Music
man, Dr. Bob Chabora, to be honored at memorial service and celebration of life
in Windham
“The
sound of Bob’s (piano) music ringing the down the hallways at Jordan Small and
Windham Middle schools was the best way for teachers and students to start the
day.” Morgan Riley-music teacher
The
Windham and Raymond communities fell into shock and sadness last spring with
the news that middle school music teacher Dr. Bob Chabora had fallen ill and
would likely be unable to return to his classrooms at Jordan Small and Windham
Middle schools. The popular and highly innovative teacher passed away on
September 19, age 68, in what would have been his third year in the RSU14
system. He will be remembered and honored at a memorial service and celebration
of life on November 22 at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham, where he was
music director and organist. Hundreds are expected to attend.
Dr.
Bob’s wife, Pam reflected on her husband’s life and legacy.
“Wherever
he’s gone he’s built an empire. He taught half-time here for only two years but
in that short time brought so much to the middle school music program,” she said.
“Despite his grumblings about how loud and talkative (his students) were at
times, he absolutely adored them.”
Chabora
taught general music and choir at both schools in the RSU14 district. He
created the first Windham Middle School Chamber Singers and was known for going
the extra distance for his students, as well as engaging in extensive extracurricular
work.
“He
touched the kids’ lives in a way like a grandfather,” said Suzi Bradford, whose
daughters Maggie and Savana were students of Chabora.
“He
was really happy all the time and encouraged and appreciated all his students,”
said Maggie.
Savana
observed, “He would always give us extra time during his breaks or after
school. The students came first.”
Reese,
a seventh grade piano student described Chabora. “He has made me like music in
creative ways, of doing older style music…classical, not a pop song on the
radio. I love the little things, like saying hello in the hallway and having a
smile on his face.”
Colleague
Morgan Riley called Chabora a class act. “He treated all…with respect and had
an unwavering belief in the ability and potential of his students.” And on the
day she had to break the bad news to the students, “One eighth grade girl
started to tear up and said to me, ‘Dr. Bob taught me so much more than (just)
how to play the piano’.”
Another
student shared an anecdote that may be the highest praise for Dr. Bob. It seems
Dr. Rick Nickerson, Chabora’s counterpart at the high school, stepped in
briefly to teach Chabora’s classes. Nickerson, seated at a piano, told the
class, “You may hear something you never heard with Dr. Bob. Mistakes.”
Jordan
Small principal Randy Crockett, referred to Chabora as the ultimate
professional. He recalled the way Dr. Bob confronted an early challenge in his
teaching.
“Bob’s
experience as a guitar teacher was limited. To improve…he started attending
Mrs. Riley’s class right along with the students…on his day off. There is no
better example of a life-long learner for students than someone with a
doctorate sitting next to them in class listening attentively to learn a new
skill.”
Rev.
Tim Higgins of St. Ann’s Church called Chabora a pied piper. “The choir tripled
in number and brought them to new levels of expertise.”
Wife
Pam said overwhelming numbers of calls, cards, letters and online condolences
flooded in immediately after her husband’s death. One weekend, Principal
Crockett and several of Chabora’s students showed up at her home in Raymond to
lug and stack her firewood for the winter.
Chabora
had retired as a professional musician and college professor before bringing
his artistry and inspiration to RSU14. For over 10 years he taught courses and
was chair of the music department at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota
where he oversaw 46 music faculty. In addition, he was a composer, author and
sketch artist. Chabora was involved in several Broadway musicals, wrote many
biographies for encyclopedias and authored a book on the life and music of
classical pianist Malcolm Frager, which will be the basis of a PBS documentary
in late 2016.
After
moving to Maine, Chabora became the musical director for Windham Center Stage,
where he worked with Pam, herself a theater professor and performer, on the
musical productions of Legally Blond and Grease.
Said
Raymond parent Bradford, “Considering how high caliber he was, he took a step
back to teach our kids (and) I think they realize how lucky they were.”
The
memorial and celebration of life for Dr. Robert “Bob” Chabora will be held on
Sunday, November 22 at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham at 2 p.m. Middle
School choir students will perform two selections from Dr. Bob’s classes, and
recordings of his original compositions will be played. Son, Ethan, will also
present a video compilation of his dad’s various performances.
The
family has said Facebook RSVPs would be helpful, but not necessary. Everyone is
invited to attend.
The
day will be bittersweet for Pam Chabora. November 22 would be her and Bob’s 37th
wedding anniversary.
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