1961 - "You'll never make it, Sweetie!" - Pre-med advisor at Columbia University when I requested information about preparing for medical school to become a Doctor. My music transcripts, my current status as legal steno for Wall Street Law Firm, my age (all of 28!), and, Oh yes, I was Di-vorced!!!! - all worked against me. However, his response made me so angry, it gave me energy for the next 12 years of my life! 1961-63 Pre-Med at Columbia Night School; 64-69 Medical School at OU; 1970-73 Post Grad Residency training. It's a good thing I don't even remember his name! [Perhaps it was Mr. Twit.]
Columbia University at Night.
1952 - "I have something that will change your life." - Searle Wright, San Francisco, upon presenting me with a check facsimile (later deposited in my bank) for $1500 from Jean Tennyson Foundation to study with Dupre in France.
Searle Wright
Check facsimile for $1500
QUOTES THAT CHANGED MY LIFE #3
1948 - "A new radio station downtown is looking for programming. Why don't you go ask them if you can do an organ show?" - Ms. Elaine Tucker, Classen HS, Oklahoma City, teacher of radio, speech, presentation, acting, diction, writing for radio, and stage presence. I did what she said and got a show on KTOW, organ music and high school news. Later, a local shoe store sponsored me, payment in shoes and $5 a show!
1953 - "I need a substitute organist for a few weeks." - Organist at The American Cathedral, Paris, visiting at Fontainebleau, was asking Dupre's students. I volunteered. Not only did I play the beautiful Cavaille-Col Organ, but also met Canon Charles Shreve, substitute preacher, who would later play a pivotal role in my life.
The American Cathedral, Ave George V, Paris.
From June 1953 to September 1961 I wander the Western world.
Norman, Oklahoma, to New York – embark on HMS Veendam for Le Havre, train to Paris and Fontainebleau, studies with Dupre, Falcinelli and Boulanger, Sundays in Paris as organist at American Cathedral Ave. George V. Meet Rev. Charles Shreve there who invites me to Nice as Organist/Choirmaster Church of the Holy Spirit where I play a small Cavaille Col organ. Meet and work with Marie Powers, the great contralto, Menotti’s “Medium”. Learn French.
Return to Charlottesville VA, marry fellow student from Fontainebleau, travel to Honolulu in search of adventure. Organist at First Methodist Church and music teacher Palama Settlement Music School. Rev. Shreve visits and invites me to Rome. To earn money for the trip we board HMS Orion for Vancouver, take the ferry to Victoria where I am Assistant Organist to Graham Steed at Christ Church Cathedral.
[...]
Read more
