Dear Dr. Dehning, I hope this message finds you healthy, happy, and living life to the fullest. Your health scare a few months ago was frightening, and I trust youve had a full recovery. The false start chat on Sunday night was the beginning of this message, but I was interrupted and didnt get to finish my thoughts. For years, I have meant to write a note to let you know how much I appreciate the musical, technical, and personal guidance you provided during my education at UOP. Over the years, I have often thought back on experiences I had in your choir or classroom and used them for reference in my own teaching and musical career. I was a counselor/administrator for 25 years, conducted a church choir for 10 years, and have sung with the 40-voice Alaska Chamber Singers for 20 years. Early on, I decided to make music my avocation rather than vocation, because I wanted to enjoy music without the pressure to have it pay the bills. Fortunately, this was a viable option for me. I have always felt that my music education at Pacific was extraordinary in many ways, and you contributed greatly to that perception. (Frank Weins was the other major influence, as my piano instructor). From you, I learned the value of score study, thorough rehearsal preparation, attention to detail, quality vocal production, respect for singers, a total commitment to the music above all else, and so much more. Thank you for helping me develop skills that contributed to a love of choral singing. Until my time with you as a conductor, I was just an accompanist who sang alto to avoid boredom when the chorus was performing an a cappella piece. Under your direction, I discovered the sheer joy of making beautiful music with others dedicated to the same goal. As the years have gone by, choral singing has remained a huge part of my life, while the piano has become less of a factor. I consider your influence a gift, and appreciate it more and more over time. There is so much to say, but it always makes more sense in my head than it does in black and white. In short, I just want you to know that you had a positive and lasting effect on the life of a fairly shy, piano-playing music education major. Thank you, again. Sincerely, Mary
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:46:14 +0000
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