Memories in Music

The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs presented their Suzanne Anderson Memorial Concert on Sunday October 13th at The Cecilia Cohn Recital Hall located within the Performing Arts Center on the campus of The East Stroudsburg University of PA. The concert was designed to pay tribute to the late Suzanne Anderson and the lives she touched through her love for music. A number of works sampling Ms. Anderson’s favorite pieces filled the program and the hearts of those who attend the life affirming event.

The concert began with some welcoming remarks made by Diane Lusk who is the president of The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs. This was followed by memories and words of appreciation shared by Ms. Anderson’s niece, Laura Witcraft, who moved the gathering of friends present for the concert to recall the moments when their lives were touched by music and Ms. Anderson’s love for it. Other individuals who knew Ms. Anderson spoke throughout the event encouraging more reflective thoughts from those who heard them.

The musical portion of the program began with a performance given by Beth Faulstick who presented a number of pieces on Marimba. Ms. Faulstick’s expertise with the instrument brought out its essence as a number of the pieces she performed echoed throughout the recital hall with many of the compositions resounding their harmonies like an orchestra. One exceptional piece was titled, “The Whistler” which brought a calliopeic joy to the audience. Ms. Faulstick was accompanied by on piano who enhanced the composition with her talents.

Ms. Faulstick’s performance was followed by that given by Diane Lusk and Dr. Betsy Buzzelli-clark who performed as duo - pianist for the composition written by George Gershwin titled, “Rhapsody in Blue.” As someone not intimate with the classical music genre, the experience of listening to the entire composition proved to be an overpowering one. I, like many, have only heard portions of the work as presented in commercials and other brief attention grabbing mediums wishing to establish an air of sophistication. But, hearing all of the work’s nuances provided a much more satisfying perspective of the composition accompanied by a deeper appreciation for the composer and those who perform his music.

The composition was performed on two grand pianos by Ms. Lusk and Dr. Buzzelli-clark. The full range of the piece’s musicality were explored as notes became intertwined by being played simultaneously by the pianists. In several portions of the performance, I notice the hands of one of the pianist were crossed while playing the passage. I asked one of the pianist about this during the reception that followed the concert as I wondered if the technique had anything to do with how the notes related to the mechanics of the piano or to how the brain communicates information to the hands. I was told that, while these may be valid reasons why the musician’s hands moved as they did during the performance, the truth of the matter was that the composition was simply written that way and some of it was done merely for show. While this may not have been the response the pseudo intellectual side of me wanted to hear, it was refreshing to learn classical composers and the musicians who play their work are not above adding a little Chutzpah to their art.

Ms. Lusk and Dr. Buzzelli-clark’s performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” was followed by a performance given by John Eaton who presented his own composition titled, “Microtonal Fantasy” upon two upright pianos. #The term Microtonal refers to “a musical interval smaller than a semitone, especially a quarter tone.” The composition utilizes these intervals and, in doing so, creates musical experience that challenges the listener’s perceptions of melodies through its seemingly disjointed approach. I, personally, never been exposed to this technique and I am, therefore, unaware of its intricacies. But, I found the performance to be a very interesting one to experience and I’m interested in learning more about the style it employed.

Mr. Eaton’s performance was followed by that given by East Stroudsburg University of PA Professor Emeritus of Music Robert Miller who performed a composition written by Enrique Granados titled, “Allegro de Concierto.” The piece was expertly played adding a Latino flavor to the final moments of the concert. The concert was brought to conclusion with some final remarks expressing an appreciation to those who attended the memorial to Suzanne Anderson along with an invitation to partake of a reception so memories could be shared. Due to the nature of the program, no photographs were permitted to be taken during the concert. However, you’ll be able to see photographs taken during the reception that followed the concert in The Special Events 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151866787260421.636000420&type=3.

Suzanne Anderson joined The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs in 1969 and served as it’s vice president until 2013. Her contributions to the club’s desire to help promote music and to encourage musicians throughout the area included the establishment of club’s Music Scholarship Program which has enabled many young musicians realize their dreams of pursuing their love into adulthood. In honor of her endeavors, the program has been renamed, “The Suzanne Anderson Scholarship Program.”

Throughout her life, Ms. Anderson has been recognized for her musical achievements and desire to promote music in the area. These signs of recognition included The Pennsylvania Federation of Music Club’s (PFMC) Keystone Salute Award which she received in 2004. She also served other music and civic organizations throughout the Monroe County, PA area. These included The Pocono Youth Orchestra, The Pocono Arts Council, and the Pocono Lively Arts of which she proved instrumental in formulating several music programs. Suzanne Anderson passed away on Wednesday January 16th, 2013 at the age of 76 in the Getz Personal Care Home located in Kunkletown, PA.

The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs was established in 1912 as an organization seeking to perform music and to serve musicians throughout the community. They hold monthly programs October through May with the exception of January with most being free to the public. The programs include The Annual NFMC Festival and competitions as well as events presented in schools, churches, and community related venues. You can learn more about The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs, it’s programs, all it has to offer the community, and how to participate by contacting Priscilla Day at Egday@ptd.net.