Remembering Walter Liebling: Our Melody of Gratitude

Mr. Liebling, who taught Spanish literature, German, and Music at Lincoln for 34 years, passed away on August 15, 2023. Former students and staff members share their fond memories of a dear member of the community. 

“I remember him as a gentle soul.” That’s what Mary Ann Buckley, Class of 1967, highlighted of Mr. Walter Liebling: a Lincoln alumni, a beloved teacher, and an amazing musician who passed away on August 15, 2023. Before teaching Spanish literature, giving German lessons, and being the Music Director of our school from 1964 to 2001, he was a student at the American Grammar and High School, the founding institution of Lincoln's origins as we know it today.

Mr. Walter Liebling is now part of Lincoln’s history, not only as a former student or as the author of the lyrics and music of the Lincoln anthem for Band and Choir but also as an inspiration for many generations of Lincoln learners. From Korea, alum J. C. (Joo Chan) Park, Class of 1999, reflected on his time as a student with the Grande Liebling: “Thank you for giving me one of the best moments of life. It was more than just learning music, it always remains one of the most precious memories in Argentina.”

Gonzalo Vidal, Class of 1995, also remembered Mr. Liebling with gratitude: “Thank you again for your unending patience, good humor, elegant sarcasm, and perseverance during those four years I was able to share with you.” Jennifer Thompson, Class of 1996, recalled the trips and friendships while being in Mr. Liebling’s Band:

Mr. Liebling, you are such a huge part of so many of my amazing memories from Lincoln. You provided so many opportunities for us to explore Argentina, develop memories with our peers, and develop a passion and appreciation for music - regardless of our instrument or background. Many of my closest and dearest friends from Lincoln are those from my time in Band. You are a hero and your legacy will remain with me for the rest of my life. 
 

Besides teaching language, music, and literature, Mr. Liebling always supported our learners in their personal growth. Carmen Spangaro, Class of 1997, recalled the life-changing lessons of Mr. Liebling:

You pushed me to play the piano for my 8th-grade graduation. At the time, this was a big deal for me, performing in front of a large number of people, including my classmates, with my limited musical skills - this was BIG. You adapted the music to my abilities and did not let me off the hook for performing that day. You believed in me and knew how important this was for me: to take a lead part in an event. Bottom line, this day marked a great part of who I am today.
 

Mr. Liebling taught many values along the way. For Valerie Martin, Class of 1995, bravery was one of them: “You were the first person to give me a voice, singing German folks songs with you and then having the chance to sing a solo on stage in front of a big audience.” she adds: “Now I have a better understanding of the great gift you had of creating beauty out of chaos.”

From The Netherlands, Natasha, Class of 1994, shared her appreciation to our beloved teacher: “The band trip and the friendships formed with my bandmates, was a highlight of my Lincoln experience. Thank you, Mr. Liebling.” Dra. Doris Quiroga, Class of 1995, also looked back on her academic growth thanks to the guidance of her Spanish and Band teacher: 

Una vez en clase nos explicabas que es casi imposible sentirse viejo....que uno crece pero siempre se siente joven... Estoy muy agradecida por tantos años de lindos recuerdos, viajes, horas de banda y las mejores charlas de Borges. Junto con mis grandes maestros de vida del Lincoln hicieron que nuestros días valgan la pena. Esos momentos nos hacen brillar por nuestros valores y amor compartidos por Uds. Yo los recuerdo como grandes niños, nunca perdieron la sorpresa, la curiosidad.
 

As a school and a community of learners, Mr. Liebling will always stay in our memories and our legacy. As Ximena Vidal, Class of 1996, put it: “You will always be one of the pillars of Lincoln, y me siento muy afortunada de haberte tenido como profesor de banda.” Betsy Divers, Class of '90, described Mr. Liebling as we all remember him: “You are the ultimate "Renaissance Man", a beloved teacher, and friend. ¡Por siempre en mi corazón, querido Liebling!”

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO SHARE MORE MEMORIES OF MR. LIEBLING WITH THE COMMUNITY!