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When you think of Redlands Adventist Academy, a rush of images likely comes to mind: community, spirited sports, engaging academics, cherished friendships, and the phrase, “Go Bulldogs!” For many, that list undoubtedly includes music, and when music is mentioned at RAA, you have to think of the name: Mr. Walters. He is, without a doubt, a music icon here. Over his remarkable tenure, Mr. Walters has shaped us all as a history, government, and economics teacher, guided melodies as a band director, orchestrated harmonies as a handbell ensemble director, and shaped the very fabric of RAA & decades of students. It's no wonder that countless current students and alumni jumped at the chance to help celebrate Mr. James Walters, a presence felt here on campus for an incredible 40 years.
 

From his signature peace sign greeting and insightful historical anecdotes to his patient understanding of our youthful antics and his appreciation for Monty Python's Holy Grail, Mr. Walters embodies the qualities that forge an RAA legend.

To honor his 40 years of dedication – and with the hopeful anticipation of many, many more, given that RAA music and Mr. Walters are practically synonymous – a group of alumni, current Bellissimo volunteers, and a host of other co-conspirators orchestrated a well-coordinated, undercover bells performance at our annual High School Spring Concert. Here at RAA, the opportunity to celebrate a beloved teacher with a touch of delightful secrecy always brings mischievous grins and joyful delight. A sizable group of 10–12 alumni and 7-8 current handbell ringers gathered backstage, carefully avoiding Mr. Walters, who had been subtly called to the gym under the guise of Mr. Arnold needing help with a project. 

As the annual Spring Concert commenced, Mr. Arnold stepped to the front of the gym. He spoke of RAA's immense fortune in having James Walters for so many years, reassuring the audience that this wasn't a retirement announcement, while the undercover handbell group awaited their cue nervously from the hallway. Then, Mr. Arnold gave the cue, after suggesting that bell-ringers trained by Mr. Walters likely retained their skills, much like riding a bike. A wave of gasps and heartfelt "awws" rippled through the crowd as each player – Bellissimo volunteers and alumni spanning back to the class of 2010 – took their places, holding copies of Mr. Walters' very first composition. Adding to the surprise, as the second to last player joined the ensemble, a member of Bellissimo gently guided Mr. Walters from the audience to conduct the impromptu performance. With only a single day of practice and bracing fist bumps from Mr. Walters, the group lifted their handbells and performed, even concluding with a classic flourish.

While not everyone could participate in the handbell surprise, all the handbell groups, from 5th to 12th grade, collectively signed a celebratory gift for Mr. Walters. Presented as the backing of an old-time brass school bell, it served as a colorful and joyful expression of gratitude for his 40 years of impact, making both history and music at RAA and teaching us a variety of valuable lessons, including that we could always use more cowbell.