March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023
"Dear Ashley,
Your father was one of the best professors I had while at Ball State. I was a harp major and when I ended up in his band arranging class he was classically blunt with me "why the hell are you here instead of orchestral arranging?" I remember being very nervous about having him as a teacher since I had heard rumors that he was a very tough teacher. What I hadn't heard, but what was equally true, was that he was a good teacher and very fair. He taught me things about arranging that I still use almost every week as I arrange pieces for church or my own students. He cared about good music and creativity. He taught me to write out my arragements so well that I still get comments on how clearly I write out parts!
Mostly, I remember him talking me into taking composition lessons with him despite my plea that I had nothing to say musically. We got about three weeks into the lessons and he looked at me and said "wow, you have nothing to say do you?" It was hilarious and we spent the rest of the semester debating religion which was a blast! Here, again, he was honest and fair. It was excellent training for me on how to debate well. He didn't argue with what he thought I had said, he listened and argued with what I had really said! When he came to my senior recital I felt very honored.
I wish this wasn't coming to you so long after the fact but please know that I am one of (I am sure) many students who was very lucky to have been taught by your father! And whether he would have liked it or not I will be praying for his soul - I am sure that would have made him grin!
Most sincerely,
Kelly W"
Your father was one of the best professors I had while at Ball State. I was a harp major and when I ended up in his band arranging class he was classically blunt with me "why the hell are you here instead of orchestral arranging?" I remember being very nervous about having him as a teacher since I had heard rumors that he was a very tough teacher. What I hadn't heard, but what was equally true, was that he was a good teacher and very fair. He taught me things about arranging that I still use almost every week as I arrange pieces for church or my own students. He cared about good music and creativity. He taught me to write out my arragements so well that I still get comments on how clearly I write out parts!
Mostly, I remember him talking me into taking composition lessons with him despite my plea that I had nothing to say musically. We got about three weeks into the lessons and he looked at me and said "wow, you have nothing to say do you?" It was hilarious and we spent the rest of the semester debating religion which was a blast! Here, again, he was honest and fair. It was excellent training for me on how to debate well. He didn't argue with what he thought I had said, he listened and argued with what I had really said! When he came to my senior recital I felt very honored.
I wish this wasn't coming to you so long after the fact but please know that I am one of (I am sure) many students who was very lucky to have been taught by your father! And whether he would have liked it or not I will be praying for his soul - I am sure that would have made him grin!
Most sincerely,
Kelly W"