Mrs. Whinnem Plays Her Final Song
NEIRAD enilno edition
If you’ve participated in band, jazz band, Tri-M, or the pit orchestra here at DHS, you know Carolyn Whinnem. She’s been a staple of those groups here at the high school for the past 11 years, and now, after 36 total years of teaching, she’s retiring.
“I love that I had the opportunity to teach here,” Mrs Whinnem siad, “and leaving is really bittersweet.”
Mrs. Whinnem’s career began back as an undergraduate in Storrs. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and has received both her masters degree in music educaton and her 6th Year teaching degree. Her inspiration and passion for music was born long before college, however. She played clarinet in Wethersfield Middle School band and decided right away that a life of music was for her.
It takes more than just music to inspire a child, though, and Mrs. Whinnem says that she’s had “a bunch of inspiring teachers”. Junior Jordan Washer, who has taken band since freshman year, says the
same about Mrs. Whinnem. “I can honestly say that she was one of my favorite teachers every single year. She’s one of the best teachers I’ve had at DHS,” Washer said.
Top Composers
1. Charles Mingus
2. Beethoven
3. Frank Ticheli
4. The Beatles
5. Zach Heyde (“He’s an up-and-coming musical genius,” she says of the DHS junior.)
During her own high school years, Mrs. Whinnem participated in marching band, the Connecticut All-State band for three years, orchestra, and the select choir. Mrs. Whinnem, who can dabble at most every instrument, has a strong passion for her career.
“I love seeing the kids develop their musicality over four years. I get to watch them grow and send them off to the next step,” she said. Mrs. Whinnem ended up at DHS after a friend told her about the open position. Before coming here, she worked as a band teacher at Wethersfield Middle School and in Ridgefield. Other than teaching band, Mrs. Whinnem participates actively in the school community. She conducts the pit orchestra for the school musicals, conducts the jazz band, and is the Tri-M faculty advisor.
Mrs. Whinnem, who lives in Wethersfield, enjoys traveling, needlepoint, and playing with her granddaughter in her free time. She has a husband, two daughters, and three stepsons. Her plans for after retirement include revisiting Germany and Ireland so she can explore her roots. She also says that she’s going to “take a few months to decompose” this summer before heading off to weddings for two of her children.
Mrs. Whinnem has influenced countless students during her time here. “Even though I’ve only spent a year with Mrs. Whinnem, she has had such a huge effect on my musical life,” freshman saxophone player Anjali Krishnamachar said. “She has introduced me to the music community at DHS, and really made me feel like I belong here.”
Senior Kathleen Cameron echoes this sentiment: “I'm so sad she's leaving, but she is leaving a huge impact upon our music program- the DHS jazz band she directs is phenomenal and when I'm onstage in a 308 musical, I feel secure musically knowing Mrs. Whinnem is directing the pit orchestra,” Cameron said. “I'm so glad I have had the opportunity to work with her in my years in high school.”
“Leaving is bittersweet,” Mrs. Whinnem said. “I enjoyed teaching the kids at this school, and I look forward to hearing great things about them.” The last thing on her list before leaving this summer? “I’ve got to pack up all this stuff!” Mrs. Whinnem laughs. The Darien music department and its students will certainly miss Mrs. Whinnem next year and for the years to come.
