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The music man of Pasco CountyBy CAROLYN HOPKINS, Times Staff Writer© St. Petersburg Times published October 29, 2002 NEW PORT RICHEY -- Henry Fletcher, 57, said that if he had it to do over again, he would still be a music teacher. He began a love affair with music when he played trumpet in the high school band in Bartow, his hometown; then he majored in music at the University of South Florida. Fletcher said he had planned to be a professional musician but at USF he discovered that he was destined to be a teacher, especially for elementary school children. "I have taught some wonderful and talented children," Fletcher said. He pointed out that John Timpanelli, a local entertainer, was his student in the third grade. Fletcher has seen many changes among children during his teaching career but not necessarily in music. "Music remains pretty steady, and whether we like it or not, many children now seem to lack values, manners and priorities, and some don't seem to care. "In the '70s, whole families came for school concerts; now parents just drop their children off. We need to fix that; it is a sad state of affairs." Fletcher said that teaching is a calling: "You certainly don't go into it for the money." He taught at Mittye P. Locke for 27 years before retiring in 1999. He has served as music director at First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey since 1973. He also directs the youth and adult choirs, plays keyboard and arranges music for the Praise Team. Fletcher could be called the music man of Pasco County. Wherever there is music, you will find him involved, especially for community events. His activities roster reads like a musicians' Who's Who: director of the Richey Concert Band for almost 30 years; director and writer for a semiprofessional group called the Silver Cornet Band; director and arranger for the Jubilee Singers and the Choraliers. He also plays in a brass quintet called Men of Brass, which performs at community centers, nursing homes and special events. Fletcher said he loves community service. He has little free time, but when he does, he enjoys writing music and collecting vintage sheet music.
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