Ann Margaret (O’Donnell) Whelan got in touch with Tom in the Fall of ’09. Here’s what Mr. Kessler wrote back:

Hi A.M. —

You have a great looking family! I’m very happy you have “terrific” memories of your Chamber Singer experience. I was so lucky to have had great students to work with. To bad we didn’t have todays video technology back then. Of course I remember the famous C. S. alto, Colleen. Hi Colleen! You both look the… same, just a little older. Speaking of ‘older”, I’m 74 ( this month) and in relatively in good health. I power walk 3 to 4 miles 6 days a week. I still adjudicate show choir competitions and will be doing the last one of the season this month. Dona and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. We renewed our vows on a cruise with our family. Dona is my “rock”. We sold our tax, insurance and investment business in Fontana in 2000. Retired from my real estate business in January of this year but still have an active Brokers license.The past four years I managed and maintained our three rental properties which we have now so…

We like cruising, 17 times now since 1996. Last year we cruised to Northern Europe, Russia and the Mediterranean. Now we have embarked on a new adventure. We can no longer take the mountain weather. I fell twice on the ice shoveling snow this year and that did it. So, we are making preparations to sell our house in May … It would be wonderful to have a reunion of all the C. S. from 1976 on. Good luck to Yvonne and Loren (hi Yvonne and Loren!). It’s been tried many times before without success but with the help of facebook etc., it could happen. I WOULD’N'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Over the course of 10 years of tireless instruction, Tom Kessler catalyzed memories for each of us that have shaped who we are today.

The friends that we made, the work ethic, the music, the competitions, the winning (and sometimes — rarely — losing!), the applause, the tears, the sore feet, the tours, the community events, costume fittings…can you think of a more powerful high school memory than the ones from Chamber Singers?

Now, it’s time to catch back up with each other and make some new memories! And to say thanks to Mr. Kessler, who helmed this wonderful show choir for us.

Wow, what a time we had. Come and join us at the Paradise Pier Hotel in Anaheim, CA, for a night of remembering, laughing, and honoring Tom Kessler.

See you there!