When you meet Leslie Tanner, you quickly sense the rhythm of a life shaped by music, faith, and enduring friendship. Born and raised in McAllen, Texas, Leslie spent nearly three decades inspiring students as a middle school choir director—helping countless young voices find their strength and confidence through song.
Married to fellow choir director E.A. Tanner, Leslie and her husband built a life rich with harmony—both musical and personal. Though they never had children themselves, they loved their students like their own and still keep up with them, attending weddings and celebrating milestones in their lives. Their home has always been filled with love, laughter, and the joyful presence of their beloved labs.
Even in retirement, Leslie’s connection to music remains strong. She continues to serve with the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and her professional legacy includes key contributions to state-level committees shaping the standards for Texas choral education. Along the way, she earned recognition as Teacher of the Year (1999), a Who’s Who honoree, and served as Region XV chairman and UIL committee delegate—each role a reflection of her dedication to excellence and mentorship.
🎶 A Life in Harmony
When Leslie reflects on her journey, she does so through the voices and faces of ten influential people who helped shape her both as a musician and as a woman.
Her sister Gail, who first taught her to harmonize at age six; her musical icons Karen Carpenter and Barbra Streisand; her first voice teacher Phyllis Sahadi; and her beloved mentor Dr. Ed Byrom, who inspired her deep love of choral literature and teaching.
She remembers Jim Stover, who refined her artistry; Dr. Vivian Munn, who believed in her potential and opened doors for leadership; and her husband E.A. Tanner, whose encouragement and partnership transformed her career.
Her best friend Joyce Hull, a brilliant choir director and kindred spirit, taught her how to live fully and cook joyfully; and Debi Morton, a creative collaborator and composer, brought her choirs to life through original music.
Each name carries a story. Each story a note in the symphony of Leslie’s life.
“I was one extremely lucky girl,” she says. “Alongside my parents, who were the best anyone could ask for, these ten people built the foundation of who I am.”
🕊️ The Next Movement: Choosing Retirement
After retiring in May 2014—following 29 years of teaching—Leslie knew it was time to focus on family and dear friends. Her husband had already retired, her mother was approaching 90, and her best friend Joyce was in fragile health.
“I saw the writing on the wall,” Leslie shares. “I wanted to spend as much quality time with them as I could.”
She approached retirement with optimism and adventure. “I partied from May to October,” she laughs, recalling a fabulous trip to the Amalfi Coast before returning home to care for Joyce, who passed away later that fall.
In the months that followed, Leslie found renewed purpose as a choral consultant and voice teacher, working with schools and mentoring young directors—thanks to her longtime friend Dr. Karen Marshall, who invited her to lend her expertise to Killeen ISD.
💖 Caring and Reconnecting
Life shifted again during the pandemic, when Leslie became the full-time caregiver for her mother, who lived to be an incredible 101 years old.
“After she passed in 2021, I’ll admit I went into a bit of a funk,” Leslie says candidly. “But lately, I’m finding my rhythm again—consulting, teaching voice, judging, and helping wherever I’m needed.”
Today, Leslie continues to share her gifts mentoring teachers in Harlingen CISD, offering private voice lessons, judging contests, and serving in UIL events. And when she’s not teaching, you’ll find her fishing, birding, or planning her next travel adventure.
🌺 Looking Ahead
Leslie’s goals are refreshingly down-to-earth: to stay healthy, keep moving, and find joy in each day.
“Money is the motivator,” she admits with humor, “but happiness is the goal.”
Her advice for other women nearing retirement is grounded in both practicality and heart:
💡 “Get with a trusted financial advisor early. Save smart. Consider long-term care insurance—you’ll never regret being prepared. Stay active in body and mind. And don’t walk away completely from the career you loved. Keep a hand in it—it keeps you connected and fulfilled.”
🌈 A Life That Still Sings
Leslie’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of living in harmony with one’s purpose. From the choir rooms of Texas to the quiet moments of reflection in retirement, her life continues to be a song—rich in melody, meaning, and love.
Retiring Boldly 