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Jim Gabriel Performing Arts event reunion 2024

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Introducing Mr. Gabriel - 2010 CranNet Article

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Introducing Mr. Gabriel - 2010 CranNet Article

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9/10/2010

For Cranbrook’s new Choral Director Jim Gabriel the decision to teach came by accident.

First, he followed his love of music to college with two full scholarships, one at Youngstown State University in his hometown for a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, then on to Notre Dame University for a Master’s Degree in Music, both in piano. While at Notre Dame, he traveled to Mexico to volunteer as an 8th grade teacher. He used music to help students gain a beginning understanding of English.

“I would love to say that I was extremely directed in my decision making. But that wouldn’t be true.  At Notre Dame, “I got to work with students in Mexico, and I loved it,” Gabriel said in a recent interview with Bravo. From that point forward, in addition to improving his technical skills and knowledge base, he began to focus on guiding young people. At the Manhattan School of Music, he worked toward his Professional Studies Degree. Later, he pursued doctoral-level studies in Education at Columbia University.

As a teacher, Gabriel feels his role is “to help students go as far as they can with the abilities they have. I try to do it with kindness and patience,” he said. “I try to choose music that is educational but at the same time, something my students will enjoy. I hope to make the music as diverse as possible.” Gabriel said he decided to make  "an outline of all the different types of music --classical, indigenous, Indian, African, Asian. I try to represent as many styles as possible.”

Gabriel’s education continued in Seattle, where he entered the doctoral program in organ. He also studied choral and orchestral conducting, and refined his teaching skills by accompanying and coaching singers.

Soon after, Gabriel moved to Paris to study under internationally acclaimed organist, composer and improviser Naji Hakim, an experience Gabriel described as “nothing short of wonderful.” Gabriel also wanted to live in Europe to get a different worldview. “Because I wanted to be a teacher,” he said, “I wanted a perspective beyond the American.”

While overseas, Gabriel participated in a celebration commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of acclaimed 20th Century French composer Olivier Messiaen, He played the the pipe organ in Paris’ exquisite Roman Catholic Church, Église de la Sainte-Trinité.

At another time, Gabriel and a group of university students performed in a private, open-air courtyard for the late Pope John Paul II. “It was a magical experience, he recalled. “We were all able to go up and meet him. I remember thinking he looked very exhausted. Popes meet with world leaders, but he still took time out to meet with this small group of university students, on Easter Sunday no less, at the end of what must have been an arduous week for him.”

For the past eight years, Gabriel served as Director of Music at St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills. According to his professional biography, he worked with children of all ages—from elementary through high school -- and expanded the music program from four choirs to seven, including a Middle School Honors Choir, and a High School Choir.

He also served as accompanist at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, where he will continue to perform. “It gives me a personal performance outlet, which I really enjoy, and the cantor there, Rachel Kalmowitz, is phenomenal.”

Cranbrook graduate Brigid Babbish, CK’08, a bassoonist who attends Julliard and Columbia, convinced Gabriel years ago to jump on the chance to work at Cranbrook should an opening arise.  “Brigid felt that with my background, I would love Cranbrook. It really was her talking about it that piqued my interest. I’m a huge architecture and art fan.”

At Cranbrook, Gabriel will lead the Middle and Upper School choirs and assist with many Performing Arts events including the Upper School musical. Since accepting his new position, Gabriel met with departing Choral Director Anna Speck as well as Performing Arts Department Chair Sarkis Halajian and orchestra teacher Katie Lorts. For the past few weeks, he prepared for the new school year by reviewing Cranbrook’s entire library of music and choosing pieces for his many choirs. He also settled into his Marquis Hall apartment where he will serve as Assistant House Advisor.

“The competition for the vocal director position was significant,” Halajian said. “Our department narrowed the field down to six final candidates, who were asked to teach several classes and meet with the department and administration throughout the day. The final candidates all had impressive credentials - all were viable candidates. What we saw in Jim that set him apart was a person who was talented, energetic, positive and someone who would be a team player in working toward our collective goals for our students in the performing arts.”

During the interview process, Gabriel “was extremely impressed with the student body. I felt they had decorum.”

Gabriel believes studying music offers multiple benefits beyond the immediate field of music. “Music helps from a physiological point of view in accomplishing whatever it is you want to do. Performing is just one of those skills. Then there’s the concentration it takes to spend hours and hours on difficult pieces. One thing I do is teach students how to deal with nerves. That makes a difference any time you need to present something in a public venue, whether it’s a business meeting or even a court room.”

Nonetheless, Gabriel promises to help students navigate their way to musical careers if they so choose. “The pathway to be successful in music seems so mysterious and daunting,” Gabriel believes. “I am hoping to help students figure it out, because it can be done.”

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jim gabriel from article when he was  hired

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Katie Lorts, Jim Gabriel, Mark Hourigan at reunion 2024

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Jim Gabriel was named 2021 Cranbrook Teacher of the Year by Suburban

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jim gabriel pic from Teacher of the year suburban collection 2021

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Mr. Gabriel leading a performance for Brooksiders

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Madrigals & Mastersingers Spring Show 2022

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Seriously can't thank you enough for all your amazing work at CK, Mr. Gabriel! You've taught me so much about music, performing, life, and what it means to be a truly great educator. Madrigals simply wouldn't have been the same without you. Wishing you lots of luck and excited to see what journeys are coming next! As a wise man once said, "Slay, indeed!" 🙌🏽💚💙

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Thank your Mr. Gabriel for taking the whole cranvan to this amazing bingsu place it was super nice because it became a small night's putting it was super fun I wished you stayed here so I can go for more hic rides with you as the driver because it so much more fun! I got to eat this deliciousness and it was all thanks to you! And also it was so worth it because your super chill and amazing thank you so much and I hope you have a peaceful life! Good luck!

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Hello Mr. Gabriel,

You are so kind and inspiring and your class put me in a good mood every day. I learned a lot in concert choir last year and feel my music skills really improved. I will miss you tons and I hope you enjoy your travels!

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So excited for you. You are such an amazing teacher and musician, and such an inspiration to all. I’ve loved working with you over the past many years. Sending lots of love from the family, too.

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I first met Jim as a member of the choir at St. Hugo’s, and I think I am the one who suggested he think about the opening when Ann retired. So I will take some of the credit for his coming to Cranbrook. His departure to travel the world, compose new and amazing new works, play some of the best organs and concert venues in the world, and just be his amazing self, well, that he is doing on his own. Best wishes for this next chapter! It has been a privilege to have you as a colleague.

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Dear Mr. Gabriel,

From our very first Concert Choir class in 2020, you brought so much life and energy to the rehearsal room! Thank you for bringing your smile, laughter, and passion for music every day. And thank you for always being a listening ear and support when I readied to go off to college. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of music and traveling!

Best,

Stella S. CK '24

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You always hear stories later in life of that “one” teacher who made a world of difference and unlocked a new door for a student that lead to a future they didn’t know was possible. Mr. Gabriel, that teacher is you and that story is fortunate enough for us to be told today rather than decades from now. In 2022, our young 6th grader chose choir as her middle school elective because she loved to sing as a little girl to TikTok’s for fun. Little did we know that you would role model for her what true passion looked like. To have both the competence and a love of music and that you would direct and nurture a blooming spirit who was gradually discovering her own fervor for singing. I could go on and on about how deeply you will be missed and how truly sad we all are not have stories of your entertaining and lively instruction from her to look forward to in the upcoming Madrigal years. But on the same note 🎵 (pun intended) we say a bittersweet good bye and thank you for the wonderful years our daughter had under your guidance as we wish you a much deserved exciting next phase. I have no doubt you have heard similar heart felt thank you’s in the past because of who you are, your impact and because it is such a rare thing to have the blessing of a teacher like you care for your child for so many years. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Mr. Gabriel.

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Jim, Thank for you all the laughs, the good times, your beautiful music and for playing for me. I also appreciate all that you did for Nate as a teacher, vocal coach and advisor. You will be so missed! I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures around the world.

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Don't Feed the Plants!

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Ode to a Grecian Urn

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Jim and Nate Rediers

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Jim leading the Madrigals and MasterSingers in the Dining Hall for the annual Spring Festival Concert.  

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Jim brought the MasterSingers to the Brookside Retiree Breakfast for a Christmas surprise.

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The Annual Pageant Celebration. Jim is at the piano accompanying the Madrigals, MasterSingers and String Quartet.

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Jim conducting at the annual December Christ Church Concert, with Madrigals, MasterSingers and Chamber Orchestra.

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Jim rehearsing in the PAC.

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Jim, it has been fabulous working with you these past years. I have loved our collaborations - with students and adults. You are an amazing musician and person. I have enjoyed our laughs, the silly texts and time together. I sure will miss you!

love, Katie

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A wonderful colleague at Cranbrook, a creator of beautiful music beloved by people all over the world, and a kind, gentle human being who betters the lives of others. His work was featured in my first video game, Golden Treasure, and fans still talk about how much they love the soundtrack, which, like Jim himself, is sensitive, intriguing, thoughtful, and edifying. May his world travels and the next chapter of his life be filled with good fortune; this man deserves it.