Spring Semester 2025

This is turning into the semester of honors. I never thought I'd win awards for teaching or for anything else. After twenty years at my university, I felt my groove was sufficiently polished and that I'd stay quietly in it.

But lo and behold: In the past month, I have been initiated an honorary Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity (for band), I have won my University Provost's Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity, and I have won my School of Music's Excellence in Teaching Award.

 

 To the Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, I say, "Perhaps my increased visibility as the Voice of the Marching Mountaineers helped lead to my initiation. Whatever the reason, I thank you, and I shall NOT be one of those honoraries who never shows up! You can count on me, and I will look forward to it."

To my dean, James Douthit, I say, "This is not the first time you have nominated me for a campus award. I appreciate your appreciation of me and your using your position to make it known. Thank you. This Provost's Award was a huge surprise."

To the students of the Hayes School of Music, Appalachian State University, I say, "Thank you for thinking of me when it came time to award something this year. Even after all those Theory corrections and long quizzes, you saw fit to put my name forward for this. I appreciate it very much, and I love seeing you in class every day. Please go and be successful, and may what I impart to you change your life so that you can change others' lives."

And on top of all that, a month ago I submitted an expense report for a trip. It was accepted and reimbursed on the first try. I believe the world just might be ending soon.

 

New purpose

The blog is getting busy again. I'm about to launch a new, LONG series on a biography of Richard Forrest Woods. Please enjoy. Bit by bit.

In four years, I'll retire from teaching. That is, if the market [mine] will bear it. This year, I'll hear auditions from students who will 'retire' from college at the same time I do. I'll need something to do in retirement. Broadway coaching? Bus driving for retirement communities? Funeral volunteering? Service playing? Truck driving school? Bicycling all over God's creation? Visiting all the National Parks? I'm all ears.

Happy New Year, dear Reader. It's going to be a ride.

Out of the tunnel

This pandemic has devastated many and affected all. It has merely slowed me down for a time. But things are coming back to life now. I played three virtual recitals, three virtual Morning Prayer rites, one fully in-person super-spreader wedding (sorry to say -- that's for another blog post). And, of course, I had an entire armload of programs and other events cancelled. But now I'm on board to play my third performance in the south of France this summer, and I'm looking forward to a few other side trips. As of this writing, my second vaccination is tomorrow, and my masks are still numerous, clean, and always nearby. Meanwhile, my virtual teaching is in top condition (at least for me -- for my students? Who knows.). Everyone hang in there. We're coming back.

Last rites revisited

My last News update mentioned the final proofs of the final Widor recordings. Well, now I have those completed recordings in my hands! The deed is done, the gift copies have been sent out, and I will now be working out marketing procedures with the various venues. This project is a gift that keeps on giving.

Last rites

I have just sent the final corrections to the proofs for the final installment of my complete Widor Symphonies recordings. Although that sounds like a monumental project -- which it was -- it was done in stages, with plenty of time for me to learn the next pieces for the next recording sessions. Nevertheless, when I look at my storage closet filling up with 'inventory,' I feel a growing satisfaction with this body of work I have completed. Although I don't fancy myself one of the greats (but would have been glad to be considered so), my recording crew and I have captured some thrilling music on some equally thrilling organs, and I hope those who hear them will agree.

I have no plans for future recordings. But if a sponsor wants to step forward, I'll come out of recording session retirement!