Dearest Fenno,
I keep expecting to see your mischievous smile and dismissive shake of the hand wave this -- this hospice nonsense -- all away like you have so many times before for a chorus with a sinking pitch ("no, no, no, sing it right, that's not to much to ask is it?") or a single voice on a wrong note ("someone's singing the wrong note -- you should stop doing that") or a soloist off on a spree ("well that's an interesting interpretation" -- that last comment from some ill advised solo audition of mine). We could take in these seemingly negative and brutally honest comments, because you said them with such child-like humor and innocence. Always with a smile and radiating genuine confidence that we could do it, you poked, prodded, and finally just made us, made me, want to sing and to sing well and to join others in sharing that song. But if you can't wave this all away, and you must go, go in peace and joy, knowing that legions of imperfect singers have been enabled and inspired by your leadership to make wonderful music together... and we carry those memories and friendships with us in your honor. And we're still singing. A small group led by Tim DeWerff '92 will perform your piece "The Lamb" and your arrangement of "Er Is Een Kindeke" in a week at a club in New York. We might have an interesting interpretation, but no matter what, we'll be singing it right because it will be from our hearts.
Thanks for filling our hearts with song,
M. Tracey Ober '85
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