Teachers at Central have proved to be very interesting, yet there are a few teachers who continue to surprise the Central Digest. Mrs. Donna Sellers, Central’s AP biology and anatomy teacher, and Mrs. Peggy Moyer, an algebra and trigonometry teacher, recently shared with the Digest that they currently play musical instruments here at Central!

Moyer got interested in the flute in 5th grade and began playing the piccolo in her high school years. She has always enjoyed playing with others and is currently a member of the UTC/CADEK Orchestra, as well as the Chattanooga Area Flute Society. In addition to that, she has dedicated herself to playing the past six summers at the Signal Mountain Playhouse, a nonprofit community theater.

“I love hearing how all the parts melt together; sometimes beautiful, sometimes haunting, but it can almost always effect your emotions.” stated Moyer.

Moyer has since joined the orchestra and flute choir so that she can improve on her current skill level and get out of bad technique habits.

“I did not play much through college, getting married, or through family matters, but I had picked it back up again about 20 years ago. Ms. Judy Reich had me play in the church Christmas Cantata and I really had to bust my tail to get my skill level up to where it was needed.” recollected Moyer.

She notes that most techniques are taught much differently than they were 40 years ago, and that she is learning plenty of new stuff still to this day.

“You have probably heard this before,” Moyer says, “But I find the more I learn, the more I have to learn.”

Mrs. Donna Sellers played the bass clarinet in her high school band from 1966 to 1969. Until four years ago, she had not played a clarinet since.

Her high school band director was organizing a new band program at her alma mater, Grundy County High. The band director had wanted to have some alumni members perform with the new band at a half-time football game.

“After the show at Grundy, I was told I could play with a community band that practices here at Central on Monday nights, so I joined the band!” exclaimed Sellers.

Sellers bought her own bass clarinet this summer and she hopes to continue playing for many years after she retires this year. She loves playing the harmony with the clarinets because it has a great low sound and that is what intrigues her. Although the instrument has a large octave range, she likes playing the low notes the most.

“I also like the tuba, tenor saxes or baritones, because they are rather unusual instruments and most people have never heard of them.” stated Sellers.

Sellers enjoys her time playing with bands and being included in concerts for many assisted living places and nursing homes around the town.

“I get to forget about school work and other duties of my life when I play…my couple of hours of thinking about nothing but making pretty harmony and enjoying the musical talents of my fellow band members. It is also a great hobby for older folks as it helps with lung function and brain sharpness!” remembered Sellers.

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