Music has the unique power to inspire, to connect us. Music touches us personally and yet has an appeal that transcends time and place. Baton Rouge High School has a nationally recognized music education program. Graduates have become award winning songwriters, composers, music teachers and artists performing professionally in every genre. And it all began with dedicated, talented and inspirational music teachers.
In the latter part of 2018, Baton Rouge High School tragically lost two music teachers, Robbie Giroir, choral teacher and Lesli Wood, piano teacher. Mr. Giroir and Ms. Wood inspired, taught and mentored thousands of music students in their combined 54 years of teaching at Baton Rouge High School. A long held dream of both of them was to have a grand piano for the historic stage in the Auditorium. A special campaign has been established to raise $32,000 for a grand piano dedicated to the memory of Mr. Giroir and Ms. Wood.
BRHS music students have performed at Carnegie Hall, in churches in The British Isles, the Vatican and other esteemed performance venues across America. They are fortunate enough to have one of the most prestigious, accomplished corps of music teachers in the region. A grand piano in the Auditorium will allow for expanded collaborations for students, such as incorporating piano concertos into the Orchestra repertoire.
“To have a grand piano in the Auditorium means that music students will have the opportunity to experience a professional performance setting. This will greatly enrich their development as musical artists.” Mike Esneault, BRHS Talented Music Teacher and 2008 Emmy award winner for score to “Atchafalaya Houseboat” as well as a 2017 Emmy for score to the film “Deeply Rooted”.
Jené Liggins, Class of 2001 is the Honorary Chair for this special campaign. She writes:
“Throughout all of my years at BRMHS, I was honored to be a student of the Choral Program, under the direction of Robbie Giroir. Mr. Giroir truly became a part of my family and he was my greatest music teacher. One of my fondest memories is singing with the Festival Singers at Juilliard; it was my first time visiting New York City and I learned so much from him. As shown at every stage production, performance, and choral competition, his talent was limitless. He set a standard of excellence that inspired every chorister to work hard, show discipline, and create beautiful music with artistry, dedication, and poise. Mr. Giroir’s legacy leaves an indelible mark on the entire Baton Rouge community; I remember him fondly every day.
Because of the generosity of early donors and memorial gifts, we have already secured $21,000.00 in donations and pledges toward the goal. I ask you to join me and make a donation to this very special effort. Thank you for considering a gift; it will be wonderful to have a beautiful grand piano at BRHS, commemorating two very special teachers and played by music students for years to come.”
You can make a donation via credit card by clicking here Piano Gift. Please indicate in the comments “Memorial Piano Gift”.
Or you can download a donation/pledge form here Pledge Form 2019 and mail a check. Our goal is to receive all donations by November 15, 2019.