Chuck Arnold, we owe you SO much! A world of music without Billy Joel’s songs? Too awful to think about. An inspirational teacher changes hearts, lives and history.
Thanks. I'm a Louisiana educator going on my fourth decade in education. The job is getting significantly tougher, and other educators are leaving in droves.
One of my sisters is a retired teacher in the public school system, and even though the PS system may not have appreciated her so much, her students love her. She still teaches ESL part time, because she just LOVES teaching. I wasn't a great student in school, but I can name a few teachers who had a major impact in me as a kid.
How great it must be for Mr. Joel to recognize an influential teacher in his life while said teacher is still living. I have had many I wished I could have been able to tell this to, but woefully, they are gone.
I so agree with you…I had a music teacher during my very early years in school and one in my Junior high years that were very influential in my career as a musician and teacher
I had the privilege of sitting in the audience for this. This entire video was produced by Hicksville HS students in the auditorium now named for Chuck Arnold. It is a world class space that continues the legacy of teaching the arts. A fitting tribute for a great educator.
I’m sure Mr. Arnold has been retired for a long time. What a treasure he was to these kids. I’m very happy he was alive to enjoy the honor of having the auditorium named for him and to hear his well earned tributes.
Thank you Daniel . Worthy of a full house.Why so many empty seats? More available seats in that HHS auditorium than at a sold out Billy Joel show at The Garden!
Wonderful story and man. How old is Mr. Arnold? He must have been a very young music teacher in 1965. My goodness, Billy Joel must be 73 based on his HS graduation.
I just sent this video to my son who has a music teacher much like Chuck Arnold. We should all be so fortunate to know someone who inspires our dreams.
In 1963, my high school Music Appreciation teacher at William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx wrote his own lyrics to the choral part of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. And although he only recited it once in front of the class, I remember all of it to this very day: "Gather round and join the chorus, sing the brotherhood of man. Proclaim the truth that all are equal children of the almighty one. We will understand each other when all nations join as one. Brothers all in human nature, love alone can make us one." Mr. McCormick clearly lived by those words. I'm 74, and Mr. McCormick is the only high school teacher whose name I remember.
This means everything to teacher when any student comes back and shows what influence they had on them. I wish people would say thank you more to those who changed a life influenced and mentored.
Add these to your short list. Elton John, Alfred Brendel, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Jon Baptiste, Lang Lang, Martha Argerich.
With all his ups'n'downs through life.. and his great success, of course.. the more I explore who Billy Joel IS, the more impressed I am with the man. Above everything else, he's just a brilliant bloke, with a wonderful heart... and he's given the world a lot through his music... and continues to do so. Even more kudos to his teacher who recognized where his strengths were.. and encouraged him to pursue his true calling. Let's hope we have more people like these two men.
I've had two teachers like this. I never got a chance to tell them how much they impacted my life. I think the good ones are rare. And thank God for them.
My wonderful teacher, Mr. Provado, gathered a bunch of students who were not doing well in school. He said that we would be part of an experiment. He took us bowling and noticed we had trouble keeping score because we hardly new addition. He said that he would stay after school and teach us algebra for a few months with no pay. He said that he would teach one class on quadratic equations and if we passed we could take his deal. I went and was shocked that I passed the test. I only cared about two classes. English and Algebra. We all passed the Regents exam. It was exactly like Stand And Deliver. I did go back to visit him while teaching a class. I explained to the class the story and how it led me to becoming an engineer with a BSEET degree and a great profession. The students were just like I was thinking it was all BS when I was their age. Mr. Provado told me it was a one time experiment to find out if the school gave up on bright students. He wished he could have done this every year but it was too much for anyone to teach a whole class without pay. I kept in touch but he has since passed away. I want to do this in return.
Coming from the Isle of Man in the U.K. . And being a Billy Joel fan…..it’s always been a struggle to find the time and money to go and see him…..finally got the chance in June 2019 at Wembley……that concert will stick with me forever, 👍🇮🇲
Some music teachers inspire! This is one of them! Look at Where Mr. Billy Joel is today, by the encouragment of this teacher. "Music picked me"...that's what Billy Joel said, but that teacher saw potential in Billy and spoke words to him that he never forgot...the rest is history!!! Love this tribute!!👏
Billy Joel is a terrific story teller. I only clicked on the link because I wanted to hear him talk, and it turned out to be a great story. If he hadn't become a musician/singer, Billy Joey might have a great career as a comedian, as he's quite funny.
You may be right, you may be crazy Billy. Every time I hear your music play, I just want to get up and dance. Congratulations on your fantastic career. Thank goodness your teach Chuck Arnold said those magic words to you. Acceptance and guidance from wonderful teacher is a powerful thing.
I love this!! It’s always gives me great inspiration when artists like Billy relate their experiences with reflections about his HS music teacher. I’m so grateful to my HS music teacher, Margaret Falk, at Oxley HS back in the mid 70’s for having faith in me and inspiring me to be who I am today!! She was a beautiful soul, patient, gifted and a great teacher! She will always be in my heart! ❤️💙🎶🎶
Very cool. My senior year I had almost all music classes. Sometimes I would skip out of PE to go into the band room and play the drums. One morning I got a call from the music teacher, Mr. Van Gaskin, who said he was sick that day and had arranged for me to be excused from my only other two classes. Instead of getting a substitute teacher, he had me direct the bands all day. The best seat in the house!
I've always had a deep place in my heart for the great teachers out there. I remember all mine, even the ones who weren't good, but most cared, which made me care. Many were great human beings, which is all that matters.
I've been a head banger all my life. My friends used to trip when I'd go from the Scorpions to Billy Joel and start wailing Uptown Girl, hehe. Thank you Chuck for seeing the talent and love of music in this man we now cherish. And thank you Billy for being you and doing what you do. And sharing these moments when an amazing music teacher whom saw the talent in a young man. And encouraged his love for the piano. That has become a part of so many of our lives.
TO my Jr HS Music teacher Gary Friedman You have no idea bu music changed my life and I have been a sound engineer for several bands over the years THANK YOU you were one of the best influences in my life! And thank you Billy Joel for being the best at everything, this video just made me put you even higher on the pedal stool of life.
Billy is the real deal,.....just a guy who has talent,...made it big,... no ego, ....just a true new yorker, ....loves motorcycles, women, music.... always gives great interviews, i think he did for his music teacher out of pure respect and love. and we LOVE you Billy ! ( thanx for sharing this with us Brian Fiore )
Billy Joel's Piano Man album was a good seller, but- when we all fell in love-- was The Stranger. What a mix of musical genre! We were 17, Catholic but Public HS girls and boys, he was the bad boy, the good guy, the lover, the comedian, the storyteller about our young aunts and uncles. And what a friggin' show. 4 pianos, all over the stage to play to everyone in The Garden. Never stopped moving. When Richie Canatta came out with the accordion to do Vienna we cried real tears as we knew what was going to happen our lives in the next year. Me, the one whose parents let her stay overnight on 34th & 9th working for Louie the Scalper and got tix for every show. (And was on time for HomeRoom in JC)I love my KISS, Zepp, Aerosmith, etc but this guy has no match whatsoever in my heart. Well, Bowie, maybe...
@@averyjoycelynbarakudablock4139 I'm regarding the time. His first two brilliant albums very underappreciated. Do you know about them? Piano Man got him his first hit, and extended his interest to the company, where I feel he made his seminal album, The Stranger. To get 20K people to sing to Vienna, an accordion song (of course Piano Man was an encore) was one of.. well, you'll never know and I'm so sorry! Sister, I wish you were there, next to us.
Music has given a lot of us out in this world a safe space to be ourselves. It just takes one person to believe in you at the right moment and it can change your life forever. I’m glad Bill had that person back then in Mr Arnold, and I’m glad they’re still so close. Two wonderful guys with good hearts. ❤
More proof that our American Mozart- Billy Joel, is a great man. Generously given talent by God, and passing on that generosity to so many. He is talented, grateful, and kind!
I didn't know much about this before I watched it. For some reason, I just assumed that Mr. Arnold was not present. To see him hugging Billy at the end was amazing. As a musician myself, I want to just point out that people who go into pop/rock careers sometimes don't jive with their high school music teacher (if they even had a music class) and seem to have some nasty story to tell along the lines of hating the music they were forced to play. This is quite a testament this Mr. Arnold and makes me respect Billy even more. ( We all know his deep appreciation of the arts!) Class act!!
Mr. Arnold was my Chorus Teacher back in 1981. He told us all about Billy Joel being his student. I was up on that stage behind Billy many times for Chorus & for several of the school plays. Mr. Arnold was a great teacher!😊
How important is it to have a teacher who can see your inner talent and push you in that direction...... I had a 6th grade teacher who pushed me into the arts.... I am a retired licensed architect who had a wonderful career creating buildings and interior's.....for the past 45 years thanks to Mrs Jensen....my sixth grade teacher.....at PS176 in Brooklyn, NY
This is what get when you combine a teacher who really wants and loves to teach and a student who really wants to learn (what he/she *wants* to learn). Magic happens.
When Billy mentioned that NO ONE encouraged him to be a musician except for Chuck, I know how that feels because the exact same thing happened to me. From all directions. What that did for me, I believe, is that it taught me how to 'not follow my heart' (which is also known as 'following what you love'.....). Now that I'm a fully grown adult, and approaching my 60's, guess what I taught my young son to always do? (he's grown up now) Yep, follow his heart, and follow what he loves.....
I think it was common with the generation before us (I'm 59). You got a job and you were just supposed to be glad you had it so you could pay your bills. You weren't supposed to be happy doing it. I don't think I ever even had a thought about what I really wanted to do. I spent 25 years doing jobs I hated because that crap was imprinted on me from my family...be glad you have a job. One day I just said enough of this, life is too short and began the scary quest of working for myself. Never looked back. Good on you for teaching your son to follow his passion and do what he loves so he will feel fulfilled, energized and love going to work each day. I did the same with my kids. It's just one unnecessary life lesson they don't need to waste tons of valuable time to learn firsthand.
Billy is a smart guy , he likes to self deprecate which is all to the good , but he is very intelligent , listen to fast the words fall and listen to his diction , a lot of gravitas in his voice
On the chance it was a genuine question: gravitas /ˈɡravɪtas,ˈɡravɪtɑːs/ Learn to pronounce noun dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner. "a post for which he has the expertise and the gravitas" You're watching this on you tube, google is available, it's worth using.
Like Billy, I had a teacher do pretty much the same thing for me. I signed up for guitar lessons when I pre-enrolled for high school, but they nixed them because the guy who was supposed to teach backed out. The school put me in band class instead, so long story short Mr Rose heard my story, and let me study guitar, instead of playing a regular band instrument. I will forever be grateful to Mr Rose for being cool enough to understanding my desire to play guitar, and allowing me to pursue that. ❤
I went to Hicksville High School and had Chuck Arnold, Mr. Arnold for Chorus and also for Music 🎶 theory class for two years in a row. I have also met Billy Joel many times and talked with him although I’m sure he wouldn’t remember because he has met so many people in his life. It is nice that the High School is dedicating the new auditorium to Chuck Arnold now and that Billy Joel showed up this year for the occasion. I also noticed his weight loss. All Hicksville people were invited to this occasion.
Great speech. We all had teachers such as Mr. Arnold, but unfortunately today, administrators and school boards seem not to care about the impacts teachers have on the students. They are clueless.
Unfortunately The systems created to improve education don’t leave enough room for teachers to share their love and passion for learning . Lots of time for standardized tests and money to changing hands…
As a teacher of many decades, I loved just closing the classroom door and getting down to business. The educational politics were so stressful that they added an unnecessary dimension. Then, we managed to get an anti-education governor who never graduated from college. Our state’s excellent educational system may take decades to reach its very top ranking.
Nice speech and tribute to a good man. People can have huge impacts on the direction of our lives. This speech reminded me of my days hanging around the piano in the music room- when it was dark and no one was supposed to be in there! It was always a thrill when I tried that big, heavy wooded door, and it was open (as was often the case!) Music was easily my best friend in H.S. "Music Picked Me." I feel that way too. It's a privilege to play. That is why I dislike arrogant musicians. They don't get it. Music is a gift. I am fortunate that music has picked me to be a mere representative of it's incredible beauty. In striving to master this craft, you pay respect to it. SRV said his guitar was his first wife- he was being serious. I get it.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing teacher. My son moved to NYC after graduating college 4 years ago and was living in Chelsea until the rent became insanely high. He just moved to Fort George Manhattan two weeks ago and was so thrilled that he discovered Fort Tryon Park and the Met Cloisters are within walking distance from where he lives. He and some friends went there last weekend and he said the same thing Billy said, it looks like a European town, and is very beautiful with views of the Hudson River.
My first guitar teacher was a guy I took a couple lessons from. Although he was essentially blind he was a very good guitarist. Unfortunately he didn't inspire me and I gave up on guitar. Then a high school friend talked me into taking a guitar class our senior year. That teacher didn't play guitar nearly as well as the lessons guy, but he inspired and motivated me to want to learn to play the guitar. That was over 40 years ago and I still play. Although he died many years ago, I did run into him some years after graduating. Regretfully I never told him the impact he had on my life.
I remember Billy Joel at Hicksville High School. I was walking down a stairway and heard a commotion coming down the hall. I stopped at the bottom of the steps to see what was going on. It was Billy Joel with a couple of his buddies. We locked eyes for a minute. 😂❤
I kept thinking of how much Billy Joel looks like the character "Mike" played by the actor Mike Ehrmantraut in the series "Better Call Saul". Thank you Billy, you have brought a tear to an old music lovers eye. You are a real class act.
I can't believe that the audience is packed for this!!! ..The Long Island high school (Longwood) teacher who significantly altered my life (in a good way) was named, "Chuck Anderson"
Shout-out to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky whose piano concerto Mr. Joel misquotes in grand style as he tell the story of how he and Mr. Arnold first met. I'm pretty sure Mr. Joel would have gone on to become a music legend no matter who his high school music teacher was, but it's interesting hearing him lend his voice to the many anonymous fellow students whose understanding of how music works and its place in history were also impacted along with him, by Mr. Arnold's presence in their lives.
Whether telling a story in his songs, or speaking from a podium, a great storyteller. That was so excellent that his teacher saw his talent and said he should be a professional musician. I, on the other hand, wanted so bad to be like Al Hirt and Herb Alpert, both trumpet players, that I joined band in 5th grade. It was kind of a funny that they brought you into the music room to have you try all the instruments to see if you might have a natural talent, or maybe easiness, with any of the instruments. I tried them all and you could see they were unimpressed, so they, by default, let me play the coronet (like the trumpet). So, between having zero natural talent (nobody in our entire extended family ever played an instrument), no ear for the notes, undiagnosed ADD, and parents who didn't really GAF, I was awful. I just couldn't get it, I wanted to badly, but I was lost. When our first concert came up, the head teacher came up and told me "Whatever you do, DO NOT blow in that thing, fake like you're playing". Shortly after, he told me I "should just give it up and maybe play sports or something"... I still, to this day, have never blamed him..I just didn't get it...I can't see holding up the class for 1 person who may never get it. The bottom line is that he saw I agreed with him. I would like to say, and actually feel, that if I got emotional at all when he told me to quit, he would have taken extra time, maybe after school or whatever, to help me out. I just didn't appear to want it bad enough. I did, but I was kind of beaten down by frustration. I still love music. The most interesting fact about music is, after all the years I have lived, I have NEVER met anyone who didn't like music. Some like it more than others, but I never met one person who didn't like music. I bet Putin listens to music, and one day he may hear a song that moves him to become a different person. I believe it has that kind of power and possibilities.
If you still want to learn a instrument, well, there is still time. I am not saying for you to do it but just point s fact. You are older now, more mature, you know if you have only 15 minutes a day to practise it is mostly likely you will not waste time and you will enjoy the process. I have met two people who hate music and one of them is my best friend. I am a musician started working when I was 16 and I am 39 years old now, I have seen manu people picking up an instrument later in their lives. All the best!
Thanks for sharing this... Billy Joel has always (corrected typo) been one of my favorite musicians because what he and his music has meant to me growing up and over the years... so inspiring! Love the guy and what a great story! 😎🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹
I too was a student of Chuck Arnold and Mr. Apt and Mr. Budice also music teachers at Hicksville High ...The Hicksville School District gave me the gift of music, three years of piano in Jr. Highschool - and bass in Orchestra and Jazz Band in High School .. Do i remember the names of my other teachers? Sort of, but I remember every one of those teachers who gave me a gift I still use every day. I graduated a couple of years after Billy and still remember Mr. Arnold introducing the band Billy was in, The Hassles when they played an after school show for us kids.
Back in the day when music was still a big part of public education. My chorus teacher introduced the class to Bach, the blues, and some of the best songwriters of the day.
i can relate i played trumpet starting out and..in 10th grade my instrutor mr armstrong ask me to leave class well the sax player a gal named robin was playing the wrong notes on her sax .when she insisted she was reading the muaic right it somehow wasnt working i got up walked over and looked at the sheet it was written in the wrong key and i shared with the teacher but...when he realized i was right he asked me to laeve class i was alowed back in later and he explained to me it was the way i presented my opinoin !! i was lucky to have a great instructor at another high school and mr harris made up sing our parts!! i made the metrnome stand still learned i could sing!!! i swithed tyo guitar and began wrtiting songs and have made a living since age 26 !!and i do piano man its about the best cover i do !!!what a song
Can we just agree that the world owes a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Charles 'Chuck' Arnold?!
Wow. That is so cool. Maybe, without the influence of Chuck Arnold, we wouldn't have the music of Billy Joel. So, thank you, Mister Arnold
Chuck Arnold, we owe you SO much! A world of music without Billy Joel’s songs?
Too awful to think about.
An inspirational teacher changes hearts, lives and history.
To all the teachers, who work so hard, and touch so many lives. True heroes.
Thank you!! I’m a public school teacher in Cleveland. I can’t believe how this video that I edited is blowing up. (Blowing up is a relative term here)
Thanks. I'm a Louisiana educator going on my fourth decade in education. The job is getting significantly tougher, and other educators are leaving in droves.
and all thé ones I knew who couldn't care less.
One of my sisters is a retired teacher in the public school system, and even though the PS system may not have appreciated her so much, her students love her. She still teaches ESL part time, because she just LOVES teaching. I wasn't a great student in school, but I can name a few teachers who had a major impact in me as a kid.
What percentage of teachers do you think that is? I would say at most 2%.
How great it must be for Mr. Joel to recognize an influential teacher in his life while said teacher is still living. I have had many I wished I could have been able to tell this to, but woefully, they are gone.
It’s ok Mr.Adams
I so agree with you…I had a music teacher during my very early years in school and one in my Junior high years that were very influential in my career as a musician and teacher
I had the privilege of sitting in the audience for this. This entire video was produced by Hicksville HS students in the auditorium now named for Chuck Arnold. It is a world class space that continues the legacy of teaching the arts. A fitting tribute for a great educator.
I’m sure Mr. Arnold has been retired for a long time. What a treasure he was to these kids.
I’m very happy he was alive to enjoy the honor of having the auditorium named for him and to hear his well earned tributes.
Thank you Daniel . Worthy of a full house.Why so many empty seats? More available seats in that HHS auditorium than at a sold out Billy Joel show at The Garden!
Wonderful story and man. How old is Mr. Arnold? He must have been a very young music teacher in 1965. My goodness, Billy Joel must be 73 based on his HS graduation.
What a great tribute. Mr. Arnold's influence touched many lives, including Billy Joel's. Purpose. Beautiful.
@@cards0486
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That was beautiful. And WE thank you Chuck Arnold for recognizing the talent that for some reason no one else saw or encouraged.
That's how you do it! True heroes in our lives, thanks Billy for taking the time to show some love.
Thank you Mr. Joel for your tribute to a teacher who made such an impact on you.
Great Songs Great job Arnold inspired Billy 👏
I could listen to Billy speak all day long
Same! Just incredible.
he's a natural story teller; which definitely helps with songwriting. His music doesn't age either
We owe a great debt of thanks to our music teachers, their jobs weren't easy. They taught us a lot about life
AS a teacher for the last 28 years this speech by Billy really touched my heart, well done Chuck
Thank goodness for teachers that really care - they change lives!
I was a high school music teacher. I hope I was as inspirational. I hope.
You were. Thanks for making this a more civilized world.
Bravo Billy for recognizing your roots and giving them props. Your willingness to speak that day meant more to him than you will ever imagine.
I just sent this video to my son who has a music teacher much like Chuck Arnold. We should all be so fortunate to know someone who inspires our dreams.
In 1963, my high school Music Appreciation teacher at William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx wrote his own lyrics to the choral part of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. And although he only recited it once in front of the class, I remember all of it to this very day: "Gather round and join the chorus, sing the brotherhood of man. Proclaim the truth that all are equal children of the almighty one. We will understand each other when all nations join as one. Brothers all in human nature, love alone can make us one." Mr. McCormick clearly lived by those words. I'm 74, and Mr. McCormick is the only high school teacher whose name I remember.
My High School Music Teacher and his classes are the only reason I went to school most days. 👍 Thank you Mr. "T" and all the music educators!
This literally brought tears to me. I know exactly how he feels.
There is always someone who is to be the wind beneath the wings.
Thank you Chuck!
This means everything to teacher when any student comes back and shows what influence they had on them. I wish people would say thank you more to those who changed a life influenced and mentored.
FOREVER ❤🤗#BillyJoel @BillyJoel & Thank You So Much To Billy Joel's High School Music Teacher : Mr. Charles 'Chuck' Arnold❣
History will remember Mr. Joel 200 years from now….he’s one of our living Masters…not many of them out there.
Add these to your short list. Elton John, Alfred Brendel, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Jon Baptiste, Lang Lang, Martha Argerich.
With all his ups'n'downs through life.. and his great success, of course.. the more I explore who Billy Joel IS, the more impressed I am with the man. Above everything else, he's just a brilliant bloke, with a wonderful heart... and he's given the world a lot through his music... and continues to do so. Even more kudos to his teacher who recognized where his strengths were.. and encouraged him to pursue his true calling. Let's hope we have more people like these two men.
Simply a beautiful human being
@@steverobson8827 Says you huh? The guy can write... He can sing... So did Charles Manson. Do your homework!
Finding Gems amongst us
I've had two teachers like this. I never got a chance to tell them how much they impacted my life. I think the good ones are rare. And thank God for them.
My wonderful teacher, Mr. Provado, gathered a bunch of students who were not doing well in school. He said that we would be part of an experiment. He took us bowling and noticed we had trouble keeping score because we hardly new addition. He said that he would stay after school and teach us algebra for a few months with no pay. He said that he would teach one class on quadratic equations and if we passed we could take his deal. I went and was shocked that I passed the test. I only cared about two classes. English and Algebra. We all passed the Regents exam. It was exactly like Stand And Deliver. I did go back to visit him while teaching a class. I explained to the class the story and how it led me to becoming an engineer with a BSEET degree and a great profession. The students were just like I was thinking it was all BS when I was their age. Mr. Provado told me it was a one time experiment to find out if the school gave up on bright students. He wished he could have done this every year but it was too much for anyone to teach a whole class without pay. I kept in touch but he has since passed away. I want to do this in return.
Tell them... Its the right thing to do.
Coming from the Isle of Man in the U.K. . And being a Billy Joel fan…..it’s always been a struggle to find the time and money to go and see him…..finally got the chance in June 2019 at Wembley……that concert will stick with me forever, 👍🇮🇲
Billy Joel said it all when he said ‘music chose him’ - an insight
into living.
Some music teachers inspire! This is one of them! Look at Where Mr. Billy Joel is today, by the encouragment of this teacher. "Music picked me"...that's what Billy Joel said, but that teacher saw potential in Billy and spoke words to him that he never forgot...the rest is history!!! Love this tribute!!👏
I've seen him 12 times in concert! Yes--this old man was and is a Billy Joel junkie! Thanks for the great memories and thanks for Billy Joel!
i saw him once. front row ... He delivered
You're not alone in being a Billy Joel junkie. There's tons of us out there. 💪💪😎😎🎹🎹❤️❤️
Billy Joel is a terrific story teller. I only clicked on the link because I wanted to hear him talk, and it turned out to be a great story.
If he hadn't become a musician/singer, Billy Joey might have a great career as a comedian, as he's quite funny.
Joel is one of the greatest songwriters ever and I don't think it's a coincidence that he knows classical music and it's history.
You may be right, you may be crazy Billy. Every time I hear your music play, I just want to get up and dance. Congratulations on your fantastic career. Thank goodness your teach Chuck Arnold said those magic words to you. Acceptance and guidance from wonderful teacher is a powerful thing.
I love this!! It’s always gives me great inspiration when artists like Billy relate their experiences with reflections about his HS music teacher.
I’m so grateful to my HS music teacher, Margaret Falk, at Oxley HS back in the mid 70’s for having faith in me and inspiring me to be who I am today!! She was a beautiful soul, patient, gifted and a great teacher! She will always be in my heart! ❤️💙🎶🎶
What a treasure , Thank you Billy Joel for all the music.
Very cool. My senior year I had almost all music classes. Sometimes I would skip out of PE to go into the band room and play the drums. One morning I got a call from the music teacher, Mr. Van Gaskin, who said he was sick that day and had arranged for me to be excused from my only other two classes. Instead of getting a substitute teacher, he had me direct the bands all day. The best seat in the house!
I've always had a deep place in my heart for the great teachers out there. I remember all mine, even the ones who weren't good, but most cared, which made me care. Many were great human beings, which is all that matters.
Billy J, that was a wonderful tribute and we can see it truly came from the heart.
I've been a head banger all my life. My friends used to trip when I'd go from the Scorpions to Billy Joel and start wailing Uptown Girl, hehe. Thank you Chuck for seeing the talent and love of music in this man we now cherish. And thank you Billy for being you and doing what you do. And sharing these moments when an amazing music teacher whom saw the talent in a young man. And encouraged his love for the piano. That has become a part of so many of our lives.
It's always great to acknowledge those those who are responsible for the path your life has taken. Well done Billy Joel...
God Bless the Music Teachers they are so unrecognized all over the World 🦋
He is such a wonderful artist, man and speaker, it seems. And I love his humor. God bless him.
Thanks for this fantastic upload! :))
TO my Jr HS Music teacher Gary Friedman You have no idea bu music changed my life and I have been a sound engineer for several bands over the years THANK YOU you were one of the best influences in my life! And thank you Billy Joel for being the best at everything, this video just made me put you even higher on the pedal stool of life.
This brought a tear to my eye. Wonderfulness all the way.
Billy is the real deal,.....just a guy who has talent,...made it big,... no ego, ....just a true new yorker, ....loves motorcycles, women, music.... always gives great interviews, i think he did for his music teacher out of pure respect and love. and we LOVE you Billy ! ( thanx for sharing this with us Brian Fiore )
Billy Joel's Piano Man album was a good seller, but- when we all fell in love-- was The Stranger. What a mix of musical genre! We were 17, Catholic but Public HS girls and boys, he was the bad boy, the good guy, the lover, the comedian, the storyteller about our young aunts and uncles. And what a friggin' show. 4 pianos, all over the stage to play to everyone in The Garden. Never stopped moving. When Richie Canatta came out with the accordion to do Vienna we cried real tears as we knew what was going to happen our lives in the next year. Me, the one whose parents let her stay overnight on 34th & 9th working for Louie the Scalper and got tix for every show. (And was on time for HomeRoom in JC)I love my KISS, Zepp, Aerosmith, etc but this guy has no match whatsoever in my heart. Well, Bowie, maybe...
Donna T Law I dig your sharing, but please don't relegate Piano Man album to a (just) "a seller" heap.
@@averyjoycelynbarakudablock4139 I'm regarding the time. His first two brilliant albums very underappreciated. Do you know about them? Piano Man got him his first hit, and extended his interest to the company, where I feel he made his seminal album, The Stranger. To get 20K people to sing to Vienna, an accordion song (of course Piano Man was an encore) was one of.. well, you'll never know and I'm so sorry! Sister, I wish you were there, next to us.
Music has given a lot of us out in this world a safe space to be ourselves. It just takes one person to believe in you at the right moment and it can change your life forever. I’m glad Bill had that person back then in Mr Arnold, and I’m glad they’re still so close. Two wonderful guys with good hearts. ❤
More proof that our American Mozart- Billy Joel, is a great man. Generously given talent by God, and passing on that generosity to so many. He is talented, grateful, and kind!
I didn't know much about this before I watched it. For some reason, I just assumed that Mr. Arnold was not present. To see him hugging Billy at the end was amazing.
As a musician myself, I want to just point out that people who go into pop/rock careers sometimes don't jive with their high school music teacher (if they even had a music class) and seem to have some nasty story to tell along the lines of hating the music they were forced to play. This is quite a testament this Mr. Arnold and makes me respect Billy even more. ( We all know his deep appreciation of the arts!) Class act!!
Mr. Arnold was my Chorus Teacher back in 1981. He told us all about Billy Joel being his student. I was up on that stage behind Billy many times for Chorus & for several of the school plays. Mr. Arnold was a great teacher!😊
What a beautiful, personal tribute. Hurrah, music teachers!
How important is it to have a teacher who can see your inner talent and push you in that direction...... I had a 6th grade teacher who pushed me into the arts.... I am a retired licensed architect who had a wonderful career creating buildings and interior's.....for the past 45 years thanks to Mrs Jensen....my sixth grade teacher.....at PS176 in Brooklyn, NY
Thank you for sharing.
What a great, Grateful speech. Thank You for sharing with us!
This is what get when you combine a teacher who really wants and loves to teach and a student who really wants to learn (what he/she *wants* to learn). Magic happens.
My very first concert at 13 yrs old was Billy Joel. Amazing!
Wow. What a speech. Great talk about his inspiration to make as a musician.
When Billy mentioned that NO ONE encouraged him to be a musician except for Chuck, I know how that feels because the exact same thing happened to me. From all directions. What that did for me, I believe, is that it taught me how to 'not follow my heart' (which is also known as 'following what you love'.....). Now that I'm a fully grown adult, and approaching my 60's, guess what I taught my young son to always do? (he's grown up now) Yep, follow his heart, and follow what he loves.....
I think it was common with the generation before us (I'm 59). You got a job and you were just supposed to be glad you had it so you could pay your bills. You weren't supposed to be happy doing it. I don't think I ever even had a thought about what I really wanted to do. I spent 25 years doing jobs I hated because that crap was imprinted on me from my family...be glad you have a job.
One day I just said enough of this, life is too short and began the scary quest of working for myself. Never looked back.
Good on you for teaching your son to follow his passion and do what he loves so he will feel fulfilled, energized and love going to work each day. I did the same with my kids. It's just one unnecessary life lesson they don't need to waste tons of valuable time to learn firsthand.
I hope he thanked him while Mr. Arnold personally and often. Teachers need to be appreciated when they ARE!
Billy is a smart guy , he likes to self deprecate which is all to the good , but he is very intelligent , listen to fast the words fall and listen to his diction , a lot of gravitas in his voice
great, what is gravitas? 😂
On the chance it was a genuine question:
gravitas
/ˈɡravɪtas,ˈɡravɪtɑːs/
Learn to pronounce
noun
dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner.
"a post for which he has the expertise and the gravitas"
You're watching this on you tube, google is available, it's worth using.
Myself and my mum have listened to Piano man together for years....one of the greatest songs ever.....
Like Billy, I had a teacher do pretty much the same thing for me. I signed up for guitar lessons when I pre-enrolled for high school, but they nixed them because the guy who was supposed to teach backed out. The school put me in band class instead, so long story short Mr Rose heard my story, and let me study guitar, instead of playing a regular band instrument. I will forever be grateful to Mr Rose for being cool enough to understanding my desire to play guitar, and allowing me to pursue that. ❤
That's such a great talk. Anything I do good in music comes from all of my great teachers.
I went to Hicksville High School and had Chuck Arnold, Mr. Arnold for Chorus and also for Music 🎶 theory class for two years in a row. I have also met Billy Joel many times and talked with him although I’m sure he wouldn’t remember because he has met so many people in his life. It is nice that the High School is dedicating the new auditorium to Chuck Arnold now and that Billy Joel showed up this year for the occasion. I also noticed his weight loss. All Hicksville people were invited to this occasion.
Great job Billy....very thoughtful of you...it means a lot to be recognize by someone of your stature.
The amazement of sowing seeds. Teaching chose me. Thanks Billy.
Good stuff. Always remember those people who've had a positive impact on your life.
Thank you Mr. Arnold & Mr. Joel.
Remembering your roots ...how sweet
Great speech. We all had teachers such as Mr. Arnold, but unfortunately today, administrators and school boards seem not to care about the impacts teachers have on the students. They are clueless.
Unfortunately The systems created to improve education don’t leave enough room for teachers to share their love and passion for learning . Lots of time for standardized tests and money to changing hands…
As a teacher of many decades, I loved just closing the classroom door and getting down to business. The educational politics were so stressful that they added an unnecessary dimension. Then, we managed to get an anti-education governor who never graduated from college. Our state’s excellent educational system may take decades to reach its very top ranking.
Nice speech and tribute to a good man. People can have huge impacts on the direction of our lives.
This speech reminded me of my days hanging around the piano in the music room- when it was dark and no one was supposed to be in there! It was always a thrill when I tried that big, heavy wooded door, and it was open (as was often the case!) Music was easily my best friend in H.S.
"Music Picked Me." I feel that way too. It's a privilege to play. That is why I dislike arrogant musicians. They don't get it. Music is a gift. I am fortunate that music has picked me to be a mere representative of it's incredible beauty. In striving to master this craft, you pay respect to it. SRV said his guitar was his first wife- he was being serious. I get it.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing teacher.
My son moved to NYC after graduating college 4 years ago and was living in Chelsea until the rent became insanely high. He just moved to Fort George Manhattan two weeks ago and was so thrilled that he discovered Fort Tryon Park and the Met Cloisters are within walking distance from where he lives. He and some friends went there last weekend and he said the same thing Billy said, it looks like a European town, and is very beautiful with views of the Hudson River.
Washington Heights is a beautiful gem.
I grew up there.
I really just came here for his music. He's phenomenal on any scale.
My first guitar teacher was a guy I took a couple lessons from. Although he was essentially blind he was a very good guitarist. Unfortunately he didn't inspire me and I gave up on guitar. Then a high school friend talked me into taking a guitar class our senior year. That teacher didn't play guitar nearly as well as the lessons guy, but he inspired and motivated me to want to learn to play the guitar. That was over 40 years ago and I still play. Although he died many years ago, I did run into him some years after graduating. Regretfully I never told him the impact he had on my life.
Wish everyone would have a teacher like that. People can actually change lives.
I remember Billy Joel at Hicksville High School. I was walking down a stairway and heard a commotion coming down the hall. I stopped at the bottom of the steps to see what was going on. It was Billy Joel with a couple of his buddies. We locked eyes for a minute. 😂❤
I kept thinking of how much Billy Joel looks like the character "Mike" played by the actor Mike Ehrmantraut in the series "Better Call Saul". Thank you Billy, you have brought a tear to an old music lovers eye. You are a real class act.
Noticed the same!
I can't believe that the audience is packed for this!!! ..The Long Island high school (Longwood) teacher who significantly altered my life (in a good way) was named, "Chuck Anderson"
So nice that Billy Joel mentions The Cloisters! Ft Tryon, you're famous.
That was SO cool!
It was good to see Billy Joel remembering his high school days!
I have been a Billy Joel fan for a long while!
Beautiful tribute!
Shout-out to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky whose piano concerto Mr. Joel misquotes in grand style as he tell the story of how he and Mr. Arnold first met. I'm pretty sure Mr. Joel would have gone on to become a music legend no matter who his high school music teacher was, but it's interesting hearing him lend his voice to the many anonymous fellow students whose understanding of how music works and its place in history were also impacted along with him, by Mr. Arnold's presence in their lives.
Billy Joel's experience sounds like my experience. I love it.
Whether telling a story in his songs, or speaking from a podium, a great storyteller.
That was so excellent that his teacher saw his talent and said he should be a professional musician.
I, on the other hand, wanted so bad to be like Al Hirt and Herb Alpert, both trumpet players, that I joined band in 5th grade. It was kind of a funny that they brought you into the music room to have you try all the instruments to see if you might have a natural talent, or maybe easiness, with any of the instruments. I tried them all and you could see they were unimpressed, so they, by default, let me play the coronet (like the trumpet).
So, between having zero natural talent (nobody in our entire extended family ever played an instrument), no ear for the notes, undiagnosed ADD, and parents who didn't really GAF, I was awful. I just couldn't get it, I wanted to badly, but I was lost. When our first concert came up, the head teacher came up and told me "Whatever you do, DO NOT blow in that thing, fake like you're playing". Shortly after, he told me I "should just give it up and maybe play sports or something"...
I still, to this day, have never blamed him..I just didn't get it...I can't see holding up the class for 1 person who may never get it. The bottom line is that he saw I agreed with him. I would like to say, and actually feel, that if I got emotional at all when he told me to quit, he would have taken extra time, maybe after school or whatever, to help me out. I just didn't appear to want it bad enough. I did, but I was kind of beaten down by frustration.
I still love music. The most interesting fact about music is, after all the years I have lived, I have NEVER met anyone who didn't like music. Some like it more than others, but I never met one person who didn't like music. I bet Putin listens to music, and one day he may hear a song that moves him to become a different person. I believe it has that kind of power and possibilities.
Is that it?
You should have your own something.
If you still want to learn a instrument, well, there is still time. I am not saying for you to do it but just point s fact. You are older now, more mature, you know if you have only 15 minutes a day to practise it is mostly likely you will not waste time and you will enjoy the process.
I have met two people who hate music and one of them is my best friend. I am a musician started working when I was 16 and I am 39 years old now, I have seen manu people picking up an instrument later in their lives.
All the best!
Thanks for sharing this... Billy Joel has always (corrected typo) been one of my favorite musicians because what he and his music has meant to me growing up and over the years... so inspiring! Love the guy and what a great story! 😎🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹
Billy Joel my favorite artist ever
I too was a student of Chuck Arnold and Mr. Apt and Mr. Budice also music teachers at Hicksville High ...The Hicksville School District gave me the gift of music, three years of piano in Jr. Highschool - and bass in Orchestra and Jazz Band in High School .. Do i remember the names of my other teachers? Sort of, but I remember every one of those teachers who gave me a gift I still use every day. I graduated a couple of years after Billy and still remember Mr. Arnold introducing the band Billy was in, The Hassles when they played an after school show for us kids.
I remember going to the Battle of the Bands in Salisbury Park in the 60s.
Just beautiful! Thanks for posting.
I skipped classes to play the Piano in the Auditorium because I did not own a Piano. So funny to hear him say the same thing.
This is so unbelievably cool. Thanks for uploading!
I love his music! I bought his greatest hits album
You need to buy _The Stranger, 52nd Street, The Nylon Curtain, Glasshouses_ - loads to enjoy!
Ya know what? You could learn to like Billy Joel just by starting with this video. Very nice. Very kewl.
This is beautiful.
Perfect one with a complete step by step details u had shown.. thx u !!!
I LOVE his sense of a story and his humor!
Just an example of the impact teachers have on their students. ❤
Back in the day when music was still a big part of public education. My chorus teacher introduced the class to Bach, the blues, and some of the best songwriters of the day.
Thongs change scent from one end to the other. Knowledge is power.
God bless
That was wonderful. Thankyou!
Thanks, Chuck, for Billy Joel!
i can relate i played trumpet starting out and..in 10th grade my instrutor mr armstrong ask me to leave class well the sax player a gal named robin was playing the wrong notes on her sax .when she insisted she was reading the muaic right it somehow wasnt working i got up walked over and looked at the sheet it was written in the wrong key and i shared with the teacher but...when he realized i was right he asked me to laeve class i was alowed back in later and he explained to me it was the way i presented my opinoin !! i was lucky to have a great instructor at another high school and mr harris made up sing our parts!! i made the metrnome stand still learned i could sing!!! i swithed tyo guitar and began wrtiting songs and have made a living since age 26 !!and i do piano man its about the best cover i do !!!what a song