Update 12-03-02


Hi,

Holiday week.  Light correspondence.

From Booker Gibson:  Hello to Jean Cohen and others.  Your school singing memories are a sad memory to me also.  For those of us who went to Music-Ed in the 40's, there was no sensitivity taught about diversity.  Part of this is why I developed my course around current events and opera.  Once in a while, I was reminded about this when I wanted to use certain material with the junior high singers.  I didn't have the senior high chorus until about 1968, when John Leachey retired.  By then, we'd had numerous meetings among the faculty and administration concerning this point.  New books were planned, and old music was filed away.  I'm sorry people of your vintage had to suffer through those earlier years, and, even now, there's still work to be done.  I never got to know the Brooklyn Avenue teacher you spoke of, but I did know some others.  And sometimes, it takes thoughtful students, or parents, to remind teachers of what they're doing.
      Along these same lines, a music teacher I knew, who was white, was starting to teach in an urban school.  When he wanted the kids to sing "Swanee  River," which ends with the line "Old Black Joe," it nearly caused a riot.  So that song was put away forever.
      Nice to hear from you.

From Hy Rosov:  I look forward to reading about all of South's graduates -- even the ones I didn't know or teach.  I think we all attended the finest high school on Long Island.

From Steve Gootzeit:  In response to Barbara Blitfield Pech's comment on the singing of the National Anthem -- it always bothered me that people did not sing the anthem at sporting events.  I always did, and fought hard not to feel like an oddball in doing so.

From Zelda White Nichols:  Please everybody, come visit San Diego.  I am bowled over by this town; it is a true melting pot.  The most popular pop station, STAR  100.7, plays Hanukah songs as well as Christmas music.  There is a huge Mexican population -- due to being so close to Mexico -- a huge Asian population, a huge Native and South American population, as well as a Little Italy section and every other nationality you can think of, including Iranian.  In fact, there are many Iranian restaurants (and the food is delicious). Yes, there is also a gang population -- that is very common to Southern California towns.  But, basically, everyone gets along.  The town I live in, Alpine, is like a southern Northern Exposure, with an equal mix of Caucasian, Mexican, and Native American people.  I was amazed when we first moved here at the diversity of cultures.  It made Boston look very narrow minded indeed.

From Jane Ruzow Tiell:  I just became a grandmother.  His name is Austin Jake, and he is just beautiful.  It's funny to watch my son feeding his child, as it seems like only yesterday that I was feeding my son myself.  I suddenly realize that I must be getting older.
      Still, visiting, I'm reminded how hot and humid Florida is.  So I guess some things never change.

From Irene Augustin Wehn:  A belated Happy Thanksgiving to all.  While I was at my son's house in Pennsylvania, I got him to scan some pictures I found from William L. Buck's kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade.  I'm sure lots of people will recognize themselves and others as well.  My dilemma is this though:  I had my son e-mail the photos home to me, but when I went to look at them, they were sideways and large.  I have no idea how to fix this, as I am no computer expert.  Can you help?  Thanks.

(Rich:  I can fix them, but not just now.  I'm away from home for the next few weeks, stuck working with my ancient laptop.  I've also run out of room on the home page to display more pictures, and already had to delete three other grade school photos earlier this fall.  As I mentioned then, when I can get the time, I need to consolidate the reunion photos, to eliminate near duplicates.  That will give us more space on the home page for other material.)

From Eric Hilton:  OK, here it is, the Quintessential Hanukah Song -- just in time to still be able to use Hanukah caroling in a neighborhood near you.  I had written this with my family, while stuck in a snowstorm on the Throgs Neck bridge.  We were coming home from a Christmas Party in New Jersey, and while stuck mid-span, we began singing made-up holiday songs (just so we wouldn't have to talk to each other).  Saturday Night Live had just showed the “Hanukah Harry” sketch, and while visions of John Lovitz were still in our minds, we wrote "Ode to Hanukah Harry."  Here is the new, updated version, destined to be a classic.
      Hope all of you have a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday.  Be well.

(Rich:  Again, because I'm working with my old laptop, I can't download Eric's song.  But you can contact him directly for the lyrics, at:  the_photomaker@yahoo.com.)

Finally, a last reminder from Paul DeMartino:  The next New York gathering is at Lily Flanagan's, on Sunday, December 8th at 1:00.  Please contact Dennis Shapiro or me for directions or details.

The home page address:  hometown.aol.com/falcons1965a


Rich