Suffern High School musicians performed their last concert of the school year Wednesday night, June 6, with a special celebration for retiring Music Department chair and band teacher John Wagner. Wagner has been at Suffern 32 years, 13 of them as department chair, and has helped to develop the school’s music program into a high-level, multi-discipline musical education juggernaut.

Wednesday’s performance featured the Suffern High School Women’s Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band and remarks from a few of Wagner’s students.

In his first 19 years, Wagner taught the entire high school band program, including the symphonic and concert bands, the marching band, the jazz ensemble and all lessons.

“I have fond memories of our marching band during those years, with a few wild half-time shows, football victory parades in downtown Suffern, Memorial Day parades and some very memorable trips to Disney World on the Silver Star train out of Newark,” he recalled.

Between 1982 and 2006, Wagner was both vocal director and musical director for the high school spring musicals.

“My parents finally got to see me conduct my last one, Annie, and it was a very special night,” he recalled. “They were so proud of me and the many talented students at Suffern High School.”

“We will miss John’s incredible musicianship, infectious humor, dedicated leadership, and committed teaching,” said Suffern High School orchestra teacher Daniel McCarter. “During 32 years in the Suffern High School Music Department, 13 of them as Department Chair, he helped build a top-notch program. We will strive to continue his legacy in the years to come.”

Since arriving at Suffern High School in 1980, Wagner has been involved with 128 high school concerts and more than 240 performances at football games and out-of-district music festivals and events. As for music lessons, there have been too many to count.