My Dearest Jos,

I first met you in 1972 when I took Level I in Toronto. It was a life changing moment for me. Since that time, you have become my teacher, my mentor, my colleague and my very good friend. You were instrumental in shaping my life and in so doing shaping the lives of the many students and adults I taught.

I wish you a very, very Happy 90th Birthday. And I wish you much joy and peace as you begin your next journey around the sun.

Judy Sills, Department Head of Music, Victoria School, Edmonton Alberta, Canada

Dear Jos,

Your pedagogical influence on my beliefs, values and practices in music education are forever in my heart and soul, from Orff workshops, to level 3 in Edmonton, and the Orff Master Class in Memphis. May you celebrate your 90th year knowing that you have touched the lives of so many teachers and their students – the ripples of music are endless. Much love to you,

Natalie Prytuluk, music teacher, Canada

Looking back on my life and the starring role music played in it, I fondly remember my years as a music teacher taught by and inspired by Jos Wuytack! Not only was he an incredible teacher, which everyone knows… I remember his funny side. He always smiled and had such incredible energy.

Here’s wishing you an amazing 90^th birthday Jos! You are a star in my book! Lots of love,

Terry Ann Diachok, music teacher, Canada

My Dear Professor Jos, Happy 90th Birthday!  

I am profoundly grateful to have had the privilege of learning and experiencing the Orff pedagogy. Not a day goes by in the music room that I am reminded of your teachings. You made a difference in my life and subsequently in the lives of children I have taught.

May you celebrate with those dear to you.

Dorianne Martyniuk, Music teacher Edmonton Public Schools, Canada

Bappy Hirthday Jos!

I am eternally thankful for your mentorship in the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy. Your expertise, thoughtfulness, sense of humour, humanity and love of music had a huge impact on me as a teacher and as a person. I remember every class, workshop and conference that you presented over the years but it’s the social occasions that I cherish the most. Your smig bile!
Warmest wishes,
Shari Paziuk, Music teacher Edmonton Public Schools, Canada

Happy birthday Jos! Your legacy in life has been an enormous contribution to the world. Young people throughout the world, have had their lives enriched through music programs that have been influenced by you. I had already been teaching for 12 years before I took my Level I Orff. It felt so freeing to find a philosophy of music education that melded with my own. I know for a fact that students I taught from pre-Kindergarten to high school, to university education students benefitted from the wholistic approach to music education, inspired by you. Thank you for the ripple effects.

Janie Fries, Moose Jaw, music teacher, Saskatchewan, Canada

I have so many fond memories of the classes and workshops that I had with Jos…I think the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen a musician do, is what Jos demonstrated to us one day, for the topic of conducting. Jos conducted 4/4 time in one hand while conducting 3/4 time in the other. I remember just staring at him while he was doing this, in utter amazement.
I have thought of you often, Jos, during the time that I was teaching my classes, in the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education.

Wishing you a Happy 90th Birthday, Jos, and a year filled with good health and happiness. 
Sincerely,
Pam Ludwar, music teacher, Saskatchewan, Canada

Happy 90th to my Mentor, beloved teacher, and friend. I, like most countless others, have never properly expressed to you the fundamental influence you have had on my career and therefore, my life. You have shared your Joy with me, and I have done my best to share that same Joy with my students.

I have not implemented your use of spoonerism in my work but, for the last odd 30 years, Wuytack pieces have cascaded through the hallways of my school. Always in the hope that, if you heard them, they would get your seal of approval. Happy Birthday.

Don Myers, Retired music teacher, Edmonton Alberta, Canada

Jos, la musique qui vous habite vous a conservé votre jeunesse! Félicitations! Et ce n’est pas sans émotion que je m’empare de cette exceptionnelle occasion pour exprimer ma reconnaissance. J’ai suivi vos stages en 1982, à Toulouse. Vous avez semé la joie de la musique dans ma vie: le rythme vécu par le corps et l’esprit a profondément transformé ma pratique individuelle et collective de la musique.

Et puis l’accès ludique et naturel teinté de votre humour, votre attention à chacun(e) des stagiaires, votre écoute, ont imprimé des souvenirs encore très vivants, plus de 40 ans plus tard. Et vos musicogrammes: quels outils complets et judicieux pour accéder au répertoire dans sa profondeur et sa complexité ! Une réalisation du pédagogue hors pair.

En bref vous m’avez fourni les clefs pour l’approche plus sensible et savoureuse et la compréhension de la musique ainsi que la transmission à mes enfants et de proches amis musiciens.

Pour tout cela un énorme MERCI et un anniversaire joyeux, melodieux et harmonieux. Je vous adresse mes pensées émues et mon meilleur souvenir.

Annie Cheney, violoniste, le Quatuor Florestan, Strasbourg

Dear Jos, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and Congratulations for reaching the wise age of 90 years! There are so many wonderful memories of times spent with you in and out of the music classroom that I cherish and have shared.

“All things shall perish from under the sky…Jos’s music never to die”. A little change of words for your birthday!

I wish you much happiness and good health. With love,

Diane Shieron, University of Alberta, Canada