Full

Another full weekend is upon me. I returned from NYC Friday in time to see Anything Goes in Kirkwood, with my student Chelsea Zak as music director. Saturday included six hours of lessons, a run to the library, a cleaning of my home office (which was in such a state that the cleaning needs to

The weekend

Circus nephew Dennis had an art opening at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Voice student Tatum was Jane Banks in Mary Poppins Jr. at Immaculate Conception in Dardenne Prairie: Webster University held the 2024 Commencement exercises. Here I am with two of my graduating voice students: I send Al Bastin and Isaiah Henry forth into

Commencement 2024

Webster University’s 2024 Commencement weekend by the numbers: Thanks to my colleague Nina Ferrigno and to Webster photographers for some of these photos that capture the day: Somehow Nina caught me pouring at two different stations, and two different kinds of wine. Saturday was a good day to be a Gorlok.

Juries

End-of-semester juries took place this week. As usual, I memorialized with my students each jury’s conclusion! With the conclusion of the school year, I’m saying ‘so long’ to five of my voice students. Dom and Al and Isaiah are graduating. Makari and Mason are not returning to Webster next year. I’ll miss each and every

Two years

The diabetes diagnosis came two years ago this month. What a difference two years has made in my health and well-being!

Elgar

The North American branch of the Edward Elgar Society met in Saint Louis this weekend for a conference and concert featuring Elgar’s cello concerto, performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. I’ve been a member of this society for a couple of decades now, if not more. I was unable to attend

Concert weekend

Concert weekend! Three of them at Webster University this weekend. Classes ended Friday. I’m spending the weekend primarily at the Webster studio teaching lessons to make up for the misses I’ve had this semester with an occasional sick day and three different NASM accreditation visits. And I’m attending concerts. Juries begin Monday.

Great Comet

I had the great joy of finally attending a live production of Pierre, Natasha, and the Great Comet on 1812 this past Friday at the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. My friend and colleague Tali Allen (Muny Director of Education) was music director. The production was brilliantly directed by Michael Baxter, a

Fire

2 Lawn Place burned in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, April 26. I lament the loss of property; I’m glad that no one was injured. And let me just say, there’s nothing like being awakened at 5 AM by the blast of a fire truck air horn. It’s like the mother ship alighting outside your

Mourning dove

Tuesday, 23 April. Mourning dove in the rain in my garden.