While I felt great compulsion to write this book as a tribute to a wonderful teacher, I discovered, in my research, even more–a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.  I discovered I did not know the man as well as I thought I did.  His stature grew, in my eyes, each time I made a new discovery.
    Finally, I am hopeful that Teo’s story will challenge other music and arts' teachers to clearly see how much they touch the future through hundreds of students they impact in profound and life-changing ways.  That Teo could lead this venture, even posthumously, would serve in some small way to keep his love of music, and the arts, alive in each subsequent generation.  That I, like so many other students before and after me, got to experience Teo’s passion in my formative adolescent years, imprinted on me a love of the arts that keeps growing as I age.
    I believe it is more important than ever to state that an education that doesn’t embrace the arts is an incomplete education, one that creates citizens that are less than they could be.  A well-rounded arts’ education is as important as any aspect of a child’s growth, and ultimately their fulfillment as an adult.  This book is praise to a teacher who knew its value and instilled in many young souls a lifelong appreciation, and active participation, in music and the arts, as a way of life and a way of being. 
    Teo, we thank you.  May your music live on in us, and through us.