Alumni Relations
News From the Classes of 1963 and 1964
Pictures and Biographies from Your Classmates
Help this list grow! Please send a brief biography (approximately 50 words), a special memory or reflection of your time at Eastman, and a current photo to: alumni@esm.rochester.edu, or mail to:
Eastman School of Music
Office of Development
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Both should be to the attention of: 50th Reunion Web Entry. Thank you!
Eastman Weekend 2014
50th Reunion 2014
Linda (Rodgers) Althoff, BM 1964
Major/Instrument:Viola
Studio teacher: Francis Tursi
Life and career since Eastman:
After Eastman, I came to Norfolk, VA to start a string program and to perform in the Symphony.
- One of the founding conductors of the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia
- Conducted various Regional Orchestras and All-City events
- Adjudicator at various music contests and festivals
- Performed in the Peninsula Symphony, Kadiem String Trio, Young Audiences of VA, an adult strolling strings group, and in the pit for musicals and star performers who came to town.
- In 2002, I retired from the Virginia Symphony after serving for 38 years in the viola section and including 10 years doubling as Pops pianist
- Also retired from teaching school after 32 years
- In retirement, I have performed many musicals for various schools in the Norfolk area and also served as a choral accompanist
- I have served churches as organist for 50 years and continue to do so
- I have been a guest lecturer for the Virginia Wesleyan College, Old Dominion University, the Virginia Symphony 101 series, and the Virginia Music Educators Association.
- I am the mother of 2 grown children and live in Chesapeake, VA with my husband, Gary.
Personal reflection:
I am very grateful to Eastman for the wonderful education I received which enabled me to do such a variety of things in the music world.
William M. Anderson – BM 1963, MM 1965
Major/Instrument: Clarinet
Life and Career Since Eastman:
Ph.D., Music, 1970, University of Michigan. Inductee, UM Hall of Fame, 2011. Post-doctoral Fellow, Macalester College and University of Minnesota. Professor and Associate Dean, Kent State University. Author of a number of books. President, Ohio Music Education Association. Married to harpist Lee Ann Anderson. Two sons and four grandsons.
Edward R. Bahr – BM 1963, MM 1965
Major/Instrument: Trombone/Euphonium
Studio teacher: Emory Remington, Donald Knaub
Life and career since Eastman:
Edward Bahr is Professor Emeritus of Low Brass at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Oklahoma.
Ed is presently first trombone in the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and principal euphonium with the Northern Michigan Brass Band. He has been first trombone, soloist in, and conductor of Delta Symphony Orchestra concerts, in Greenville, MS, principal trombonist in the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (AL), and assistant conductor and principal trombonist with the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra (PA). He was an active member of the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Symphony of Westchester in Mount Vernon, NY, Tupelo Symphony (MS), Mississippi Symphonic Winds, and has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony (NY), and Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra on trombone, euphonium, and bass trumpet.
Ed has been trombone and euphonium soloist, ensemble player, lecturer, and conductor at International Trombone Association Festivals in Nashville, TN, Rochester, NY, and Las Vegas, NV. Ed was editor of Audio/Video reviews in the International Trombone Association Journal from 1975 through 2003, author of the book Trombone/Euphonium Discography and a contributor to the books The Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound and Solos for the Student Trombonist. He has also written articles for the ITA Journal, ITEA Journal, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion, the NACWPI Journal, and music education magazines. He has lectured, performed, and/or been clinician at schools, summer music camps, and state, national, and international conferences.
Jane Ann (Hartsell) Bahr, BMU Ed 1963
Major/Instrument: Flute
Studio teacher: Joseph Mariano
Life and career since Eastman:
Jane Ann Bahr received her Master of Music degree at the State University of New York in Fredonia, NY. Ann has taught at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK, Phillips University, Enid, OK, Huntington College, Montgomery, AL, at the Washington School in Greenville, MS and was also Adjunct Professor at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.
Ann has performed in the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra in Williamston, MA, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and the Mississippi Symphonic Winds. She has also performed in the Great Lakes Chamber orchestra, presently performs in the Gaylord Chamber Orchestra in Gaylord, MI and is a member of the Northern Michigan Flute Choir.
Elaine Bergstein-Smith, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Public School Music/Piano
Studio Teachers: Virginia Springer (pedagogy)/Orazio Frugoni
Life and Career since Eastman:
Graduate work at Yale, student of Ward Davenny, theory class with Allen Forte.
MM De Paul University, student of Dmitry Paperno and winner of Concerto competition leading to opportunities to perform, teach, adjudicate contests, give lecture demonstrations in the Chicago area.
Piano pedagogy with Doris Koppelman.
Co-founder of Music Teachers of Hyde Park and Concerto Day when over 20 students perform a movement of a concerto with chamber orchestra.
Active in Chicago Area MTA, elected Member of the Year 2000.
Student, Doug Bistrow, graduated from Eastman majoring in both classical and jazz bass.
Husband Jonathan Z. Smith recently retired from University of Chicago.
Our children Siobhan van Winkel is an artist and Jason Smith and his wife, Rachel Weaver are owners of an independent bookstore in Oak Park, IL – The Book Table, as well as president of the board of West Suburban PADS.
Personal Reflections:
I remember many of the teachers at Eastman including Robert Sutton’s styles class, Orazio Frugoni who told me I ‘had to play the piano’ and especially Virginia Springer, teacher par excellence, who was way ahead of what is now called piano pedagogy. There were many inspiring fellow students and I wonder where they are especially Jerry Exline, Harry Max, Janice Macisak, Ted Hoyle, Paul Martin Maki. Ellen Goldberg Shapiro, Susan Levitin, Pat Rusk, Mark Edwards, Janice Razaq and Hannah Voigt continue to be Eastman alumni colleagues. Music has been good to me and at Eastman I discovered how marvelous a life in music would be. As Paperno said, ‘There is a place for everyone in music.’
Candace (Willner) Boheme, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Piano
Studio teacher: Armand Basile
Life and career since Eastman:
’60s and ’70s – A time of relationships, gigs (cello too), students, explorations including acupressure, herbology, macrobiotics, certification as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and lots of personal confusion.
’80s – Practice. Not musical but mental – i.e. Meditation – which included nearly four years in a Sri Lankan monastery clearing out the ‘cobwebs’.
’90s to present – The rewards ripen into an eclectic, eccentric, reclusive life. No more existential angst. No more questions. Just doing in the present. The doings include:
Global
Ongoing opposition to GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) starting in the mid-90s which eventually found a voice in 2001. http://www.saynotogmos.org
Local
1999 – Fought a local strip-mining operation and water grab by Alcoa.
2010 – Opposed an airport project sited on the banks of the Colorado river that would be environmentally unfriendly and a public safety hazard due to bird populations. Looks like the project will be DOA on June 30, 2014. http://www.stopcta.info
Continuing Education
Learned to write HTML markup from scratch in a text editor @2001. Avid (perhaps rabid) supporter of open source software and Linux operating systems – my fav is Debian. Have developed skills in graphics as well as audio/video editing (that Eastman degree is finally coming in very handy!)
Current status – Life is good as the planet hurtles into oblivion at the hands of our corporate masters and their political and regulatory enablers. Oh well. All things are impermanent.
Personal reflection:
In the end, all that really matters is the wisdom and clarity brought to each fleeting moment. Everything else is just busyness that is as inconsequential as we are.
Lee B. Burswold, Ph. D 1963
Major/Instrument: Composition
Studio teacher: Vittorio Reiti, Anthony Donato, Bernard Rogers, and Howard Hanson
Life and career since Eastman:
I studied composition with Vittorio Rieti, Anthony Donato, Bernard Rogers, and Howard Hanson. I hold Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Northwestern University and a Ph.D in music theory and composition from Eastman. I am an Emeritus professor of music at North Park University in Chicago and am extensively published, particularly in string and keyboard music (see attached publication history) Before coming to North Park, I taught briefly at the Northwestern University School of Music and as a graduate teaching fellow at Eastman. For a number of years, I played solo jazz piano in Chicago and worked with the big bands. Our daughter Carol, also an Eastman graduate, is asst. concertmaster of the Chicago Sinfonietta and a violinist in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the Woodstock Mozart festival.
Personal reflection:
My introduction to Eastman was initially filled with terror! I was informed on Thursday afternoon that I would start teaching two sections of Freshman Theory the following Monday. When I expressed my feelings of stage fright to Mr. White, he said, “Do you want the job or not.” I thought for one second and took it. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Mrs. Elizabeth Gilchrist Cummings, MM 1964
Major/Instrument: Piano
Studio teacher: Armand Basile
Life and career since Eastman:
I met my future husband at ESM in the fall of 1961; we were married in December 1962. In the summers of 1963 and 1964 I attended the summer sessions and finished in 1964. We became teachers at Marietta College in the music department. I taught piano and music literature. My husband, Harmon Dean Cummings, began work on his Ph.D. at ESM, finishing it in 1975. For his residence year (1971-72) I also studied piano with Frank Glazer at ESM, who is now Artist in Residence at Bates College in Maine. I was piano soloist with the Charleston (WV) Symphony Orchestra in November 1962; was piano soloist with the Marietta College Symphonette several times between my employments there. We have been married 51 years to each other, and have had a happy musical life!!
Personal reflection:
Dean and I both received valuable training at ESM with wonderful teachers in applied music and classroom teachers. We also have friends with who we correspond that we first knew and met at ESM! We came back to ESM when Dean received his Ph.D. He then became chairman of the music department at Marietta College! I still maintain a class of private piano students at home, even though we retired from Marietta College. We hope to come for Eastman weekend, October 17-19!
Patricia Dengler George – BM 1964, MM 1965
Major/Instrument: Flute
Studio/Teacher: Joseph Mariano
Life and Career since Eastman:
Patricia George is Editor of Flute Talk Magazine and writes the monthly column “The Teacher’s Studio.” She is the flute professor at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and the American Band College. Previously she taught on the faculties of the Eastman School of Music Preparatory Department, Idaho State University (Faculty Achievement Award 1996), and Brigham Young University-Idaho.
She is co-author of Flute 101, Flute 102, Flute 103, The Flute Scale Book, and Advanced Flute Studies: The Art of Chunking, all published by Theodore Presser Company. She presents her Flute Spa masterclasses throughout the United States. She is married to Thom Ritter George (Eastman 1964, 1968) and the mother of three musical children (Samantha: Eastman-BM, MM, Performer’s Certificate Violin, DMA-U of CONN; Clara (Oberlin Conservatory); and Alexander (Curtis Institute, Duquesne, U of CO).
Personal Reflection:
My favorite teachers: Joseph Mariano, Howard Hanson, Frederick Fennell, Donald Hunsberger, Charles Warren Fox, and Ruth Watanabe.
What I miss: The Sibley Library
Thankful for being exposed to the highest standards, both academic and performance wise. They have served me well throughout the years.
The friends I made at Eastman are friends for life–especially the ones from the Eastman Philharmonia Tour of 1961-62.
Mr. Justin DiCioccio, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Percussion
Studio teacher: William Street
Life and career since Eastman:
Justin DiCioccio, Associate Dean and Chari of MSM’s Jazz Arts Program, is internationally recognized as one of the foremost jazz educators of our time. He recently became Acting Dean of the True School of Music (TSM), an innovative new music school in Mumbai, India, that opened in September, 2013. His inventive approach as an educator has earned him the title “the musician’s teacher,” and his many performances, conducting appearances, jazz and percussion clinics, and workshops are widely recognized in the professional and educational fields. Mr. DiCioccio was inducted into the Jazz Education Hall of Fame, has served as a program director and clinician for Carnegie Hall Jazz Education, acts as a consultant to Jazz at Lincoln Center and Wynton Marsalis and is conductor of the Grammy Jazz Ensemble. He developed and directed the LaGuardia High School of the Arts jazz program, the first fully accredited secondary jazz program in the United States. Mr. DiCioccio is the recipient of a citation from the mayor of New York for “Distinguished and Exceptional Service to Young Instrumentalists” and is active with the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, the Music for Youth Foundation, the National Young Arts Organization and the National Foundation for Jazz Education. He is a three-time recipient of the Presidential Scholars Teacher Recognition Award in the jazz field by the U.S. Department of Education. In May 1998, the Commission Project, in partnership with the New York City Board of Education, created the JD Award for Outstanding Service to Music in New York City Schools. On March 1, 2010, he was confirmed as the State Department Appointed Cultural Enjoy Jazz Ambassador to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Mr. DiCioccio’s performing and conducting credentials include concerts, commercials, Broadway shows, and recordings with jazz, orchestra, rock, and new music groups. Over the years he has worked with acclaimed artists, including Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Chuck Mangione, Phil Woods, Stan Getz, and Clark Terry, among others. Mr. DiCioccio is a former member of the Rochester Philharmonic and for five years was a member of the Marine Band “The President’s Own,” in which he served as the official White House drummer during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Justin DiCioccio was named Chair of MSM’s Jazz Arts Program in 1999 and Associate Dean in 2011. He has been a member of its faculty since 1984.
Personal reflection:
ESM – Great Education – Great Institution
Thomas Dunn – BM 1964, MA 1965
Major/Instrument: Musicology
Life and career since Eastman:
Ph.D., Music History, Yale University, 1969
Assistant Professor of Music, The Catholic University of America, 1969-1976
Publications include articles in Grove’s Dictionary and scholarly journals
Five editions of 17th Century music
Work as free-lance violinist
Non-music job with the Federal government 1979-2006
Alma Espinosa, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Piano
Studio teacher: Orazio Frugoni
Life and career since Eastman:
After finishing at Eastman, I did an MM in piano performance at the Pope Pius XII Institute in Florence, Italy, then moved to Munich, Germany, where I lived for several years, beginning Ph.D. studies in musicology at the University of Munich and also studying harpsichord at the Richard Strauss Conservatory. Returning to the US, I completed an MA and Ph.D. in musicology at New York University. Most of my dissertation was researched and written in Madrid, Spain, where I was on a Fulbright grant for two years. I spent my working years as a musicology professor – first at the University of Oklahoma and then, for 31 years, at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I have been Professor Emerita at UML for the almost six years. My husband, Robert Drury, and I have made our home here in Lowell, Ma for many years and plan to remain in this area.
Personal reflection: It has been an enormous privilege to spend a lifetime studying and teaching classical music. I remain very grateful for the superb training that the Eastman School of Music gave us.
Sara (Sally) H. Fay, MM 1963
Major/Instrument: Music Ed/Flute
Studio teacher: J. Mariano
Life and career since Eastman:
- Private flute studio
- Church choir conductor
- Still a member of Eastman Rochester Chorus
Personal reflection:
I still love music!
Albert Filosa, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Viola (Performer’s Certificate 1963)
Studio teacher: Francis Tursi
Life and career since Eastman:
After a Fulbright year in Salzburg, Austria and five years in Yale Graduate School,
my career path focused on symphonic music. I have been privileged to play in the New Haven Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and more recently (as a temporary substitute for the Mahler Project) in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Last fall I emptied my locker at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and turned in the key, so that I am now “viola-free”, enjoying friends, family and the beautiful surroundings in the Pacific Northwest in which I find myself. I am particularly grateful for my two children: Chris graduates this June from Stanford (linguistics major), while Laura is pursuing a career in communications in Washington, D.C.
Personal reflection:
After half a century, I still have fond and deeply grateful memories of Francis Tursi, and Jessie Kneisel, while recollections of performances with the Eastman Philharmonia and Polyphonic Choir continue to resonate vibrantly!
William K. Haldeman, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) 1963
Major/Instrument: Musicology/Voice (Tenor)
Studio teacher: Julius Huehn
Life and career since Eastman:
1963-66 – Associate Professor, Music History; Acting Dean of Faculty
Upland College, Upland, California
1966 – (Semester 2) Associate Professor, Music History, Choral Music on the World Campus Afloat (World Tour)
1966-1968 – Associate Professor, Music History and Music Theory
Chapman College, Orange, California
1968-1970 – Postdoctoral studies in Administration
Graduate School of Administration, University of California, Irvine, California
1971-91 – Research Associate, Assistant Director 9State Director of Continuing Education/Director of State planning for Postsecondary Education)
1991-200 – Co-founder/Owner and President of Educational Records Evaluation Service
Publication: Transcriber/editor of Acht Motetten, composed by Christian Erbach (1570-1635), published as No. 117 of Das Chorwerk by Moseler Verlag Wolfenbuttel, 1973
Thom Ritter George – BM 1964, MM 1968
Major/Instrument: Composition/Violin
Studio teacher: Millard Taylor
Life and career since Eastman:
Composer/Arranger, United States Navy Band (1966-1970) Music Director, Quincy (Illinois) Symphony Orchestra (1970-1983) Music Director, Idaho State Civic Symphony (1983-2007) My compositions are published by Boosey and Hawkes, Southern Music Company, Accura Music, Shawnee Press, and ITEA Press. Thom Ritter George’s compositions have been played by the Chicago, Houston, Memphis, Utah, Eastman-Rochester Orchestras, and other major ensembles in the United States and abroad.
Personal Reflection:
The Eastman School of Music was the only college to which I applied.
At the time, it was the first choice of those wishing to study composition. Since composition is about musical ideas, it is important to get several points of view. At Eastman, I studied with Thomas Canning, Louis Mennini, Wayne Barlow, Bernard Rogers, John La Montaine, and Warren Benson. During the time I was at the school, Howard Hanson only taught a doctoral seminar in composition. Although I did not study with him, he conducted my orchestra scores on several occasions
The faculty composers had a great deal to offer. For example, Louis Mennini was primarily interested in the large scale plan of a composition and the central idea it was to convey. Bernard Rogers concentrated on perfecting small details. This was helpful in developing clear thoughts about subtleties in creating a complex score.
Rogers was particularly at war with cliches and had strong words of disapproval for composers brought them to class in their scores. Rogers often explained past and current music in terms that referenced art, dance, and literature.
At Eastman, I went to a many student recitals, getting familiar with instruments, voices, and how the great composers had written for them.
I wrote a piece for every student who requested one. This was beneficial in two ways. The student would have a special work for their recital or concerto performance. I would have the privilege of hearing the composition played expertly and learn from a live performance.
After leaving Eastman, faculty and school friends remained helpful in shaping my musical life. Following military service, for example, Director Walter Hendl recommended me for my first job as an orchestral music director. I often turned to the school to provide gifted soloists to appear on orchestra concerts. A horn concerto commission for Warren Benson, brought him to the Quincy Symphony along with soloist Verne Reynolds to play the new score.
Major/Instrument: Voice
Studio teacher: Leonard Treash
Life and Career since Eastman:
Fulbright Scholar to Berlin, Germany 1966-1968
DePauw University 1969-1975 – Voice Instructor
University of Alabama 1975-2001 – Adjunct Voice
Married Edward C. White (ESM BM 1959 MM 1960) in 1968
Son: Dr. Edward C. White, Jr. 1971 Coordinator of Academy of the Arts (LSU) Baton Rouge, LA
Daughter: Dr. Katherine K.White, Associate Professor, Rhodes College Memphis, TN
Charles Ketchabaw, MM 1963
Major/Instrument: Music Education/Violin
Studio teacher: Dr. W. Larson and Millard Tayor
Life and career since Eastman:
I taught instrumental music for the Toronto Board of Education until I retired in 1987. I have 3 wonderful children and 7 grandchildren and will be celebrating 58 years of marriage this year. I am looking forward to my first visit back to Eastman since graduation!
Donald V. King – BM 1964, MM 1965
Major/Instrument: Music Ed./Trombone
Studio teacher: Emory Remington
Life and career since Eastman:
1965-1969: U.S.A. Air Force Band, Washington D.C.
1969-1973: Freelance playing in D.C. area
1973-2010: member, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
Currently retired. [I studied with Donald Knaub in the Prep Department for 5 years prior to attending Eastman.]
Personal reflection:
We who studied with “The Chief” as Mr. Remington was known, were lucky to have the most renowned, respected, and loved teacher of trombone in the world. Any success I had is due to him and Don Knaub.
Ben Levin, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Percussion
After graduation I continued in music professionally, followed by a transition to documentary film production and studies in the mid 1970’s. I directed the MFA program at Temple University and designed an MFA program in Documentary here at the University of North Texas. My Eastman experience continues to enrich my life.
Charles Lindahl, MM 1963
Major/Instrument: Clarinet Performance and Music Literature
Studio teacher: Stan Hasty
Life and career since Eastman:
- M.S. Library Service, Columbia University, June, 1971
- Assistant Professor (1975-1991) Music Bibliography, Eastman School of Music
- Reference & Associate Librarian, (1975-1991), Sibley Music Library
- Secretary/Treasurer (1984-1990) U.S. Branch, International Association of Music Libraries (IAML)
- Director of Music Research Libraries, 2nd edition. RISM Series C/1, Kassel Barenreiter, 1983
- Music Library Association, Contributing Editor (1975-1982) Music Periodicals Review Column
Warwick Lister, MM 1963
Major/Instrument: Music Literature, Violin
Studio teacher: Millard Taylor
Life and career since Eastman:
Three years violin study with Raphael Bronstein, NYC, played in the American Symphony Orchestra
1970 DMA Boston University (Totenberg)
1970-73 Concertgebouworkest
1974-81 taught violin, music history at Ithaca College, NY, second violin in Lenox Quartet
1983-2001 Maggio Musicale orchestra, Florence, Italy
Since then I’ve been playing chamber music in and around Florence. My Amico: The Life of Giovanni Battista Viotti was published in 2009
Since t1988 I have been married to Susan Madocks, an art historian. No children, two cats. Took up tennis, aged 40—very keen—the triumph of hope over experience.
Personal reflection:
In the summer of 2010 Tom Moore and his wife Sandra came to visit. I hadn’t seen him since 1964. He was in a bad way with cancer. We played duets, he gave me a few lessons on my bow arm we went to a couple of concerts, we talked. I was grateful beyond measure that I got to see him after so many years. He died in February 2011.
Janice Macisak, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Violin
Studio/Teacher: Joseph Knizer, Carroll Glenn
Life and career since Eastman:
I began playin in the RPO in the 1963-64 season. In the 1964-65 season, I begame a full-time player, just retiring in 2013. I have played in the Toronto Symphony, the Aspen Festival Orchestra, and the Rochester Chamber Orchestra with David Fetter for about 40 years. I have taught violin at SUNY Brockport and in the Community Education division of Eastman I was a member of a trio that played concerts for schools. I’ve enjoyed playing violin recitals and concertos performing in Florida, Wisconsin, Canada, Michigan, as well as Rochester. I’m continuing to teach piano and violin at my home.
Jacqueline Masters, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Violin (Piano minor)
Life and career since Eastman:
Left Eastman for the Houston Symphony. Had a rewarding two years with them; met my future husband and then moved to the University of North Carolina where he earned his Ph.D. He was hired at Ohio State University, in my hometown; settled down to family life raising two sons. We divorced, and I spent the next 30 years being an OSU secretary. I closed my musical career after Houston, but opened a new and exciting walk with the Lord. Each phase has been an advancement.
Stuart C. Milligan – BM 1964, MM 1966
Major/Instrument: Music Theory/Piano
Studio teacher: Emily Vanderpool
Life and career since Eastman:
1998 Left job at SUNY College at Brockport
1986 Started working at SUNY College at Brockport
Left job at University of Rochester
1978 Graduated from SUNY College at Geneseo
1976 Started school at SUNY College at Geneseo
1970 Left job at Milligan College
Started working at University of Rochester
1966 Graduated from University of Rochester
Started Working at Milligan College
Personal reflection:
Still do mountaineering as often as possible. Also still do volunteer library work at the local church I attend. So, I manage to keep “booking” along. Love my two sons/family, my nine cats and my new home. And, love good music.
“Great things happen when men and mountains meet.”
Jimmy H. Morris, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Trombone and Music Education
Studio teacher: Emory Remington
Life and career since Eastman:
As a boy growing up in Philadelphia, my passport out of the inner-city environment was my trombone. Everything I have and have accomplished in life is directly related to the trombone: my education, my employment, and my family.
I was fortunate at age 13 to meet and study with Henry C. Smith III, 1st trombonist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. At his direction, I auditioned for Eastman where I studied with another great, Emory Remington.
Eastman gave me the tools to succeed in music as a professional trombonist, high school teacher and conductor. My two years in the Eastman Philharmonia playing alongside trombonists like Tony DeChario, Ralph Sauer, Don King helped me to mature into a symphonic performer.
My first job after graduating was with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point for 3 years. Upon my discharge, I traveled to Miami Florida to find employment as a trombonist while studying for my Master of Music degree. While there I played for another great, Frederick Fennell.
Living in Miami, I became a member of the Miami Philharmonic, Opera and Ballet orchestras, and for shows on Miami Beach including the Ringling Bros. Circus.
After several years in Miami, we returned to Bucks County, PA to enjoy a life in the country. I was engaged to teach in the New Hope-Solebury School District and continued to play professionally with groups like the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Allentown Symphony, Pennsylvania Sinfonia and others.
I retired from teaching and trombone playing 2002, but not from music. My next pursuit was to become a fairly proficient violinist (fiddler) performing Bluegrass, Irish, Old Time, and Contra dance music for the last 16 years.
Thomas Mowrey, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Theory, Piano
Studio teacher: Elvira Wonderlich, Dennis Andal
Life and career since Eastman:
Thomas Mowrey has been an electronic media executive and producer for the past 50 years. He currently serves as President of both his own A/V production company and Ergonome Incorporated, a computer ergonomics training organization. His career as a classical music record producer began in 1964 with Vox Productions in New York. Then in 1968, he made a series of experimental surround-sound recordings with Donald Hunsberger and the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and subsequently teamed up with Peter Scheiber, the inventor of matrix surround-sound, for a widely publicized series of press and industry demonstrations which led directly to the adoption of Scheiber’s system by Dolby Laboratories for “Dolby Stereo” surround-sound in cinemas and eventually home theaters. In 1969, he was appointed head of American artists and repertoire and marketing for Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft of Hamburg, Germany, and over the following two decades, he produced hundreds of recording sessions for DGG, British Decca and American CBS Records with top orchestras in the U.S. and Europe under conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Sir Georg Solti and Arthur Fiedler. In 1990, after Eastman professor Marie Rolf told him the intriguing story of a woman who had affairs with and daughters by both Claude Debussy and Gabriel Fauré, he wrote, produced and directed “The Loves of Emma Bardac”. A co-production with Sony and NHK, it was the first Digital High Definition telefilm to be shot outside of Japan and won multiple international awards.
Personal reflection:
My Eastman education was perfect preparation for a long and satisfying career.
Peter Pesco, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Voice
Studio teacher: 1960-64 Mr. Leroy Morlock, 1967 Mr. Leonard Treash
Life and career since Eastman:
After Eastman I was a professional tenor soloist in opera and oratorio in the U.S., S. Korea and Germany. In Germany, my wife and four children sang in the chorus of La Boheme while I performed Rudolfo. I also spent four summers as a 1st tenor in the Bayreuth Festival Chorus. In 1975 I began to teach public school music in Central Islip, N.Y. while continuing to perform concert and opera engagements and taught voice at Eastern Suffolk School of music. For 10 years I was the Tenor in the Long Island Vocal Ensemble, a professional vocal quartett. I retired in 1995 and taught voice and vocal pedagogy at Five Towns College during which I performed for ten years with the Senior Pops Orchestra of Long Island. My wife and I moved to Bellevue, WA and I joined the Kirkland Choral Society. I became a McClosky Vocal Tech in 1997 and have been giving classes to our KCS members. Now I sing a a Baritone and have given two full recitals, one for my 75th and one for my 80th birthday. Currently preparing to perform Schubert’s Die Winterreise for my 85th.
Personal reflection:
I have lived my dream & continue to do so. Eastman was a major part of the foundation which helped me to grow and I’m still learning. Thanks.
Patricia Rusk, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Piano
Studio teacher: Orazio Frugoni
Life and career since Eastman:
One year after graduating from Eastman I earned a Masters degree in applied piano from Northwestern University. Since then I have performed in almost every area of the music business from recital halls to theatres, cabarets, piano bars, recording studios, and lots of auditions. My career had taken me from accompanying for Fred Waring to musical directing David Copperfield in his first and only musical, to playing for or musical directing over fifty stage shows, including several Broadway tours. Among the many musical revues in which I performed was the long running “Forbidden Broadway” in the ‘80s. I have always preferred being on stage to the orchestra pit. One of my favorite memories is of playing for the national tour of Side By Side By Sondheim on the stage of the Eastman Theatre fifteen years after graduation. I have performed twice at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, most recently with my students from the Chicago Academy For The Arts where am the chair emeritus of the Musical Theatre Department and where I continue to teach musical theatre performance and to musical direct shows. My students have been seen on network television, Star Search, Disney, and are currently appearing on national tours and on Broadway.
I am a founding member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals and a member of the board of the Musicians Club of Women, where I currently serve as assistant treasurer. I have been very fortunate to make a living doing what I love to do. I still enjoy playing classical music and am planning a recital for spring.
I had been married to Richard Wacker for twenty six years when he passed away seven years ago. Our daughter Leslie is my greatest achievement.
Personal reflection: I will be forever grateful for the education I received at Eastman. Although the school did not yet have a program, I was able to study accompanying with Harry Watts, and to be mentored by, among others, Millard Taylor, Joseph Mariano, Leonard Treash, and most of all, the wonderful Julius Huehn, who took me into his studio as a freshman and taught me so much about everything. I was very fortunate to study piano with Orazio Frugoni who supported my love of accompanying and my desire to play the violin, which I was able to study with Millard Taylor my senior year. I treasure the memories and lifelong friendships from my time at Eastman.
Sandra (Geddis) Sakofsky, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Oboe
Studio teacher: Mr. Sprenkle
Life and career since Eastman:
Somehow it took me from Texas to Canada (Ontario-the Golden Horseshoe) and from oboe only through to a woodwind doubler/specialist. It was fun. Unfortunately it ended by age 55 due to right forearm/wrist issues. Am still loving Canada. Am working as a crossing guard, playing Baroque flute with friends, and learning viola.
Personal reflection:
Sometimes I think I’m beginning to understand.
Dan Schlieben, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Trombone
Studio teacher: Donald Knaub
Life and career since Eastman:
Since ’64, have worked as a journalist, college professor (humanities), computer company (software) owner, and finally, a psychotherapist. Retired in 2012, live in NYC, attend concerts, other cultural events, sail summers from Glen Cove, Long Island, NY. Married Barbara Reed, a librarian who works at the Metropolitan Museum here in NY.
Personal reflection:
Eastman was an important early step towards maturity and I treasure the memories and friendships from those days. Always feel some sense of pride when fellow graduates have musical success in NY.
Jacklyn Schneider, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Voice
Studio teacher: Julius Huehn
Life and Career since leaving Eastman:
Professional appearances in leading roles with the opera companies of Boston, Philadelphia, Kentucky, San Francisco, Santa Fe; tours with Boris Goldovsky; Metropolitan Opera Studio. Roles: Tosca (Tosca), Violetta (La traviata), Lady Billows (Albert Herring), Ariadne (Ariadne auf Naxos), Antonina (Belisario), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), Magda (La rondine), Marschallin (Der Rosenkavalier), Cio-cio san (Madama Butterfly), Mimi (La bohème).
Concert and recital appearances throughout the USA.
Awards and Prizes:
Winner Winifred Cecil’s “Joy in Singing” Competition (Town Hall recital debut)
Kaufmann-Ruud Foundation Grant, William Mattheus Sullivan Foundation Grant, Corbett Foundation Grant, Metropolitan Opera Study Grants, Connecticut Opera Guild Edrie van Dore Award, ESM McCurdy Scholarship Award
Earned the degree Doctor of Musical Arts from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University (1992); first singer to earn a DMA from Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Current teaching:
Voice Faculty – AMDA, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy College and Conservatory in New York City since 1992. Founder and Artistic Director of AMDA’s American Opera Laboratory (2010).
Other faculties:
School of Continuing and Professional Studies at New York University, lecturer on opera.
Westminster Conservatory, professor of voice.
Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, lecturer; doctoral assistantship.
Musical theatre students appear on Broadway, off and off-off Broadway, on national and international tours, on television and film.
Classical students continue at prestigious music schools including Eastman, Oberlin, and Hartt.
Personal Reflection:
a remembrance for Eastman teacher and mentor Julius Huehn, who guided me on this path.
Ja, du weist es, teure Seele,
Dass ich fern von dir mich quale,
Liebe macht die Herzen krank,
Habe Dank.
Einst hielt ich, der Freiheit Zecher,
Hoch den Amethysten-Becher,
Und do segnetest den Trank,
Habe Dank.
Und beschworst darin die Boesen,
Bis ich, was ich nie gewesen,
Heilig, heilig an’s Herz dir sank,
Habe Dank!
Rodney D. Schuller, BM 1963
Major/Instrument: Organ
Studio/Teacher: David Craighead
Life and career since Eastman:
Rodney Schuller retired from full-time church music at the end of July, 2005, after having served with his wife, Johnette Eakin Schuller (MM – Eastman), as Ministers of Sacred Music and Organists at the Reformed Church of Bronxville, New York, for thirty-one years. Together they co-directed a graded choir program that included seven singing choirs and six English handbell groups, with more than 250 participants ranging from the first grade through adults. In addition to preparing the choirs for worship, festival services and concerts, the Schullers administered a concert series that featured guest musicians and choirs from England (Westiminster Abbey, Winchester Cathedral, New College, Oxford), Germany (St. Mary’s, Lübeck) and the United States. Annual recitals were presented by the Schullers and distinguished guest organists from the United States and Europe. During his final year at the Reformed Church, Mr. Schuller designed a new four-manual console for the 73-rank Schantz pipe organ to be built by Harris Organs, Inc. of Whittier California. The new console was installed and dedicated in the Fall of 2011.
Prior to 1974, the Schullers served churches in New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Ohio. In 1965, Mr. Schuller completed the SMM degree at The School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, New York city.
Johnette died of brain cancer in 2007.
Mr. Schuller is currently serving as Minister of Music on the staff of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Harwich, Massachusetts.
Personal Reflection:
When I was in the sixth grade, I met the principal trombonist of the United States Marine Band, an Eastman graduate and a former student of Emory Remington. From that time on, I was obsessed with the Eastman School of Music. David Craighead was not only a superb organ recitalist, he was the perfect pedagogue, balancing a very high standard with a gentle approach in his relationship with his students. I’ll always be proud to be able to say I’m an Eastman graduate.
Linda (Van Sickle) Smith, BM 1964
Instrument: French Horn
Teacher: Mr.Reynolds
Life and career since Eastman:
After graduation, I attended Case Western-Reserve in Cleveland and got an MA in Education to teach French. However, I was offered a position in the Dallas Symphony by Donald Johanos who had heard me play a student recital at ESM while he was visiting Rochester. I played in Dallas for 5 years, first as fourth horn and then as associate principal. It was a wonderful experience. I married and retired from the symphony when my first child was born. We were soon transferred to Arlington, Texas, and I joined the Ft. Worth Symphony for about 7 years because it was the only part time and by now I had two chi8ldren. I also taught at UTA and did free-lancing and had the experience of going on a short tour with Elvis Presley. Meanwhile I was divorced and needed to work. I had not liked teaching French, and I went back to school part-time at UTA and got a Masters in Social Work which led me into the world of non-profit pastoral counseling. I worked for 29 years at the Pastoral Counseling and Education Center in Dallas as a therapist and supervisor and loved every minute of it. I retired 2 years ago, and now I sing in a large church choir, spend lots of time with my grandchildren, and work in my garden. I am very active in the Dallas Symphony and Dallas Opera and am on the boards of both. My husband (I remarried in 1984) and I attend most concerts. I picked up the horn again maybe 15 years ago to play in a brass choir, but adult braces put an end to that. I am lucky to have good health, and I still play competitive tennis, swim, and do Pilates.
Personal reflection:
The Eastman Philharmonia tour in 1961-62 had a profound impact on my life. I still keep in touch with a few friends, here and elsewhere. Eastman, and Interlochen before it, influenced the whole direction of my life. Even my years as a therapist were impacted by my training to “listen closely” for more than the words. The international language of music has contributed to my desire to reach out and help other people.
Clifford Spohr, MM 1963
Major/Instrument: Double Bass
Studio teacher: Oscar Zimmerman
Life and career since Eastman:
Member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 1963 to the present; Principal Bass, 1969-1999; presently Principal Bass Emeritus, in his 51st season.
Personal reflection:
I’ve always been thankful for the wealth of orchestral experience I received at Eastman. I was a member of the Eastman Philharmonia during its historic tour of Europe, the Middle East, and Russia in ’61-’62, and also played in the Rochester Philharmonic for two years. My teacher, Oscar Zimmerman, also stressed the importance of learning the orchestra repertoire to his bass students. I’m still grateful for his guidance.
Edward Sprenkle, BM 1963
Major Instrument: Oboe
Teacher: Mr. Robert Sprenkle
Life and Career since Eastman:
1963-1968: Pilot, US Navy
1969-2001: Pilot, Northwest Airlines
2001-present, retired (government mandated retirement at age 60)
Home: Tampa, Florida
Main activity/hobby: Rowing (rowing shells)
Drusilla Adah Tamutus, BM 1963
Major/ Instrument: Piano/ Music Education
Studio Teachers: Orazio Frugoni
Life and Career since Eastman:
My life continued very much the same as it was while I attended Eastman. I loved everything at Eastman except two things… the first was that we could only have dances on the Eastman Campus, and the other was that we had a curfew. Fortunately, I was elected the Social Chairman and needless to say the first two changes I made was that our first major dance was in a local hotel’s ballroom, and the curfew was now extended by one hour! Making these two simple changes made for a fun time to be a student at Eastman.
I have several very fond memories while at Eastman, but one of my favorite memories was that during my sophomore year I was asked by senior student Frank Polanski to perform during his ‘two-piano’ recital in Kilbourne Hall. This was a real honor in itself. When ever there was a ‘two-piano’ recital, it was always the student putting on the recital who would (for obvious reasons) play piano 1, and the accompanist would play piano 2. Well, what made it so special for me was that Frank insisted that I play piano 1, and I was truly honored. So, after many, MANY hours of practicing it turned out to be a huge success and I was very happy that I agreed to do it.
When I arrived home after my graduation from Eastman I had three pieces of mail waiting for me. Each piece of mail was from a different school within a suburb of Buffalo, all of which needing a vocal/music teacher. It was an honor to me that each of these schools wanted me to be their music teacher. However, there was one school that stood out to me simply because it was a newly built school, and I liked the sound of that. I chose to be the vocal/music teacher at the brand new Grand Island Senior High School.
Once I started my career at Grand Island I quickly noticed two things… one, the need for a drill instructor during the football games. I happily accepted a newly appointed position as ‘Drill Instructor’, but unfortunately I lost my singing voice while performing my duty and it has never quite recovered. The second was that there was no Alma Mater. So, I set out to write the schools first alma mater and it was accepted. I was truly honored! Furthermore, I was the first music teacher at Grand Island to put on a musical in the school’s history. That musical, was Bye Bye Birdie. It was during the many hours of after-school rehearsals where I even met my husband, Peter, whom was a Social Studies teacher, football coach, track coach, and girl’s basketball coach. He would come by and try to sing and it made me laugh. There were so many things he was involved in at Grand Island, and so many things he did, yet the one thing he couldn’t do was sing. His funny antics started happening in 1965, and in 1969 we were married!
While teaching at Grand Island, I was fortunate to also do a lot of accompanying for soloists in and around Western New York. Although I had already graduated from Eastman, I had the privilege of accompanying Eastman students for their recitals, performances, and final jury’s for several years following my graduation. Jacky Schneider, do you remember how many pages you accidentally skipped for your exam yet we didn’t miss a note?? I also accompanied for many major musicals over the years and loved every minute of it. I was a member of NYSSMA, ECMEA, and even held the title of President of the Chromatic Club of Buffalo.
During my time at Grand Island I was also organist and choir director for the 9:15am summer services for St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral (Buffalo, NY) for many years during the 1960’s. In addition, I was also their Sunday School teacher. My family has been attending this Cathedral dating back to the 1880’s, so being the organist and choir director for the summer services was truly an honor for me. And yes, I am the oldest living member of St. Paul’s Cathedral to be still attending on a weekly basis. Again, I loved every minute of it.
In 1972 I was pregnant with my first son, Christopher, and decided to take a maternity leave. I gave birth to my twin sons Andrew and David in 1972. I enjoyed watching my sons grow up so much (watching their own performances and extracurricular activities) that I decided to take time off from teaching until I went back to substitute teaching in the mid 1980’s. I am very blessed that my three sons all inherited my musical genes. They were all choristers in the choir at St. Paul’s and my son Christopher was ranked the #1 high school drummer in Western New York. My twin sons Andrew and David both played the trumpet. Again, I was very proud that they were so musically gifted.
For over 20 years I was a substitute teacher in the East Aurora school district until my husband became ill in 2008. Unfortunately my husband Peter passed away in October 2012, after 43 wonderful years of marriage. I miss him every day.
I could go on and on about how I have been truly blessed all of these years. Eastman School of Music is the best in every single way. It is with the highest esteem that I hold Eastman so dear to my heart, right next to my wonderful family. We were a very close class, always looking out for each other. We truly felt we had the best and caring professors and I really had some of the best years of my life at Eastman. Although we don’t always talk or see each other, I think of my dear friends and classmates often. God bless you all, and God Bless the Eastman School of Music!
Margaret Whitfield, MM 1964
Major/Instrument: Music Literature and Organ
Studio teacher: David Craighead
Life and career since Eastman:
- Piano Teacher-Preparatory Department Peabody Conservatory
- Orchestra Director- Hanover Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools
- Directed Langley High School Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
- Organ and piano recitalist in local churches
- Guest organ soloist with Ithaca College Orchestra performing at Cornell University
- Additional credits from Cornell University and University of Virginia and Tennessee, President of Suzuki Association
- Piano accompanist for Suzuki Festival at Wolf Trap Center for Performing Arts, as well as the Kennedy Center and Constitution Hall
- Organist, Choir Director, and Bell Choir Director in churches in Maryland and Virginia
- Private teacher: organ, piano, violin
Personal reflection:
Studying with a private teacher from 8 years old, studying at Western Maryland College and Eastman has given me the skills to teach and perform. Holding a degree from Eastman, considered to be such a prestigious music school, has opened many doors of opportunity to me.
Edward B. Wood, BM 1964
Major/Instrument: Piano
Studio teacher: Armand Basile
Life and career Since Eastman:
Master of Music, 1970, and Artist Diploma, 1972, from New England Conservatory. I have devoted my career to promoting the music of J.S. Bach and contemporary composers. In a series of four recitals in Jordan Hall, Boston, 1071 and 1972, I performed both books of The Well-Tempered clavier, combined with a complete piano works of Arnold Schoenberg. Around 1969 pianist Easley Blackwood commissioned Donald Martino, future Pulitzer Prize winner, to compose the hardest piece ever written. Donald named this piece Pianisssissimo. Easley then decided not to attempt to learn it. Throughout the 1970s I was the only pianist performing this work – at New England Conservatory, the Fromm Series at Harvard University, the Group for Contemporary Music at the Manhattan School of Music, the National Convention of University Composers, Fredonia State College in New York, and Harvard University. I have also promoted the piano music of Serge Conus and Kenneth Girard. Eroica Classical Recordings distributes my CDs internationally. From 2001 through 2003 the Challenge VI art exhibition toured the United States. My Music for Woodturning, in collaboration with Cycles, by my sister Virginia Dotson, were part of this exhibit. My Ten New England Scenes for Canvas, Camera, and Piano also accompanied this exhibit. In March 2005, I attended a concert for brass at New England Conservatory and noted the scarcity of music for French Horn Quartet. The author of the program notes seemed to be pleading with composers to write music for this ensemble. I offered to write such a work for Jean Rife, Head of the Brass Department. At the Barry Tuckwell Institute in Pennsylvania, in the summer of 2006, she led an ensemble of my French Horn Quartet. This score is now in the library at Peabody Conservatory.
Personal reflection:
Dear Eastman faculty and students, my gratitude to you runs so , so deep. In my very first piano lesson with you, Mr. Basile, I was profoundly humbled, as you imparted to me a solemn trust – to become a great artist. You opened to me a new world of the microscopic in piano. Your idealism inspired me throughout my four years of study with you, and far beyond. Miss Wonderlich, our great Theory instructor, you treated us as little children in Kindergarden, dissipating all anxiety. In our first few classes you made Theory so easy. In this state of mind, I scarcely noticed that you were leading us into highly advanced territory. Our classroom was filled with the most sublime idealism, as we analyzed, then listened to, The Art of the Fugue and Chopin’s 24 Preludes. Mr. cooper, our Freshman English teacher, I still quote the insightful Beatnick poem you showed us – “Wait wait wait wait wait wait …NOW!” You also revived my dormant gift for writing. Mr. Watts, our Piano ensemble teacher, just days before your sudden, untimely death, you gave us a gift that would reverberate througout the following decades of my life – a chorale from J.S. Bach’s Gesu, Meine Freude. Jose Echaniz and Cecile Genhart, in my very brief encounters with you, you gave me the most profound affirmation and encouragement. Jared Bogardus, you kindly overlooked my less-than-ideal attitude in your Accompanying class. Your stupendous insight into my talent as a composer would sustain me during my many years of self-doubt in this area. Dr. Mennini, your intense encouragement during my three years studying composition with you means so much to me. Mr. Celentano, I was deeply inspired by your wonderful encouragement as I studied piano quartets with you.
Dear Eastman students, how can I possibly express my profound appreciation for you? Inevitably and regretfully, I will omit many of you. My wonderful roommate for three years, Al Filosa, our friendship continues to this day. Your performance of the Walton Viola Concerto by William Walton marked the beginning of my appreciation for this great composer. I shall also never forget your sublime introduction of J. S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor to me, during that wonderful afternoon, as our Thanksgiving break began in freshman year. Tom Caldwell, my close, close friend, where are you? In Europe? No one seems to have heard from you in almost fifty years. To the unknown students who would play your recording of Antonin Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony in your room each Sunday afternoon in my Freshman year, as I began my walk down beautiful East Avenue, thank you. I was so uplifted. It was also these walks that inspired me as I composed my Third Piano Sonata. To other unknown students, as you would play these beautiful jazz recordings from your rooms, thank you also. This music also deeply inspired me. Thom George, your dreamy, sublime Prelude and Fugue for Double Trombone quartet, performed at a composers’ forum in our Freshman year, opened up a new world to me and was a major influence on me, several decades later. Joan Denslo, your remarkable, compelling F# Minor Fugue that you composed in our sophomore Theory class still resounds in my head. Young touring pianist, Marek Jablonski, I am so grateful to you for introducing me to Chopin’s wonderful F# Minor Polonaise. Your octaves were the the most wonderful that I have ever heard. Freed Lieberman, your chromatic piano piece, performed by Richard Reeber, with the repeated, sublime chord of Great D, Second Line E flat, and Second Line F, still reverberates within my spirit. Bill Armstrong, the music world was too small to hold a place for you. But your performance of Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet continues to uplift me beyond what words can express. Mark Edwards, you r hilarious parody of Vladimir Horowitz playing that famous Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody, was absolutely ingenious, and also insightful. And how in the world could you manage to play Beethoven’s Appassionata in E Minor for Mrs. Genahrt?!!! Eastman Students, how can I possibly do justice to all of you, for your gift to my life? My tribute to you, from the depths of my spirit, was my Fourth Piano Sonata, performed in my final recital, in May, 1964.
Students, and faculty, so many of you have passed on. But in the words of Stephen Foster, “The pure, the bright, the beautiful, these things shall never die.”
