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Published: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 04:27 PM

After 18 years, Dove leaving Fort Mill choral program

FORT MILL -- 

Choral Director Michael Dove has played the Fort Mill High School grand piano for the last time.

After teaching chorus and directing the spring and fall musicals for 18 years, Dove will be retiring from teaching at the end of the semester in January.

Dove and Liz Dukes, his choreographer and colleague for 10 years, were proud of their last shows together at Fort Mill High. The fall musical, “Finale D,” was a compilation of songs from several musicals performed during Dove’s time at Fort Mill High, and the Christmas concert on Dec. 6 showcased his final selections as choral director.

“‘Finale D’ was a beautiful way to end my time at Fort Mill High School,” Dove said. “I have been completely overwhelmed by the love and support of the students, parents, alumni, and coworkers. I could not have asked for a better final show here.”

Dukes looks forward to her next project with her friend and colleague. It’s called Dove-Dukes Productions and is intended to give children and young adults an opportunity to perform in musicals and a traveling show choir.

“I feel very honored and privileged to have worked with him for the past 10 years,” Dukes said. “He has been a wonderful mentor and friend and I look forward to our next endeavor, Dove-Dukes Productions.”

Dove’s students showcased a variety of emotions at the end of their last concert with their longtime mentor, but all wanted to wish their teacher the best for his future.

“The Christmas concert was a great show and I’ll miss him so much when he’s gone,” said senior Emma Sheppard, who has been in chorus for four years.