UD music highlights for me include playing bass clarinet in the concert band under Maurie Reichard, singing in the Messiah chorus under Dr. Tagg, playing piano under Mr. Zech, taking every theory course Dr. Betty Thomas offered each year. While a UD student, I directed the Marianist scholastics' glee club and band. After graduating in 1955 with a B.S. in Music Education degree, I directed the concert band of Chaminade High School in Dayton. I was then organist and Gregorian Chant instructor, first at Chaminade Preparatory in Marcy, NY, then at UD's East Campus (Mount St. John).
I earned my M.A. from Notre Dame in 1965. I then taught several theology courses at UD and one at Antioch College. My mass for the English liturgy was first performed at Emmanuel Church, Dayton, with Mr. Reichard and other UD trumpeters participating. I left the Marianists after 17 years, became a Senior Editor at Dell Publishing, taught at Mary Rogers College, earned a Ph.D. in adult education. I joined ASCAP after my "12 Baby Fitness Songs" were published. My proudest moment: receiving UD's Distinguished Alumnus Award, 1985. Since I cannot travel, Dr. Betty Thomas Berk received the award for me. I was in contact with this remarkable teacher up to a few weeks before her death. We were planning a collaborative project on the music of Chopin at that time.
My music degree from UD was the perfect preparation for a professional life, not only as a musician, but also as an educator and a generalist. My biography appears in Who's Who in the East. A bibliography of my work can be found in International Who's Who in Publishing. My website has quizzes, stories, puzzles, sports trivia, and interesting links to non-profits I find especially worthwhile.