As a music teacher for the Tamaqua Area School District, John Buglio begins each day with a song.

He plans to close out his career with song, too, and to do so, he’s inviting former students to sing with him at the upcoming Tamaqua Area High School Spring Choral Concert.

“The theme for this year’s concert is love. Every song will have some aspect of love in the lyrics,” Buglio said of the 7:30 p.m. Thursday concert in the district auditorium. “I’ve always felt the love my students showed for me over the years, and I hope they’ve felt my love in return.”

And as a final nod of what he called “love and respect” for the district, Buglio hopes former members of the Jazz Chorale and Concert Choir will join him at the concert to sing school’s alma mater.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career,” Buglio said.

He began at the district in 1990 as a permanent substitute music teacher at the junior high.

“By chance the high school choral director position came open in the summer of 1991, so I applied for the position and was chosen,” Buglio said.

For the next 18 years, he taught at both the high and elementary schools.

“In the morning I would teach choir, music theory, voice and piano at the high school, Buglio said. “In the afternoon I would teach elementary general music classes K-6 between Rush, Tamaqua and West Penn schools.”

When the district reorganized music positions in 2010, he began teaching high school and middle school general music classes and choirs.

“Every day begins with singing, which is probably what I will miss the most once I retire,” Buglio said. “After all the hard work of learning the notes and rhythms is done, I don’t think there is anything better than starting each day with a song — and sharing that with my students is special.”

Buglio said he’s proud of the Jazz Chorale and Concert Choir.

“I’ve been blessed with many talented students that have always sung their hearts out for me each and every day and every performance,” he noted.

Buglio established a piano lab and guitar class for seventh and eight grade students, which he hopes will continue after his retirement. He also recently began working as a vocal instructor with the Tamaqua Area Drama Club.

“After retiring I plan to stay on with the club and continue working with the students on a part-time basis,” he said.

Buglio also plans to return to his musical roots and perform live music, and will travel with his wife, Kim.

“We are expecting our first grandchild very soon, and so I hope to spend as much time with my granddaughter as possible once she arrives,” Buglio said.

Tickets to the public concert are available at the door. Students and senior citizens receive a discount. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.