A memorial service for my clarinet professor, D. Stanley Hasty, was held this past Saturday. He died on June 22, 2011 at the age of 91. I wish I could have attended the memorial service but it was not to be. Happily, a 90th birthday party for him last year at Eastman meant many of us could thank him for his musical genius, great integrity, and sometimes his tough love in our lives.  There is rarely a day that goes by, especially during our orchestral season, where I do not think of something he said or showed me. Sometimes I think he is such a part of my musical make-up that I do not realize how deep it goes.

I didn’t even know who Stan Hasty was when auditiong for Eastman! I didn’t know what Eastman was, either. We went for the audition because my dad had read about Eastman in a newspaper or magazine. Our family grew up in a small town far from orchestra youth programs and college professors. I am forever grateful to my parents for being so supportive. They made Eastman possible. I also owe Mr. Hasty more than words can express. Without his guidance I wouldn’t have had a career.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife June and the Hasty family during this time.

And may we remember to visit those we love while they are alive whenever possible.