Hi--
We just returned from Florida, and the trip was
a happy, successful experience in many ways. Here are couple
of the headlines: A "while" ago, as a music scholarship
recipient studying piano with Bertha Foster, and playing trombone
in the U. of M. symphony orchestra under the direction of Modeste
Aloo. I also functioned as a "utility" brass player
in the band at the Hurricane football games ("Here`s to
the spi-rit of Mi-am-i U"). I was also actively working
at that time playing piano in jazz joints, for dinner music,
and dancing, at the hotels on the beach. Wearing my ruffled
shirt, and moustache (very light fuzz, that I darkened, and
kind of "filled in") I earned the respect of some
of the hottest Latin musicians in town. My "Montunas"were
cool enough so that the guys called me Jose(Hose-ay)! At that
time there were approximately 500 students enrolled at the school.
Today , 60 years later there are I`m told, many thousands who
come here from all over the world.
At the invitation of the Dean of the music school, William Hipp,
I presented master classes in film scoring to the film scoring
and composition departments. All the music students that attended
were focussed, serious, bright, gifted, and significantly committed
to making a living in music. A similar ethic to what I find
in my classes here at the Flora Thornton School of Music at
USC. Thank you all at the University of Miami for a wonderful
experience. Your music students in a word, were great!
Thinking of what it was like,what happened, and what it`s like
today the beauty, size and scope of the University itself is
overwhelming. The buildings housing the Music Department include
a number of concert halls, and many other facilities to accommodate
classes in instrumental music, composition, conducting, courses
in cutting edge electronics, spacious rehearsal and practice
rooms for symphonic, chamber and choral groups. Also, a wonderful
variety of Jazz and big bands, and on and on. Most impressive
was the work of the Program Director of Media Writing and Production
by Dr. Raul Murciano. He has had many years of professional
experience in music and, the Business of music, in addition
to his many academic achievements. Raul, basically teaches the
requirements of "how to earn a living in the arts".
Fortunately, I also reconnected with a highly regarded member
of the music school faculty, a familiar face. Another old pro
who grew up as I did , in the "trenches", a friend
and colleague Jim Progriss.
The
physical architecture of the campus, with its beautiful man-made
lakes, is not only contemporary but also in keeping with the
tropical setting. Despite a resort-type look, the University
of Miami has a most serious program of studies. The U. of M.
has earned a highly respected academic standard among the other
great Universities of renown. In addition to my classes, I attended
a tribute concert by Lacuna Pavarotti to a sold out house of
enchanted fans and opera lovers. The concert was followed by
a gala reception celebrating 35 years as director of the Florida
Concert Association of my long time friend, Judy Drucker. Among
the participants were appearances by a number of her old pals:
Roberta Peters, Evelyn Lear, Martin Bookspan (the voice of Lincoln
Center), and closing the program, me. I spoke about Judy and
then played "Fly Me To the Moon," and an original
composition, "Memory of a Dream." Yet again, another
memorable adventure and, you CAN go home again! Besides, the
weather was great and the food was fantastic!!
Love,
Joe
