Knights Honor Legacy of Longtime BCMS Music Teacher Bob Elias

Last June, longtime choral music teacher Bob Elias announced his retirement after 34 years of service at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. Colleague and fellow music educator Anne Sterner-Porreca recently put pen to paper to reflect on his remarkable career and express the BCMS community’s appreciation and gratitude for all Mr. Elias has contributed to generations of Knights.

Thanks for everything, Mr. Elias, and best of luck in retirement! (Don't miss the slideshow of photos below the poem!)

The Legacy of Mr. Elias at BC

For years you stood before the choir
to kindle music and inspire.
With sculpting ears and gentle grace
Dear Bob, you warmed our chorus space.

You mastered blend and set the pace
And found the song in every face.
Through complex notes and shifting keys,
Mr. Elias led with ease.

And now your hands fall gently low,
The music’s faded, soft and slow.
Each voice sang out, we looked around-
A roaring wave of grateful sound.

We did not know that April day
Would close your era in that way,
But every chord was pure and grand-
A perfect parting master hand.

We write these words we could not say
To honor your final curtain day.
Your timeless legacy will ring
Through every song we ever sing.