After graduating from Menchville High School in 1980, Mr. Gordon Parr received his Bachelors in Music Education from Longwood University with a concentration in choral conducting.  Parr has been Tabb High’s longtime chorus teacher for nineteen years. However, according to Tabb students, he’s been much more than an instructor. Students have used the words “mentor” and “friend” to describe the man whose list of accolades is staggering.

            Gordon Parr’s name is synonymous with music. In addition to serving as Tabb High’s choral director, he also directs music at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Grafton. In 1995, Parr was named Longwood University Alumni Teacher of the Year. He’s performed at The Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Fest with jazz greats such as Kirby Shaw and Michelle Weir.  Parr is a man of many hidden talents. You might not know that he’s also a VHSL certified fast pitch softball umpire. Throughout his career Parr has had a wide range of experiences.

This year has been one of the most challenging years of his career. In September he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis which is the breakdown of cartilage in several joints which Parr called very painful. “The cartilage in my hand has basically worn away, so now there’s bone hitting on bone,” Parr said in a recent interview, “I’ll continue to play because I love the music.” From the moment he starts playing, he seems to transcend the pain in his hand and his devotion is infectious. 

            Parr’s easygoing, relaxed disposition has endeared him to the student populous. “He’s bright, funny, and charismatic,” a student said. “Mr. T” as he is affectionately called, is one of the most beloved characters in the Tabb High storybook. Devinn Harrison even proclaimed Mr. Parr to be “his homeboy.” It’s hard to find a student who cannot speak warmly about Tabb High’s chorus teacher. In fact, he’s also popular with the faculty.

            Parr has been nominated for teacher of the year countless times by the faculty. A teacher called Mr. Parr “the personification of professionalism, humor, and class.” She also noted, “To call him a friend is an honor.” 

            An award winning choral director, Parr demands the best of students and encourages competition. Junior Alyson Motley, said, “He makes us work really hard to achieve our goals.” Mr. Parr leads his chorus like a valiant army. As a result, Tabb has one of the top choral groups in the state. Junior Hillary Nichols said, “Mr. Parr has shared his knowledge and love of music, and instilled a passion in his students to succeed. The amount he’s given to this school is extraordinary.”