Check out the Marietta Daily Journal; remembering Junalee Populus

Our "Winter Wonderland" program has been advertised in the Education section of the MDJ. Now we really have to practice! On a sad note, I found out that a blessed friend and teaching colleague from New Orleans, Junalee Populus, has passed away in her post-Katrina home in Houston, TX. June was a real friend and mentor to me and countless others in the New Orleans public schools during the 1980s and 1990s. She is survived by her beloved husband, Billy Rose, her son, Delbert Rose. and the countless numbers of students who were taught by her. I particularly remember her planning of our school's Mardi Gras balls, and her special obbligato to "Silent Night" that the chorus sang each year. Many blessings and prayers to you, "Lady P".

Busy time for all, but remember...

You should never be too busy to offer thanks, which is what Thanksgiving should be about. Last night I had a wonderful reunion with a former teacher of mine in New Orleans. Dr. Larry Wyatt and his University of South Carolina Choir gave a wonderful concert in Duluth, Georgia as part of their fall tour. Dr. Wyatt and his wife Susie were my friends and mentors thirty long years ago. Larry was kind enough to allow me to assist him in conducting and teaching the New Orleans Philharmonic Chorus which performed for years with many famous guest conductors and musicians. His son, Ben, has a Ph.D in Cello Performance from San Francisco State and is studying at Julliard, so I can now say that I taught someone who went there (he was all of seven and eight years old when I taught him!). Listening to the choir and watching Larry conduct reminded me how important every musical experience is, and how music touches us in unique and fascinating ways. Have a blessed holiday, and come back to school refreshed!

November is finally here!

All orchestra classes have received and studied their festival music for January as well as their holiday music for December 11th! Talk about being prepared...our harpist, Julie Albertson, will be with us for the first time in a few years, and I'm looking forward to her wonderful inspired playing. In addition, we will have the debut of the McEachern Symphony Orchestra, with the help of Mr. Petway and his band class. I'm really looking forward to this concert, more than usual. At this time of the year, our thoughts turn to the past and all our loved ones and distant homes, etc. I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. I will be performing with the Shir Emet choir from my synagogue, Temple Kol Emeth on November 18th at TKE in an ecumenical Thanksgiving service.