Pillar of music education: Spokane Public Schools teacher retires after 29 years in the district

A cornerstone of Spokane’s music education is retiring after 29 years shaping the district’s program. Lewis Nunes leaves Spokane Public Schools as the Lewis and Clark High School Chamber Orchestra director, after teaching in 27 different elementary, middle, and high schools since 1997. A Trinidad native who moved to Brooklyn in 1981, Nunes performed with jazz organist Jack McDuff and singer Harry Belafonte before transitioning to teaching. An Eastern Washington University graduate, he spent years moving between schools, sometimes teaching at nine campuses per week, driven by a passion to bring music to young students. Former student Kari Choo credits his confidence and high expectations for transforming her life, emphasizing the personal impact of his decades of service and the lasting memory he leaves behind.