Every Person’s Opus

In the movie "Mr. Holland’s Opus," Mr. Holland has lost his music teaching job, after thirty-five years, along with the other fine arts teachers in the high school. Gertrude Lang, once his student and now Governor of the State, makes a speech at Mr. Holland’s surprise high school gathering:

Mr. Holland isn't rich and he isn't famous, at least not outside of our little town. So it might be easy for him to think himself a failure. But he would be wrong, because I think that he's achieved a success far beyond riches and fame. Look around you. There is not a life in this room [packed auditorium] that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony, Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.