Richard Ingram was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and lived there until 1965, when his family moved to Ann Arbor. He has lived here since. The 1970 Pioneer High School graduate received his college training at the University of Michigan, earning three degrees there: a bachelor of vocal music education (1974), a master’s degree in choral conducting (1975), and a doctorate in vocal music performance (1985).
Ingram has been employed by the Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1975. The first three years, he was an elementary general music teacher at Carpenter Elementary School. In 1978, he moved to Huron High School, where he is now teaching. He has taught Choir, Voice, Music Theory, Guitar, Humanities Music History and Music Appreciation. He has been the Huron Music Department Chairman since 1981.
Ingram has been actively involved in state and national music education and choral music organizations, serving on Boards of Directors of both the Michigan School Vocal Music Association and the American Choral Directors Association-Michigan. He was elected as president of both the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (1995-1997) and the American Choral Directors Association-Michigan (2008-2010). Honors have included Presidential Scholar Distinguished Teacher in 1997 and Michigan School Vocal Music Association Teacher of the Year in 2007. He was elected by his colleagues as a State Honors Choir Director in 1995 and 2009.
Choirs under Ingram’s direction have appeared throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, including New York’s Carnegie Hall. In 2006, the Huron A Cappella Choir placed first in their category at the International Choral Competition in Verona, Italy. The Huron A Cappella Choir was awarded a second prize in the High School Division of the 2011 American Prize Competition. Since 1994, Huron choirs under his direction have appeared 10 times at state choral music conferences, as well as seven international tours. Under his leadership, the Huron High School Music Department has received a Grammy award five times for excellence in music education (2000, 2001, 2003 Grammy Gold Award, 2005, 2006).
Ingram lives in Ann Arbor, with his wife, Susan Froelich. His adult children include Benjamin, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife Kendra; and Leah Love, who lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, Pat, and their two sons, Trevor and Ryan.
What inspired you to become a teacher? I was part of an active church music program at Zion Lutheran in Ann Arbor. The music director, Donald Williams was one of my first musical mentors. In college, he allowed me to assist with all of the choirs in his “cradle to grave” choir program. This experience helped me realize that choral music was my passion. Once I started college, I was inspired by my choral and voice teachers to make music my life’s work.
What has surprised you most about the profession? The most important lesson that I have learned is that you should never give up on a student. No matter how much they may try to convince you that they will never succeed, sometimes, they finally mature, and come back to you many years later and actually thank you for your influence on their lives. You don’t know it at the time, but if you keep trying to stay positive, it might eventually help them to get on the right track.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about teaching? About learning? The most important thing that we can teach our students is a love of learning. I am passionate about continually learning new things. Sometimes it applies directly to conducting or musical things, other times it has to do with history, another of my interests.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching? My favorite part of teaching is the learning process. If you set it up right, the students can discover something new, and when they do, they are joyful. That is the big payoff in teaching.
You’ve been around the world with your students. What have been the highlights? I have loved guiding our students in international cultural experiences that will change their lives and outlook on the world. I will never forget the thrill of singing in a beautiful Gothic Cathedral, as we did in Prague last year. We worked hard all year to be prepared for the trip. I told them what the experience would be like. Then, finally they got to experience those acoustics, and their souls were touched. We always plan an event to meet teenagers from wherever we travel. Our students will never forget those experiences. My favorite cities have been Prague, Verona, and Salzburg.
What was your own experience like in high school music class? I sang in a wonderful choral program at Pioneer under the direction of Ruth Datz and Robert Pratt, who later became mentors and friends.
What do your musical talents include, and what is your favorite instrument? Besides singing and conducting, I sort of play the piano and guitar. Singing is my favorite instrument. As a conductor, I get to sing and play all of the voices and instruments.
What are your top five albums? Wow, that is a hard question. In classical music: “Our American Journey”—Chanticleer; “The Holy Sonnets of John Donne” by Benjamin Britten sung by Peter Pears; “Brahms Violin Concerto”—Isaac Stern. In pop music and jazz, The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” “Peter, Paul & Mary in Concert” and Miles Davis’ “Porgy & Bess”.
Describe an average workday. I arrive at Huron at 7 a.m. The earliest that I go home might be around 5:30. Many nights I come back for meetings, rehearsals or concerts. During our musicals, 15 hour days are common-place.
What do you wish everyone realized about the work of a teacher? Our jobs do not stop at 2:39 pm. We are constantly reworking our plans and making new ones to reach every student. It is a relentless pace that we keep. I feel lucky that I work in a subject area where I get to know students over their four years in high school. I get to know their families. I get invited to their weddings. They sing in my community chorus as adults.
wow rick ~this is really wonderful! you are an awesome teacher, a most accomplished musician and a spectacular human being. i’m proud to call you friend for all these years! cheers!
Dr. Ingram changed my sons life, literally, I can never thank him enough. While Galen was in Dr. Ingram’s choir it never ceased to amaze me that we, the audience, were listening to world class music in an auditorium in Ann Arbor at no cost! They went to Prague and a special trip to Slovakia to visit the US Ambassador – the whole choir was amazing as was his direction and special way of teaching them music and respect for him and one another.
Thank you!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Ingram. He has had amazing impact on the lives of my children over the past ten years. All five of my children have been privileged to be his students. He has fostered in them a love of music, as well as a desire to strive to reach their full potential as contributing members of society. The choir room has been their home and their sanctuary while at Huron. As a parent volunteer in the music program, I have had the privilege of working side by side with him, and I consider every interaction with him to be a learning experience. I have learned much from his example about how to be a thoughtful, focused, and driven leader. My family and I are forever grateful for his guidance and influence. Thank you, Rick!
Choir was the most refreshing and invigorating part of my day for the four privileged years I spent singing with Doc. I look back on that time warmly, and it gives me courage. I’m so grateful for this man and his kind, tenacious dedication.
What a wonderful write up, Rick! You have improved the lives of hundreds of students over the years. It was fun to be a part of your experience at Zion.
All the best to you,
Lois J.
Hey, Doc — !
Congrats on this fine piece. You’re still The Best!!
— Stan
Doc Ingram was probably the best teacher I had when I went to Huron. If I could encapsulate his demeanor, I would use the word Tenacious. He literally would not let us be poor musicians, he would have us go over the same line until it was flawless. Not because he had some kind of prideful notion of his teaching, but because he could see our potential and fought to see it realized.
Thanks, Doc!
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ingram at Huron High School for the past 17 years. He is the perfect example of a very devoted and talented Huron High School Music Teacher and Music Department Head.
He is a true professional and respected highly by all.
Thanks, Rick!
Rick it was so delightful reading about you and your passion for teaching and music. I remember teaching with you and working around the sets as the Huron students prepared for their outstanding musicals. My favorite production that the music department put on, was the 2006 production of “Singing in the Rain”, it was mind boggling; with the actual rain on the stage. My other favorite pastime, is every Huron graduation is always a musical prelude as the students play such wonderful music for graduating seniors and retirees. You are a very inspirational teacher Rick and it is good to know you are still making such a great impact on students. Congratulations. Lauretta Flowers
Dr. Ingram brought out the very best character and talent in both of our children who were so lucky to have him as their teacher while at Huron. He uplifted their spirits and confidence, and he encouraged them to always do their best and believe in themselves and their own gifts. A man of dignity, humility, talent, compassion & humor. Thanks, Rick! – Phyllis & Rich