The family that is the Northern Valley choir is saying goodbye to teacher Mrs. Leslie MacPherson.

Though she intended to direct a high school band, MacPherson answered an ad in the New York Times for a choir director at Northern Valley Demarest, the role she kept for 33 years.

MacPherson said that after college, she “just needed a job…I am so fortunate that I ended up here.”

It is an understatement to say that she has left a huge impression on Northern Valley. “She changed my entire perception of what a choir should be. She made me believe in a real family, and helped me connect with each and every one of the members of our choir. I couldn’t thank her enough,” said junior Anny Fonseca.

MacPherson tries to make the choir feel like a family, and often gets emotional during rehearsals and concerts. Junior Kira Paul said “Mrs. Mac made me realize how much I love music. I hope that one day when I become a choir director, I can be just as amazing and intelligent and caring as she is.”

MacPherson has been passionate about music for as long as she can remember. Her parents met singing in a choir. “I come from a very musical family…the opportunity to share that passion with the talented musicians of Northern Valley has been an honor,” MacPherson said.

She said, “I hope that every musician who has been a part of this very special department keeps music in their lives for always.”