Instilling Music in the Hearts of Children

The youngest of five children, Tracie Swanson was born in Roseburg, Oregon. Unlike her three brothers and one sister, Tracie was "very shy" as a child. Athletics were a major part of the family structure, and Tracie herself played both tennis and softball. Graduating from Roseburg High School, Tracie laughs that she was definitely not one to get into any trouble. Not only playing sports to stay active, she also was in the band and musically inclined. Tracie went on to Umpqua Community College for a year, meeting her husband Larry there. Larry was also from Roseburg, but was a year older. Together they both went on to Nampa, Idaho to attend Northwest Nazarene College. Getting married in 1978, and Larry graduating in 1979, they later moved to Forest Grove, OR. where Tracie earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Pacific University. Even today she is a bit surprised at her choice of major, as she had always "thought" she would eventually become a PE teacher! Why she changed her mind and went with music is because she did not want to travel as a coach once she and Larry started a family together. Music teachers are not known to travel too much! Moving to Hillsboro, Tracie began teaching at Groner Elementary as a K-6 General Music/Beginning Band teacher. Larry and Tracie started their family in 1982 when their son Dean was born. Lindy Rose was born in 1984 and Dallas in 1986. Liesel finished up the family, being born in 1993. During these years, Tracie always worked as a music teacher, juggling both teaching and motherhood. In 1995 the family decided to move to a more "rural" lifestyle and found just that in Halfway, Or. Hillsboro had grown in the 15 years they lived there from 11K- to over 70K people! Halfway was a place they had "found" while on vacation, and fell in love with the rural lifestyle and natural beauty. After six years, the economy "tanked" and so they moved to Sandy, OR. to retain a rural lifestyle. Larry started teaching at Corbett School District and he brought Liesel as a student when she was in the 3rd grade. Tracie started work at Boring Middle School as their band director and after two years, came over to Corbett to join Larry and Liesel. Tracie has been at Corbett ever since, teaching music, band, reading and even math over the years! Tracie has been at Corbett 12 years and she has loved the enormous support and encouragement she has received. She states that "If you can think of it, you can do it!" is how the administration has supported the staff. She once had an idea of having a huge Pioneer Camp out on the football field- and made it happen! All the children and adults spent the night on the field in tents! Last year, Larry and Tracie decided to sell their Sandy home and move to a houseboat on Marine Drive. Being empty nesters, they love to kayak and spend time outdoors together. Recently becoming grandparents for the first time, they also love driving up to Seattle to spend time with Erik. "Life is indeed, good."