by Allen Cheney
To Allen and Ryan, you have granted me the most wonderful author experience imaginable. I will forever be grateful our paths crossed and that you took a chance on me. Allen, you have made this a delight at every turn, and I’m over the moon to be called your partner.
To Allison, Amy, Anne, Bonnie, Camille, Jeff, Marlesa, Stephen, Stephanie, and every person who worked along with us, near and far, to help give voice to this story, thank you. Your love for Fred and Winnie has fueled this entire project, and your determination to pay it forward will continue building the powerful crescendo across future generations.
To the people of Thomasville, you make me want to call your community home, and you will always hold a special piece of my heart. Thank you for welcoming Fred, Winnie, and Allison all those years ago and for fostering the kind of community spirit that celebrates the arts.
Thanks also to Daisy Hutton and her talented team at W Publishing Group, who continue to believe in me as I strive to deliver stories that celebrate the healing power of love and the resilient strength of the human spirit.
And to everyone who has ever dared to dream, dance, sing, or create something beautiful for this great, big, wonderful world, you are the reason this book exists. You bravely approach life with your hearts wide open, and because of people like you, we have been granted a wonderful year filled with inspiring souls, creative spirits, tremendous love, and a dose of magic that will illuminate our paths forevermore. Thank you.
—Julie Cantrell
Coda
Of the hundreds of letters Fred, Winnie, and Allison have received through the years, these are but a few excerpts that relay the depth of gratitude and admiration so many hold.
Dear Fred and Winnie,
It is so pleasant to encounter someone who understands that you can expect, even demand, excellence from our children and at the same time help those children to build a positive self-image. [. . .] Thomasville is so fortunate to have someone like you with technical ability and a genuine caring for the psychological and moral wellbeing of our youth.
[. . .] I am truly convinced that our boys have grown more from their involvement with you than they ever could have from any other activity, including competitive sports. We have watched [them] grow to become m[e]n that we are extremely proud of, and we are glad to say that Fred Allen was no small part of the process.
Jimmy S.
Dear Mr. Allen,
You have probably given me the best graduation gift of all, only you have been giving it to me for the last four years. Along with knowledge of music and the privilege of being a Troupe member, you have given me discipline. [. . .] You are definitely the most admirable man I have ever known, and I cherish every memory. Anybody who can do what you do with us, accept us the way we are, and be so supportive regardless of the mistakes we sometimes make, deserves much more recognition than you get.
Seth C.
Dear Mr. Allen,
You are to be highly commended for the time and effort you put into working with young people. [. . .] You have brought out a lot of hidden talent over the years. We are definitely delighted that you “discovered” our daughter. Without a doubt you have helped bring out the best of her.
Mary R.
Dear Winnie,
Regardless of what your students do with the rest of their lives, the Troupe experience is one deposit in the “life bank” that can be drawn on forever. In Lindley’s solo, she sang about “never having the moon.” Thank you and Fred for choosing the “moon” and for sharing it with us all.
Love, Beth B.
Dear Allison,
Spectacular music, wonderful costumes, and precise movement and timing. There were excellent individual and group performances by beautiful young ladies and handsome young men combined to provide an experience well worth remembering. Add to these qualities the capable and top-notch direction of an incomparable director, the backing and support of a group of believing and dedicated parents and friends, and you have an unbeatable combination. That’s what the entire performance was—unmatched and unbeatable. [. . .] Even though the Music and Drama Troupe is not a school-sponsored activity, it serves as a medium through which you and many of our pupils have an opportunity to grow and develop. Consequently, as superintendent of Thomasville City Schools, I wish to extend my official thanks and appreciation as well as those of the entire board of education to you for a job well done. We in the entire school community look to you and your family with much pride. Keep up the excellent work!
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Fred and Winnie,
You are a very tremendous example and a very powerful witness of God’s exceptional gifts in the life of one of his children! You not only are truly blessed, but you are a great blessing to all of us who have had the privilege to know you. Thank you!
Anne K.
Dear Mr. Allen,
Possessing little talent in the area of acting or singing, Troupe gives me a few hours a year to stand in the spotlight . . . not as a solo performer or even as a single person, but as a Troupe member, which I am so proud to be. [. . .] Even though I stand on the ramps surrounded by a great many other people, I still very often feel as if every eye in the auditorium is on me. It’s a great feeling and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of this truly wonderful group and for giving me the chance to have a small taste of “stardom.”
A grateful Troupe member
Dear Mr. Allen,
Never in a million years, when my friend talked to me about auditioning, did I ever imagine the impact you and Troupe would have in my life. [. . .] For all of us who have grown and been changed by your love, dedication, and knowledge, thanks is not enough. And while I am not the proper authority to say this, I will anyways. [. . .] You have made a difference in this world!
Charity M.
Dear Mr. Allen,
It has taken me almost twenty years to put it in writing, but I do want you to know how much I appreciate your patience, your kindness, your enthusiasm and all of the time and effort that you put into making me believe in myself and my abilities. It wasn’t “all for [naught].” I use my voice whenever possible. I am a soloist at my church, and I sing at weddings and banquets and other community activities. I have had many people comment on my “talent” or “ability” and that always brings you to mind. I thank God then and there that he sent you and your wonderful family to Thomasville and that he led me to you. I shudder to think where I could’ve ended up.[ . . .] Young people need you and your guidance still.
Teresa S.
Dear Mr. Allen,
Besides the pride and joy that has come from being part of [. . .] Troupe, you also instilled in me that I could do anything I put my heart and mind to. You put the exclamation point on my love of music and encouraged me to further expand on the basic knowledge and ability that I had. To this day I am grateful for your gifts that you shared so selflessly with us unruly teenagers. Because you pushed us, literally into the spotlight, I have the confidence to tackle situations that I otherwise would have never thought could be tackled—and keep a calm head in the process.
Kathy H.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Allen,
I am leaving to go to college in one week and I’m starting to really think about what I’m leaving behind. I can’t believe I won’t be in Troupe next year. It has been such an amazing part of my life. [. . .] I don’t think Thomasville will ever truly understand how extremely fortunate and blessed they are to have you, Mr. Allen. [. . .] I have gained so much from Troupe and your advice and guidance. I know it will stick with me throughout my college and life career. You both have been so encouraging, tolerant, and supportive of all the things I did. Thank you both for allowing me to have the freedom and opportunity to truly grow.
Bryan W.
Dear Winnie,
I’ve written Fred to say thank you for all he’s done for our daughter as she moves on to the next phase of her life. However, I owe you a personal thank you
for enhancing all that he does for our children. You are the woman beside the great man (not the woman behind the great man).
We are so fortunate to have you involved with our children. I feel that you two (and Allison [. . .] make that three) deserve the highest honor in our community.
Sheila C.
Dear Mr. Allen,
In 1986, singing “in just no time at all” as a senior during the finale, I had no idea how those lyrics would spring to life as I set out for the future at age 17. [. . .] The lessons learned from the unique experience of Troupe transcend the stage and apply to everyday lives of Troupe alumni, wherever they are and whatever their vocations may be. I can still vividly remember coming to the Sunday matinee on the occasion of your 10th anniversary show and sensing the fervor and star quality of that performance. For some unexplainable reason, I recall Mike Slaughter singing “Piano Man” at that show. Well, he was ahead of me in choir and I thought that was really cool. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the early days of children’s chorus, Charades, and The Charlie Brown Gang with Mary Powers as Lucy! During intermission, I asked Mom if I could try out [. . .] and her reply was, “Of course, if it doesn’t interfere with swim team practice.” Well, not long after that, Sandy convinced me that I could and would make room for both. I am glad I did. Today she and I still enjoy a special friendship forged in the ranks of Troupe, the one-act plays, and the literary meets of 1983–1986. As I write this, I am chuckling about Tracy Anderson’s awesome performance with a 5-inch splinter in her foot from the original risers, and Kathy Fletcher’s possum attack and ensuing rabies shots during rehearsals for Barnum. When I have the opportunity to visit NYC today, I still think back to my first visit there [with Troupe]. I will never forget the Edison Hotel, Cats, La Cage aux Folles, or that bus ride! That trip was my first glimpse of a truly international city, one that dwarfs Atlanta in so many ways. Well, I could reminisce ad infinitum. I thank you for those enriching opportunities to create enduring memories.
Brett R.
Winnie and Fred,
You would be amazed at the number of parents of Troupe alum who [. . .] believe that a large portion of their children’s confidence and poise is directly attributed to his/her experience with you two. Count me in that camp! What you do goes way beyond the surface, and I am forever indebted to you. [. . .] You are Very, Very special people, and I consider my family extremely fortunate to have been touched in such a positive way by you. A simple “thank you” just does not seem sufficient but will nonetheless have to do. I wish you both nothing but the best—with lots of “stars” (with normal-size egos) and no “stage parents.” May God bless you both, for he has blessed us by giving you to us.
Steffi B.
Dear Fred,
It is so hard to be able to express in words how much admiration I have for you. I marvel at what you do and give to every child on that stage. Your influence with my son has meant the world to me and to him. I don’t think you ever quite realize the impact you have on these children. You have given them gifts that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. Their knowledge of music, discipline, commitment, and working as a team [. . .] I could go on and on. I am so very grateful to you and Winnie for all that you do.
Debbie W.
Dear Fred,
When [my daughter] joined Troupe her ninth-grade year, she was so very shy in front of large groups of people and sometimes scared to try out for things. I had to beg her to try out for Troupe because she didn’t think she would make it. What a difference two years have made in her! What you have given her will last her whole life even if she never sings again.
Cynthia G.
Mr. A,
I wish there had been time to go into more detail about the countless ways you molded the lives of Boomers and Millennials. [. . .] What a difference you made in our lives; a positive difference that keeps getting deeper ingrained in who we are, day by day. I see Graham occasionally and we always talk nostalgically about you. You were his hero at a time when all the adults and coaches wished that they could be it [. . .] the one person who was and still is the most influential man in my life. I just had to write this note since I couldn’t navigate the crowds to see you after the show. Thank you for the positive difference you made in my life!
Laura C.
Fred,
How do you keep doing it?
The Christmas show was super—so energetic and full of the spirit of the season! It really brings back great memories of my Troupe years and reminds me how fortunate I was to have been a part of something so special. I was also delighted with the success of the one-act play again this year. Year after year, you keep putting that polish on a group of kids that wouldn’t believe they could do what you push them to achieve. I remember well all the hours of staging, rehearsals, and direction that we put in—never really stopping to think how many more hours you were putting in behind the scenes. These past several weeks have brought home to me how much the lives of so many have been touched by you and your family. I know I’m a better person for my involvement in the troupe and the one-act plays back so many years ago. Thank you seems like so little to say, but for what it’s worth—Thank you!
Rick I.
Dear Winnie and Fred,
Once again it’s “time to take time” to thank you for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, for our family. This year’s concert was so fantastic! The numbers, the choreography, the timing, the pace, the solos, just everything was spectacular and professional! I don’t see how you do it year after year, and keep getting better! When our granddaughters joined us [. . .] to watch the [. . .] show, I saw the pride and accomplishment shining on their young faces. I felt their increased confidence and self-esteem. Later I saw that same wonderful look reflected on our children’s faces as they started to sing the Troupe theme song. I cried with gratitude for the gift you have bestowed on us all.
Sally H.
Dear Mr. Allen,
It seems that I cannot put into words how much I appreciated you for being my teacher, my counselor, my mentor, but most of all my friend. There is no way I could ever begin to express my gratitude to you through this letter. So maybe one day when I give you a wink from the stage to thank you, it can begin to be expressed. I am very positive that the makeup of who I have become and who I am striving to be is much credited to you for showing me how to explore my own thoughts. I thank you for taking a chance and believing in me. I’ll miss you so much.
Mary M.
Dear Mr. Allen,
I did not want the summer to go by without telling you how much I appreciated your influence on my child this past year. This was my daughter’s first year in Troupe, and she loved it! [. . .] There are so many negatives in the world today; it is very heartwarming to know that someone so accomplished as yourself cares enough to share and be a positive example for the young people of our community. Please convey my appreciation also to Mrs. Allen, Allison, and all of the others that so lovingly give of themselves for these young people. You are making a difference.
Patsy A.
Dear Fred,
You and Winnie have touched our lives for so many years through your music and love for the young people in Thomasville. [. . .] It’s obvious the students have been exposed to something far greater and lasting than anything out of a textbook. Thank you so very much for the opportunities both of our children have received this past year. It has added a special spark, a fire to their lives. We especially thank you both for all the planning that went into the New York trip. Our daughter will always be totally devoted to her real coach, “Fred.”
Cathy M.
Fred,
I tried to send a recording I recently made, but it is too big to send [in] an email. I am therefore resorting to a note to tell you that I hope you can hear some maturity that I have developed in my voice. It’s all because I do the exercises and practice the way you taught me to do. I sometimes want to speak with you so badly I can’t stand it and I wish I cou
ld plug-in again, but life goes on! You will never know what it meant to have you as my mentor and to call you my friend. I can never say to Dad that he is the second most brilliant man I ever knew—somehow, I think he knows. [. . .] Besides being a phenomenal intellectual, you topped it off by not ever showing us you thought you were—never a braggart about being a teacher superior to us kids. I think about all the good things you stood for, and how you made all of us “toe the mark.” [. . .] You were in the process of building the character of future adults. One thing is for sure—you did your best to see we all would be happy and successful. [. . .] You knew we needed the carrot instead of the whip a lot of the time. So much I owe to you, friend. Again, all that I am today I attribute it to the time I had with you. So many are the ways you were, and are still, my role model. I can appreciate that you told me in a very stern way that I needed to strive to be better when I thought I was already the greatest. I pouted then, but inside this gave me a confidence that you believed in what I could become. Your life lessons are a part of my morning reflections like studying the scripture. I feel sure there are many of us that having now grown older and experienced more of life, realize how you were the consummate teacher. [. . .] We realize how much you sacrificed to be there for us week after week. I think we didn’t know how to express it, but we knew back then how much you cared about us as human beings, if not super talents. Well, all of this came spilling out of my heart today, and I was ready to let you hear me sing. I will get the songs to you. Meanwhile, I can think of no better ending than to say I love you!
Hunter M.
Notes
Chapter 2
1.Civilla D. Martin, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” 1905 (public domain).
Chapter 7
1.“There Is a Time,” Rodney Dillard and Mitch Jayne. Lansdowne Music and Winston Music Publishers (ASCAP). Worldwide rights reserved.
Chapter 8
1.“I Believe,” lyrics and music by Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, and Al Stillman. TRO- © 1952 (renewed), 1953 (renewed) Hampshire House Publishing Corp., New York, NY, Larry Spier Music, LLC, New York, NY, Lindabet Music Corp., c/o The Songwriter’s Guild, Nashville, TN. TRO-Hampshire House Publishing Corp. controls all rights for the world outside the United States. All rights reserved, including right of performance.