George Douthit IV is the choir director of Lewis-Palmer High School. If you have attended a concert, you know him as a conductor obviously well-skilled in choral direction and repertoire selection. You have probably seen his naturally humorous and friendly disposition. It's evident that he has a passion for choral performance and great music.
Most notable, however, is not what can be seen or heard in the Lewis-Palmer High School auditorium. It's what goes on behind the stage and in the classroom weeks before a concert that is truly remarkable. It is here that Mr. Douthit greets his students and provides the opportunities and instruction necessary for each one of them to discover the singer and artist within. From the funny to poignant thoughts written on the board, to the sharing of poetry (by poets, students and himself), to the mastery of sight-singing and pronunciation (no matter the language), Mr. Douthit is constantly reaching out to his students as individual musicians and performers. Each student is valued and respected as a member of the choir team. The choir room is generally buzzing with activity as many students find it their haven in a large school. It is a safe place to go and be accepted and most important, sing.
Each year more students discover the camaraderie of the L-PHS choirs and the joy of singing. The men's chorus, Mo-Town Pipes, now boasts more than 20 men all who rehearse outside of the regular school day. The very prestigious All-State Choirs accepted an unprecedented number of nine students from Lewis-Palmer to participate this year in Fort Collins. Solo and ensemble contestants are awarded with superior and high ratings. Above all, friendships are made, and students find a place to explore vocal arts and develop a life-long appreciation for music and song. An estimated 2,000 students have passed through Mr. Douthit's doors since he began teaching music in the Lewis-Palmer School District in 1989. Many articles and bumper stickers will say that these students will be better mathematicians and scholars because of the attendance in music class. Mr. Douthit is likely to say their lives will be enriched because of the joy of music.
If music be the food of life, sing on!