Dear Editor:
Thirty-five years ago, I was 14 playing in my first musical pit. It was Saint John Studio Theatre’s “Once Upon a Mattress,” with CHS Band Director Mel McConnell, who had asked me to play French horn.
I’ll never forget this experience. On my first day, Mel gave me a seat next to Madame Nagle and my French horn teacher, Robin Bruck. Sue painstakingly hand-wrote her score to match keys.
I’ll never forget sitting behind a curtain feeling honored to play along with my teachers. I tried so hard to be better. Mel, Sue, Robin and Director, Gayle Gearhart made my world better.
Who knew this exposure would send me to a career in theatre? Certainly not my loving parents, Joe and Mary Lou Geppert!
Today, a piano player hasn’t joined CAST’s musical! “Canned” piano might play with our elementary-level string players, Curwensville graduate Clarinet players, and community band members.
As we read about the possibility of the Clearfield school board diminishing our music program, CAST searches for a piano player with basic skills. We’ve re-written music to accommodate lesser skill.
What is going on? Are there no more musicians in a town that once teemed with them?
CAST is thriving. The school board needs to recognize this fact!
CAST can’t find a piano player now. What do you think our music pool will look like in 2021 after a diminished music education program? Can Clearfield community survive without music?
NO! NO! NO! We need music in our rural community. We need art, period! Who’s with me on this?
Mary Beth Geppert
Clearfield
