More than 300 current, former students to hold PFHS Troubadors reunion concert
<p>Post Falls High School choir instructor John Kracht conducts the school's advanced select choir, the Post Falls High Troubadors, during a rehearsal on Wednesday at Post Falls High School. Kracht has been teaching at the school since 1986, and created the Troubadors in 1988.</p>
<p>Post Falls High School choir instructor John Kracht, right, conducts the Post Falls High Troubadours during a rehearsal on Wednesday at Post Falls High School. </p>
POST FALLS — Having a reunion concert as a retirement party will be music to John Kracht's ears.
More than 300 current and former members of the Post Falls High School Troubadors select choir will participate in a reunion concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the PFHS Arena.
"This is something that I wanted to do before I retire," said Kracht, adding he hasn't officially announced a retirement date yet.
Kracht, who has been the PFHS choir director since 1988, estimates more than 400 students have been Troubadors under his direction over the years.
Of 325 graduates he connected with, almost 300 have said they'll participate in the concert. The participants will range in age from teens to those who are 44. The turnout signifies how students appreciate Kracht and his award-winning program.
"It means a lot to me," said Rebecca Alexander, who graduated in 2012 and will perform on Saturday. "He truly cares about each student and the progress they make with music. He really takes time to get to know you and pushes you to your highest potential."
Alexander said Kracht is an understanding teacher.
"He could tell if you had a bad test or bad night of sleep," she said. "He wants us to use music to improve life and be an outlet."
Kracht's passion for music and to teach students is reflected in many program and individual honors. He is a past District 1 Music Educator of the Year. His program performed in the prestigious All-Northwest Music Convention in Spokane last year, at all-state conventions and many of his students have placed at the state solo contest.
"What is special to me is that music has impacted these lives," Kracht said. "I'm thankful that they want to come back and do this again. That is the power of music. They've got music in their soul."
A variety of songs will be performed.
"One was picked — 'A Gaelic Blessing' — solely because it's funny," Kracht said.
A few Christmas songs will be among the 16 to 18 performed.
Kracht also organized Troubador reunion concerts in 1995 and 2007.
"The first one I had 67 graduates come back and the second one 147," he said. "Since the last concert, another 150 have graduated so it's time to do another one."
Kracht said teaching students music has been a rewarding career that he's loved.
"I teach an elective where everyone signs up and wants to participate and do well," he said. "It's rewarding to get up in the morning and come to work because I know there will be great music with great kids."