The excellence of SISD Fine Arts can trace its origin to this year’s Sunnyvale Alumni Association’s Legacy Award recipient, Mrs. Julie Boltz.
The beloved Sunnyvale ISD music and choir teacher, who created a culture of musical appreciation and performance at SISD during the 1980s and 90s, set the foundation of what Sunnyvale fine arts is today.
Mrs. Boltz will be honored at half-time of the SISD homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 22. The Legacy Award was designed by the Alumni Association as a way to honor members of the SISD faculty and staff who played a significant role in their education.
“Mrs. Boltz is responsible for some of the best memories of my elementary years,” Sunnyvale Alumni Association President Codie Stidham Lunt (SJH ‘96) said. The Christmas and Spring programs always packed the gyms and singing carols at the mall was a hit! Talent shows, music game day and learning to read music made her and her class very special to me. Mrs. Boltz taught kindergarten through 8th grade every aspect of music; reading and writing music, voice lessons, keeping the tempo and even dancing. If it weren’t for her, hundreds of Raiders wouldn’t know the importance of and have an appreciation for music. She made a huge impact on our school and town. ”
Mrs. Boltz (then Julie Polk) began working for Sunnyvale ISD in 1983. Prior to then, she taught private piano and voice to students from Mesquite and Sunnyvale ISD’s. Before moving to Texas, she taught at schools in Missouri.
“Superintendent Gwinn Blankenship asked me to establish and develop a music program for the nine grade levels at Sunnyvale School,” Mrs. Boltz said. “Since there wasn’t a room available for a music class at that time, he made it work by finding available spaces around the school. An additional building was added to the campus soon and I was able to have my own classroom.” With the support of the administration, faculty and community, Mrs. Boltz began building her program. In no time, students began performing in annual Christmas and spring programs and learning critical music education skills as well as confidence in presentations.
The programs — which always drew packed crowds — were always community projects, with parents and local businesses donating time, funds and talents to ensure they were successful.
“Each year, the students were more comfortable and confident being in front of the packed venues and the enjoyment of both the performers and the audiences were amazing!” Julie said. “The productions were group efforts that included parents and faculty creating sets, costumes and props. The students were often accompanied by Mesquite ISD musicians. It was a community affair and a great example of what Sunnyvale was about! And now look at its success!”
Her students not only gained confidence as performers, but became skilled audience members. Mrs. Boltz created an environment of culture and music appreciation by providing Sunnyvale students with an introduction to the Dallas-area fine arts scene with annual visits to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
“To foster interest in the arts offered in the Dallas area, a trip to the Meyerson for the Dallas Symphony’s Children’s Concert became an annual affair,” Mrs. Boltz said. “We spent weeks studying the orchestra, the music, and audience etiquette and behavior expected at the concert. Each year it was a highly anticipated day for everyone and memorable for our excited children. Following the performances, we would receive a letter from the Symphony, commending the Sunnyvale students for their exemplary audience behavior, another reason to be proud of them!”
Mrs. Boltz also created the Junior High Choir, which met after school and performed at the annual programs and at other venues. Annually, the group made Christmas caroling trips around Sunnyvale via hayride with plenty of hot chocolate.
“A large number of students participated, and we had great times singing in the community, for assemblies, and school concerts,” Mrs. Boltz said. “They were so musical and such a joy to teach, even if some of our choir outfits were “unusual”. I was always delighted to see them continue in the arts when they went on to local high schools.”
However, Mrs. Boltz wanted so much more than excellent performances and audience participation for her students. Her goal was simple:
“My passion for children—to not only know about music, but to love it and find joy in it—helped me introduce all ages to an exciting world of the arts,” Mrs. Boltz said. “They absorbed it all – to sing, dance, act, perform, and not only read music but to write it! And since I taught them each year, many of them became my lasting friends who remain today. Sunnyvale was a small school then, but not in quality nor in expectations, thanks to a great Superintendent, School Board and Faculty. It was just the seed of a music program that now excels in every area. I am proud to say I had a part in its development and its star power!”
Mrs. Boltz lives in Austin with her husband, Nick (retired Director of Fine Arts for Round Rock ISD). She and Nick are the Music Directors at Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin, where she directs several children and youth choirs, ages 3-18. Mr. and Mrs. Boltz are clinicians for middle and high school choirs in the Round Rock, Leander, and Austin school districts. The Boltzes have five children, 15 grandchildren and one very indulged cat, named Annie.
DID YOU KNOW…
Many people think that Mrs. Boltz wrote the Sunnyvale ISD school song, “Sunnyvale Our Sunnyvale.” However, the song was already written when she arrived at SISD. There was no full copy of the song available, so she wrote an arrangement, which is the version now sung at all games and pep rallies.
Mrs. Boltz did, however, write the school songs for Poteet High School and Kimbrough Middle School when each school opened.
MEMORIES FROM SUNNYVALE ALUMNI
"It's not so much a memory, it's more the essence of who she is. She was completely unaware of the ripple effect that she would have in so many of our lives. She allowed us to be ourselves. She encourage us to explore and do things that we had never done and she did it in such a way that we all loved doing it and in doing that, she created such a space of safety and love and encouragement. And with that, she created a ripple effect that is continuing to change lives."
From Jon George (SJH '87), The Human Hitmaker - professional musician, branding expert and speaker
"I can sing every Christmas carol because of Julie Boltz. And I know how to sing them correctly. I also know the words to many, many songs from Broadway musicals because of her. Because of Julie, I understand the history of music and who major composers are and wha their achievements were. But mostly, I learned to love to sing and perform with my friends and take risks that I would not have necessarily taken. She is inspirational on so many, many levels - not just as an educator."
Emily Tidwell White (SJH '89)
"My favorite memory of Julie also happens to be one of my first memories of her. When she took over the music program at Sunnyvale, at our first Christmas program, she gave me a solo of the song, "Sweet Little Jesus Boy. " I was in the fourth grade, and had never sung a solo before , much less one entire song as a solo! But for some reason, Julie saw something in me and tapped into it. She really did that for all of us. Julie believed in me, from the very beginning and that is what has stayed with me all these years."
Robin Johnson McCartney (SJH '87)
Share your favorite memory your time with Mrs. Boltz!