After 36 years of teaching, including six transformative years as the music and choir teacher at Classen School for Advanced Studies Middle School, Dwight Cunkle is retiring. But his influence—woven into the hearts of countless students, including two of my grandchildren—will resonate for generations. As I prepare to film his final spring concert, a gesture I offered in exchange for the chance to tell his story and capture a formal portrait, I’m reminded of my goal this year: to find the good in people and share it. There’s no one better to start with than Mr. Cunkle.
Dwight Cunkle is more than a teacher; he’s a guiding light. With a career spanning over three decades, he has shaped young minds with a rare blend of passion, spirituality, and kindness. A fellow teacher once said, “Mr. Cunkle is a very spiritual person, and he infuses that spirituality and kindness into his teaching, his music, and his students.” This truth shines through in every interaction. Watching him direct his choir before a concert is like witnessing a quiet symphony of care. His gentle encouragement, the way he listens to each voice, and his patient guidance as students find their notes reveal a man who sees not just singers but individuals with dreams and potential.
My grandchildren, who were fortunate to be his students, often spoke of how Mr. Cunkle made them feel valued. Whether they were hitting the high notes or struggling to keep tempo, he had a way of making every student feel like they belonged in his choir. His classroom was a haven where young, impressionable minds could explore music and discover themselves. He didn’t just teach scales or harmonies; he taught resilience, confidence, and the beauty of working together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
As a preacher, Mr. Cunkle brings a deep sense of purpose to his work. His faith informs his approach, not in a dogmatic way, but in the quiet strength of his actions. He leads with empathy, fostering an environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow. When I filmed a concert for his choir a while back, he approached me with such genuine gratitude that I knew I had to capture his final performance. When he offered to pay me for filming his retirement concert, I declined. Instead, I asked for this opportunity—to tell his story and honor his legacy through words and a portrait session. It’s a small way to give back to someone who has given so much.
Mr. Cunkle’s passion for his students is palpable. Before the concert, as he directs warm-ups, you can see the joy in his eyes as a shy student finds their voice or when the choir nails a challenging chord. His instructions are laced with encouragement: “You’ve got this,” or “Let’s make it soar!” He doesn’t just teach music; he instills a love for it, showing students how to channel their emotions into song. That passion will linger in his students long after he steps away from the podium. They’ll carry his lessons—about perseverance, kindness, and the power of community—into their futures, shaping a world that’s a little brighter because of it.
The world is undeniably better with people like Dwight Cunkle in it. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact is far from over. The students he’s mentored will go on to lead with the same compassion and dedication he modeled. They’ll remember the teacher who believed in them, who saw their potential, and who showed them that music is more than notes—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and uplift. As I prepare to share the link to his final spring concert, I’m reminded that his legacy is not just in the melodies he taught but in the lives he touched. Here’s to Mr. Cunkle—a maestro of music and humanity, whose lessons will echo for years to come.
