the willingness of all of the other alumni that he ran into who quickly agreed to join the others on stage as well. He didn't know that we were all already planning on it, due to the sneaky preparation of his wife. I know that there are many who share the feelings that I have: we feel blessed to know and to have associated with Tom and his family both during our time in school as well as now. He provided for us and continues to provide for students the opportunities that we have needed to grow musically and personally. He has a genuine desire to grow people and does so at personal sacrifice. When I consider the positive influence that he has had and continues to have in my life, how can I keep from singing?” Kadie Zeller also sent a tribute, “I had Tom as a choir teacher and musical director from middle school choir in 2004 to Senior year of high school in 2011. His character and charisma were nothing short of a genius maniacal artist, but always in the best of ways. I recall being in Honor Choir in Gardnerville one year. Tom was directing and throwing his hands in the air so hard he fell off the top of the piano bench he was standing on. He fell flat on his back, laid there for a few silent moments (we were all convinced and terrified that he had died) when he suddenly popped back up and yelled ‘why did you stop singing?” and went right back to directing (without the piano bench). He was the first who encouraged me to make something of my voice, even giving me voice lessons in middle school in preparation for honor choir and other singing competitions. Without him, I’m not sure I would have ever discovered by own love for the gift of voice. His passion for music, of both beautiful melodies and haunting dissonance, have imprinted a special place in my heart. To say he will be gone from education is hard to believe considering we all know he’ll never be able to stay away from his students or his musical mad science for any length of time. Tom has always and will always be one of the most memorable educators for many students, especially those who found a home in his choir." "The Parting Glass" sung with alumni (Fleming greets former students)  -- watch the video here The Jazz Band performs -- Fleming in action conducting Jazz Band Minor Details sings "Ave Maria" -- Minor Details "How do I Keep From Singing" -- Choir with Brian Elkins Fleming's former students surprise him -- Alumni join Minor Details on stage     Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page.