At the beginning of the 2025 school year, Cindy Sparks returned to Fair Grove schools in order to assist middle and high school band and choir directors Natalie Palomo and Audra Harmon.
Sparks has been involved with Fair Grove schools for 41 years. 31 of those years were teaching full time, and 13 years part time working with other teachers in music.
In 2023, Sparks announced her retirement from the Fair Grove School District. This year, 2025, Mrs. Sparks has made her return. Sparks had many reasons for why she came back, she shared, “I really missed the students and faculty.” Sparks also mentioned the friendships that she has formed over the years, two being with Palomo and Harmon.
Sparks has many responsibilities in both Harmon and Palomo’s music classes. One of these tasks is to serve as the accompanist. An accompanist is someone who plays the piano for a musician or a singer while they perform. Before Sparks retired she would help the band and choir with all their accompanist pieces.
During her second hour, Sparks helps Palomo with her beginner class. Palomo stated, ”She helps the kids stay on task, and teaches how to play instruments in small groups.” She added, ”When individuals need help in class, she can help them without completely stopping everyone else.”
Sparks would also help plan trips for the choir group. One of these is the annual Silver Dollar City trip. The choir group goes to SDC for music in the parks which is a competition.
Sparks has been present playing piano at many concerts Fair Grove has hosted. She assists the elementary Singing Eagles that perform at veterans day, Thanksgiving Banquet, and Tree lighting at the mill. The Singing Eagles also perform the national anthem for the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons field in Springfield, Missouri under Sparks’ direction.
In both the beginning band and choir they see Sparks almost every day. To Harmon, “She’s my biggest supporter.” Harmon also states that she’s a great friend by, “giving great advice and amazing hugs.”
Now that Sparks is back in the school, she is here to help Harmon and Palomo by giving them advice and help with their music. Whether it’s by being their accompanists, or just being a good friend. Harmon stated, “We will not be letting her go.”
