Talley Morrow Recognized for Exceptional Contribution to Music Education
On Saturday, October 17-19, 2025, York University held its inaugural Performing Arts Hall of Fame ceremony during Homecoming, honoring four individuals for their contributions to the art. One of which is our very own music teacher, Talley (Banning ‘98) Morrow. The new Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding alumni and individuals who have made significant contributions to the university’s performing art programs.
Mrs. Morrow was able to answer my questions and read my article. I'm happy to know she's very happy with her job, especially because she loves what she does. To me, Mrs. Morrow is a very talented woman because of her beautiful voice, and even more so because she's showing us how talented she is.
To be honest, Ms. Morrow is a woman I admire and will admire for a long time. She told me that she's always loved music and that she also comes from a very musical family. Her church family always sang a cappella, so she learned from a very young age to create music with her voice. It moved her and always filled her with joy, so now she hopes to share that experience with her students and, at the same time, encourage them to sing in parts and in different musical varieties. She also told us that she began her career as a music teacher at 41. She worked in the school system as an aide, coach, and kitchen helper before she began to showcase her talent. Finally, Ms. Morrow said that, to be honest, the idea of teaching music was quite intimidating. She knew she could perform, but she didn't know if she could teach music. The state (KSDE) created a new path to obtaining a teaching license, and she had to figure it out quickly. Her students, administration, and coworkers were incredibly encouraging and supportive as she learned how to navigate the teaching process, and she is very grateful to them for that.
Mrs. Morrow said she was very grateful to be able to see her fellow members of the York University Choir again for the induction ceremony into the Performing Arts Hall of Fame. She said it will always be in her heart for a long time. She also told us that singing with that group from 1994 until May 1998 was one of the most precious and incredible experiences of her life, along with marrying her beloved and becoming a mother to her beautiful daughter. Mr. Clark Roush congratulated Mrs. Morrow, saying, "Many congratulations to Talley Morrow of the YU Hall of Fame for the Arts! I am honored to have been her teacher and director." Also Mrs. Morrow congratulated her classmates Nate, Sara, and Brianna, all her classmates at TRIMA, and her best friends, fellow music fans. Mrs. Morrow loves them all. She also thanked Dave and Mia, her mom, dad, and brother for always supporting and encouraging her musical endeavors.
