A long-time Hillsborough County music teacher is wrapping his career on a high note.
- Kevin Fuller, Mann Middle School music director, retiring after more than 35 years
- Special concert held for him
Mann Middle School music director Kevin Fuller is retiring after more than 35 years with the school system.
A special final concert took place Tuesday night, dubbed "Fuller's Final Opus."
Hundreds of current and former students, fellow teachers, parents and family members packed the auditorium at BayLife Church in Brandon to honor Fuller and his career.
Students said he was the kind of teacher who would stay late to help them repair an instrument or to print off sheet music for them.
They said he loves music and that love was contagious.
Josh Weishaar said Fuller even inspired him to become a teacher.
"Yes, actually he's basically everything I want to be as a teacher. His relationship that he builds with the students is unlike anything else I've ever seen," he said.
"People have been telling me that it's very special and not only have I fed into them, but they've fed into me and I'm a better person for it," said Fuller.
At the end of the concert, former students left their seats in the audience and took to the stage with their instruments to play one final number for Fuller.
While he is retiring from teaching, Fuller said he plans to stay involved with music.
He said this will give him more time to play his bassoon at shows and to continue spreading his love for music.