This year Palisade High School loses one of its most influential teachers, Matt Doty, the choir teacher. Mr. Doty has decided to retire after 30 years of teaching. Out of those 30 years, Mr. Doty spent 16 of those years here at Palisade High School. Throughout these years Mr. Doty has become a pillar in the Palisade High School community.
Mr. Doty says, “I always wanted to teach, all the way back when I was little I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It wasn’t until I met my high school choir director that I knew I wanted to teach choir. Before that I really wanted to, and still do, my performance career, like music theater and such.” When Mr. Doty was asked to think back to his favorite memories from the years he said, “I don’t know there’s too many. I mean just over all the years and all the great singers I’ve gotten to work with and the great musicals that we’ve put on, it makes it hard to pin point one year or anything.” Mr. Doty brings up the future and says, “I’m looking forward to directing the treble choir at Colorado Mesa University and I’m currently the chair for Colorado all-state choirs, so that will keep me busy. I’m also looking forward to opportunities to see the honor choirs and judge festivals and such.” Mr. Doty would like to add, “I’m just grateful for my time at Palisade, it was wonderful and it was one of the best schools I’ve been at. I encourage my current singers to keep singing and anybody else that’s interested to give the new director a chance and to sing.” Thank you Mr. Doty for your time at the school and the impact you have had.
