PHANTOM

     Have you ever seen the movie or stage presentation of "Phantom of the
Opera"?
     I would like to tell you a story of a young girl and a devoted teacher.
     It began in Chantilly, Virginia.  Shanna, a young girl in the sixth
grade, had a music class.  She had not shown much interest in music up to
that time.  She had a teacher by the name of Mr. Ring and his love of music
was transmitted to his students.
     Under Mr. Ring's direction, this sixth grade class performed the play,
Oliver.  It was a great success.  Many of the students found that they had
talents that they were not aware of until practice had begun on Oliver.
     Another of Mr. Ring's favorites was the musical score to Andrew Lloyd
Webber's Phantom of the Opera.  He spent one entire semester teaching about
various aspects of the play -- consisting of Broadway productions, scripts,
music/opera, costumes, etc.
     Shanna loved to hear the musical score that was sung by Michael
Crawford.  Mr. Crawford had starred in the stage performance of Phantom of
the Opera for many years, consisting of 1000 plus performances.  She had a
wish that someday she would have an opportunity to see the stage play and
also meet Michael Crawford.
     After her family moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina, area, she still
had this dream of meeting Michael Crawford.  One day, her mother told
Shanna that a stage production of Phantom was scheduled for performances in
the Raleigh area.  Tickets were acquired.  Then one night in May, seven
years after her sixth grade year, Shanna was able to see part of her dream
come true.  She was amazed at the production, the music, the costumes, and
the stage scenery.  She had an appreciation that others probably did not
have.
     Then in July, Shanna heard a commercial that stated that Mr. Crawford
would be in concert at Walnut Creek Alpha Theater in Raleigh.  Tickets were
obtained for a performance.
     Shanna finally was going to hear Michael Crawford in person.
     Shanna and her mother arrived early for the concert so that they could
get to their seats before the crowds began arriving.  It was much easier
for Shanna to maneuver her wheel chair.  Shanna's mother asked one of the
ushers if it would be possible for them to meet Mr. Crawford.  She was told
that Walnut Creek policy was no visitors unless specifically requested by
the performing artist.  Shanna's mother asked if it would be possible to
send a note to him.  After getting a supervisor's permission, a note was
taken to Mr. Crawford.
     In the note, Shanna's mother stated that this was a long time dream to
be able to hear him sing in person.  She told him how much Shanna enjoyed
his Phantom Of The Opera.
     A short time later, two security people came into the audience calling
for Shanna.  To the amazement of all around, including Shanna, Mr. Crawford
wanted to meet her at his dressing room, prior to his performance.  They
met and talked for a few minutes, then a couple of pictures of Shanna and
Mr. Crawford were taken.  One of his promotional pictures was autographed
for Shanna too.  Though he only sang a couple of songs from Phantom, his
whole performance was enjoyed by all.
     It was especially enjoyed by a young lady, who had a love of music
instilled in her by a teacher that loved his profession, his subject, his
kids.  A couple of years later, Shanna had the opportunity to attend a
stage performance of Phantom of the Opera.
     Recently, Shanna was able to trace the location where Mr. Ring was
teaching.  When she called him to tell him about her dream come true, he
remembered her from years before when she had been a sixth grader, when she
had found a love for music and A TEACHER.

           -- Travis Beck