Bob and Mary’s talents go beyond their individual musical abilities. They were able to capture the students’ attention and hold a captive audience. They were easily able to generate excitement about a process of learning that often times is not met with such enthusiasm. Their care and concern for the students as individuals was very evident as they worked with them, gave encouragement, and nurtured a special sense of accomplishment. It was a fantastic experience for our students and one that we, as a staff, will want to repeat yearly.
Julie King, 5th Grade Teacher/Assistant Principal
St. Bartholomew School, Columbus Indiana
Bob and Mary are very talented and great teachers as they work with our students. They always have a positive attitude and make our children feel important and talented… One of the reasons (writing) scores are improving is activities such as writing lyrics with Bob and Mary. Students have increased spatial awareness as they help write the music to accompany the lyrics… I find myself humming the lyrics after the concert for days. I highly recommend this four-day program to any school that wants to challenge their students and have fun at the same time.
Dottie Christopher, Principal
Redding Elementary School, Seymour, Indiana
Lyrics Alive has worked with our 5th grade students for the past two years and their end results are nothing short of outstanding. Not only do Bob and Mary bring their musical talents, they also bring patience, respect, and an undeniable love of children. What they do best is show children that they are able to achieve things that they never before imagined… I strongly recommend Lyrics Alive. They not only are amazing performers, but they are, most importantly, amazing teachers.
Brent Comer, Principal
Vienna-Finley Elementary School, Scottsburg, Indiana
Bob and Mary’s talent to make any lyrics come alive is phenomenal. Their sensitivity to our students and ability to handle challenging behaviors is laudable. Mary and Bob have terrific talent but most importantly they are the kind of people you want to be around. Their energy, enthusiasm, poise and humor bring such creative livelihood to a school community. I cannot say enough to praise their work and their passion.
(Mrs.) Terry Columbus, Director
Little Keswick School, Keswick Virginia
Bob and Mary were very friendly and fun to work with. The kids really enjoyed getting a chance to be creative and witness such wonderful talent. Bob and Mary were very professional and really emphasized individuality as well as the importance of teamwork. This overall experience was a lot of fun and possibly turned some children onto music and songwriting. Our hopes at Rockfish are that Bob and Mary will continue to visit our school and bring such an uplifting program to Nelson County students.
Mrs. Nichol Dowdy, Mrs. Francis Garwood, and Mrs. Amy Leake
4th Grade Teachers
Rockfish River Elementary School, Afton, Virginia
During this time extraordinary learning takes place. It can tap the creative talents of a few who are not strong academically and allow them to blossom. For some it provides a safe outlet for the expression of their fears. Some are taught the lesson of persistence. For all it is a chance to work together to create something of which they can be proud. This is a week in which students experience the thrill and agony of taking a blank piece of paper and transforming it into art.
Maggie McNergney, Assistant Principal
Stone-Robinson Elementary, Charlottesville, Virginia
The workshop far exceeded my expectations because of the immediate connection Bob and Mary made with the students. We were completely surprised by the variety of musical styles and sophistication of fifth-grade lyrics sung professionally. It has since become one of the highlights of our fifth-grade program, and younger students now eagerly look forward to their chance to write songs for Lyrics Alive. Lyrics Alive offers students the opportunity to stretch their imaginations and their writing skills with results that can be moving as well as just plain fun.
Susie Cobbs, Upper Elementary Head
Randolph School, Huntsville, Alabama
I have found Mary and Bob to be flexible with scheduling and willing to go the extra mile to craft a fine performance. They are supportive of the school curriculum and are most willing to help produce lyrics and music on any subject requested. Mary and Bob were warm, nurturing, and patient with the students during the classroom workshop. They have a wonderful way with the students and bring a unique and creative element to the classroom.
Jane Hudson, 5th Grade Teacher
The Lexington School, Lexington, Kentucky
My son, Jimmy, recently had the opportunity to participate in a weeklong workshop by Bob and Mary Ritter of the group “Lyrics Alive”. Jimmy, though not shy, was not one to venture up in front of a crowd and perform. But he so loved the creative process of that workshop, he decided to try out for the summer musical production of “Oliver” with the Lexington Children’s Theater. He got in and from the moment of the first rehearsal we couldn’t stop him from singing. He is now hooked on theater and has, if not a career path, at least a hobby that empowers him greatly… The good folk of “Lyrics Alive” helped Jimmy find an area of self-expression, which has allowed him to be more fully alive and excited.
Jim Betts, Owner
Bluegrass Baking Company, Lexington, Kentucky
