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Bashaw, a La Crosse native, said she is leaving a good program behind at Central High School and chose the right year to step down. She said this year’s orchestra at Central was one of her favorites.
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Central High School strings and orchestra teacher Mary Ann Bashaw is retiring after 39 years of teching music, 26 of which in the La Crosse school district.
PETER THOMSON photo
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The orchestra’s performance of John Rutter’s “Suite for Strings” at the large group solo/ensemble music festival this spring brought tears to her eyes.
“The kids knew they hit it,” Bashaw said. “They were really making music.”
Bashaw, a Viterbo University graduate, taught strings in Ottumwa, Iowa, and Red Wing, Minn., before coming home. After two years of part-time teaching in La Crosse, she started teaching at Longfellow Middle School and Central when the district had just 50 string students.
Today, 700 students from elementary school to high school play strings.
“I’m proud I could come back to my hometown and help be a part of a team to build a successful program,” Bashaw said. “It’s been a treat for me to see this program grow.
“I like where the program is, but it’s time for new ideas and new energy,” she said.
Jerry Kember, La Crosse schools’ superintendent who was instrumental in building the strings program as a fine arts supervisor, said Bashaw is a dedicated, exceptional teacher as well as an accomplished musician.
“She’s always doing what’s best for her students and the music program, and willing to meet the needs of the students with a smile and a can-do spirit,” he said.
Steve Bina, retiring supervisor of fine arts for the school district, added, “She really cared about her kids and wanted to give kids the best experience she could.”
On a typical day, Bashaw had two orchestra rehearsals and gave 14, 20-minute lessons at Central.
Bashaw, who played viola for several orchestras, including the La Crosse and Rochester symphonies, said the orchestral experience teaches discipline and dedication, gives students a sense of belonging and purpose, and builds connections in school.
“For students, I wanted them to always do their very best and develop a love of orchestral music,” she said.
What will she miss most? The students, of course.
“Conducting,” she added.
Terry Rindfleisch can be reached at trindfleisch@lacrossetribune.com, or (608) 791-8227.
