testimonials/Messages from students/parents

"I have had a lot of fun being your student over the past two years. You've been a great teacher to me, and I appreciate everything you have done. I remember you mentioned to me about how much you care about your students, and I can truly tell. You do so much and put so many hours into your work, yet you are still able to do everything so well. I thoroughly enjoyed all of our time together and I think you're one of the teachers that I'll actually remember and miss for the rest of my life"

"You have inspired me to keep pushing myself to be a better musician and created an environment that allowed me to learn like never before. This inspiration and motivation will help me throughout my journey of music in the future. I realized how beautiful music was through you, and it allowed me to create goals and a dream that I am willing to pursue. I wanted to thank you for supporting me these past two years, especially this year, by coming to and being interested in my performances, recitals, and competitions. I am so glad that you were able to witness my first performance with an orchestra. Knowing you would be there was always a great motivation to play my best in these performances. The best part about high school so far was learning and creating music with you."

"I can't believe that it has been three years since we met. Thank you so much for being a musical inspiration for me the past 3 years. Since we first met, I knew that you were going to make a massive impact on my life. The growth that I have made in the past years would not have been possible without your guidance. I have the utmost amount of respect for you not only as a conductor and teacher, but also as a person. You always asked me how I was doing and little things like that meant so much to me."

"When I first met you freshman year, I remember being scared of you because of your position in the music wing, but I quickly found you to be my favorite teacher at the school. You are so kind and supportive. As happy as I am that you're going to be in Florida next year, I can't help but feel sad that you won't be here. You have been such an inspiration to me, and I hope I'll be able to see you again sometime in the future!"

"Just a quick note to say thank you for all you've done for the music program and our students. I will miss your knowledge, your organization, and your presence in the music wing. Most importantly, thank you for positively impacting countless students' lives and their love of music. You're dedication to your students is so admirable...the passion and love for music is contagious. I don't really picture you being able to sit still in retirement, but I know you'll do whatever is next with gusto!"

"It has been truly fantastic working with you for the last three years! I'm always struck by how much you care about your students and the music. You're one of the most patient people I've ever met, but you're always able to push us to be better and better at making music together. You're always careful to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome in orchestra, and it really shows in how much we all love you. Good luck in Florida, you will definitely be missed."

"Lessons aren’t just planned by the day, but over the course of extended intervals. The place he takes in every community he is a part of is vastly interconnected, but yet he manages to have a personal connection with every student, even those who don’t fit the “model student” category."

"I can't express enough how much of an impact you have made on my life. You have helped me to come out of my shell and find a voice for myself, and for that I can't thank you enough. You have been there for so many performances and I've felt so much endless support from you."

"Thank you for being one of my favorite teachers across all my schooling career. You're the reason I stuck w/viola when I really wanted to quit back in freshman year. It was the best decision I made to continue playing. You've had a huge impact on my life and I'll remember you forever."

"Mr. Mendez has been the director of the orchestra I am currently in. Although I've only been a student of Mr. Mendez for two years, I've learned a great deal from him musically and personally. He taught me to love music in a way I've never been able to see before; he taught me that music has the power to move the audience and the player emotionally. One of the most notable teachings I've taken away from Mr. Mendez was his constant message to students to think of something other than the notes while playing music. Whether it's imagining a story, emotion, or different colors while playing, another teaching passed down by Mr. Mendez is that the instrument is a part of the player and an internal bridge between the performer and the audience. This lesson made me sense that music is an essential part of my life, and the leading guide that helped me realize that was Mr. Mendez. 

As a teacher, Mr. Mendez forms close relationships and bonds with every student. This can be a form of him asking about how someone's day went or talking about a sport the student is included in, but most importantly, he is always there to listen, no matter what the topic is, whether it’s music or not. This comforts the students by constantly letting them know someone will always be there for them. Overall, Mr. Mendez profoundly influenced my life by guiding me through my musical journey and inspiring countless others to persist and strive, regardless of their circumstances."

"This is the end of the year, the beginning of summer, and I suppose it might feel like you are about to enter a perpetual summer, with it being Florida and whatnot. I wish we had more time...is it weird that I worry most about the climate in Florida being too hot, but then I also secretly hope (not so secretly) that you'll decide to move back because of it? Thank you for raising me up, Mr. Mendez."

"Thank you for being the only teacher that I had all four years of high school. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to consistently have. I absolutely loved the people and the environment in the F-M orchestra...ambitious, yes, but kind, encouraging, and fun. To me, this environment is the 'trail' that you left behind and I am so grateful to have travelled on it. Thank you for this, Mr. Mendez. To me, you were able to create this because of your love and passion for each one of your students. You truly care, and we can tell. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher, mentor, and trusted adult. I wish you best in your retirement, enjoy the Florida sun! I hope that we will be able to keep in touch.