Longtime piano instructor and beloved member of the Fine Arts faculty Doug Evers will retire after 33 years of teaching at Pine Crest School.
A south Florida native, Doug discovered Pine Crest through a professor at Florida Atlantic University.
“I was studying piano with Judith Burganger, a colleague of hers was running a Suzuki violin program,” said Doug. “She asked me if I was interested in working at Pine Crest once a week with six pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, a total of 12, students. I was, and that is how I started my career here. I have always loved teaching here from the day I started. There are so many nice people and parents, especially helpful in those beginning years. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere here — the beautiful campus and facilities for recitals.”
Over the years, Doug went from teaching piano to 50 to 60 students per year, to accompanying the Lower School choirs during their recitals, and eventually accompanying the Middle and Upper School performances as well.
“I have many favorite memories,” said Doug. “My favorite trip ever was our most recent trip to New York City. Watching the students perform with Broadway stars was without a doubt one of my most exciting moments. I will remember that for the rest of my life.”
READ: Pine Crest Upper School Chorus Performs at Lincoln Center in New York
Once the school year ends, Doug will be moving to San Francisco.
“I look forward to doing some teaching and will sing with a community choir,” said Doug. “Some may know, but I sing! I actually minored in voice in college. I may look into singing in an opera chorus and traveling more. I have a trip to Japan planned in the fall.”
Reflecting on his proudest moments as an educator, Doug says it’s hard to choose one.
“What I enjoyed the most is knowing that I was not just teaching my students to play the piano,” said Doug. “Over the years, I started to see the impact I had on their lives. Knowing I was able to give them an example of how to handle life as it comes along — without panicking and with a calm but ‘take care of things’ manner — would be what I am most proud of.”
