Mrs. Schoen

Song for Nancy

Words and Music by James H. Barrett

The following's a tribute to Ms. Nancy Schoen

The finest director that Franklin has known

She's led like a leader who always achieves

And fights for the Arts and for what she believes

Her students adore her as well as the staff

Who always enjoy her and hearing her laugh

There's always a smile and seldom a frown

That's the way that it's been since she came to this town

     And those gathering here would have to agree

     That the lives that she's touched will be her legacy

Worcester's the place she was born and was raised

And where her viola playing was rightly praised

Performed at MA All-State and the Congress of Strings

This before college and then onto more things

The Marching Band at UMass, a semester in Italy

Playing in Harry Levenson's Central Mass Symphony

Performing in orchestras where she'd accompany

Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.

     All those gathering here would have to agree

     That the lives that she's touched will be her legacy

She eventually arrived here in Franklin to teach

Sharing her passion for music as a way to reach

The thousands of students who've played in her bands

And eagerly followed all of her commands

These student performances were quite something to hear

The accolades followed her year after year

Awarded the MA Teacher of the Year in '05

She then became director and helped the arts thrive

     All those gathering here would have to agree

     That the lives that she's touched will be her legacy

Nancy's retiring with some big shoes to fill

A director, a teacher, and other things still

But now that she's leaving us... What will she do?

Now that the teaching and directing are through?

She'll probably be listening to some Joel or JT

Or spending time with her grandkids and the rest of her family

It's certainly hoped that we never lose touch

The Franklin community will miss her so much

     And those gathering here would have to agree

     That the lives that she's touched will be her legacy