Colorado Academy announced today that longtime Vocal Music Director Cindy Jordan plans to retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. Jordan has worked at CA for 42 years, and has only worked at the school for the entirety of her career.
In making the announcement, Head of School Dr. Mike Davis said, “She will leave a legacy of having taught hundreds upon hundreds of students the artistry and power of making music with the human voice. Those who have trained under Cindy, including some of my own children, will count themselves among the lucky to have been her students.”
Jordan began working at CA in ’76 and each year has taught multiple Middle School and Upper School ensembles and choirs. In addition to her work at CA, she has been the Metro Governor for the Colorado All-State Choir, the Assistant Director for the Colorado Children’s Chorale, a soloist on Peking radio, an apprentice with the Central City Opera Company, and a member of Opera Colorado. Cindy has also traveled to Australia and performed in the Sydney Opera House. She received CA’s Yoeman Fisher Award for Teaching Excellence in 1983 and the Connie Adcock Award for Inspirational Teaching in 2015. Cindy earned both her BA in Elementary Education and her BM in Voice and Music Education from Hastings College. CA plans are already underway for fitting tributes to Jordan over the coming year.
News of her pending retirement got immediate attention from student, parents, and alumni. Among the comments on Facebook were these from alumni: “An incredible teacher and a beautiful soul! You will be greatly missed; Cindy, but I wish you all the best! You inspired me at the start of my musical journey, and I’ll never stop singing!” -Lori Gray (CA’ 97). And this from 1995 CA alumnus Ryan Purcell, “I’ve never had any musical talent. I knew that from a very young age. Mrs. Jordan was not only one of my most absolute favorite teachers, she was also one of the most impactful educators I’ve ever had. While I may never have a future in creating music, she taught me how to love and appreciate the music I experience in the world around me every day. Mrs. Jordan, thank you so very much for dedicating your life to teaching children like me how to appreciate such a powerful and emotional force! I could never adequately explain the positive effect that has had on me.”