A NORTH Yorkshire music teacher is leaving school after 33 years – but insists he is not retiring.

In a “farewell” speech at Easingwold School, Paul Dyson, 60, told colleagues: “I’ve handed in my notice, but I’m not leaving. I’m taking my pension, but I’m not retiring. Simple isn’t it?”

Although he will no longer teach full classes, Mr Dyson will continue to work at the school on a freelance basis for one day a week, teaching piano and music theory.

He will also continue to lead the school’s senior choir for the first half of next term, until after its biannual performance at Fountains Abbey in October, and he will accompany the choir and concert band on a visit to Holland during the same month.

He said: “I am thrilled that this school will still be part of my life.”

Mr Dyson started at Easingwold in April 1976 as the school’s youngest ever head of department, after beginning his career at St Aidan’s School in Harrogate.

As head of music, he developed music as both an academic subject and extra-curricular activity enjoyed by many pupils.

The school’s choirs, bands, orchestras and ensembles perform several concerts each year, both in school and in the wider community.

In addition he acted as musical director, composer and/or arranger for more than 20 plays and musicals, most recently a very successful production of The Jungle Book, staged in March.

He also established a tradition of music tours abroad and exchanges with school choirs, bands and orchestras from around the world, including the USA and various European countries.

In 2007, Mr Dyson stepped down as head of music but continued to teach part-time and to be fully involved in extra-curricular music in the school.

In March, nearly 200 current and former pupils and staff at the school performed at a special celebratory concert in the University of York’s Central Hall to mark his 60th birthday and 100th term at Easingwold.

Carey Chidwick, head teacher, said: “Paul has made a huge contribution to music at Easingwold School.

“For more than three decades he has shared his passion for music with thousands of young people and in many he has nurtured and inspired a love of music which will remain with them for life.”