Condensing 40 years into a few paragraphs?? Not sure either Mrs. Copeland or Miss Cramer would have expected that amount of revision and condensation!

After our 1966 graduation from Roy-Hart, I began my undergraduate studies in Music Education at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, west of Chicago. I not only received my Bachelor’s in Music Education in 1970, but also met and married my wife Karen, who received her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 1971. We trekked to the University of Cincinnati, where I completed a Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the College Conservatory of Music while Karen taught Elementary Vocal Music in a Cincinnati suburb. While my goal in life was to conduct a major symphony orchestra, a teaching position opened in the new Music Curriculum at Niagara Co. Community College in Sept. 1973; while I envisioned taking the position for a short time and then returning to complete my doctorate, I loved my work as a college teacher and administrator so much that I stayed for 32 years, retiring in May 2006. During these 32 years, I served as Professor and Coordinator of Music, Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs, and International Student Advisor. In May 2005, I was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

My years since Roy-Hart have been blessed by my wife Karen (we will celebrate 35 years of marriage in Aug. 2006), and our two daughters Meredeth (M.A. Art History, University of Buffalo, and on the faculty of Buffalo State College in the Department of Art Conservation), and Megan (M.S. Marketing/Public Relations, Syracuse Univ., and Director of Communications for the American Greeting Card Corporation). Once Megan started school full-time, Karen began work on a Masters in Library Science at the University of Buffalo and continues in her position as a Professor/Librarian at Niagara Community College and as a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

My other “family” is the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, for whom I have been a regular conductor since 1985. Entering my 21st year with the BPO and reflecting on the previous 20 years, it is difficult to find appropriate words of gratitude for Bob Cavers who gave me many conducting opportunities during my Roy-Hart years. He never hesitated in allowing me the chances to conduct the Roy-Hart Band, and while it wasn’t under contract to Sony or Naxos, it was sufficient to provide me with the positive experience I needed.

In retirement I am looking forward to more time for music composing, developing an Adult Music Appreciation lecture series for the Buffalo Philharmonic, teaching my “Music and Political Action” course online, our 1st grandchild, and cooking!!!