Comments

This is really great! It should be on "Good Morning America".

Don Roe, 1959

We were very fortunate to have John Farinacci, both a fine musician and consummate teacher as our orchestra director.

I arrived at Heights High the spring of 1953 from a very ordinary high school in Toledo, a pianist, now dedicated to chamber music, who then also played the viola. I was thrilled to join so many other students who shared my enthusiasm for music. The spring of 1954 we traveled to Chicago to play the last movement of Brahms' Symphony #1 for the National Music Educators Conference--a heady experience--and then John Rautenberg, a career flutist, and I, now a "serious amateur" both played a concerto movement for the spring concert.

Mr. Farinacci challenged us, occasionally became exasperated with us (what did "cessa nom biza" mean, anyway--dare we ask?), and rewarded us with opportunities to excel and achieve recognition via concerto solos and the "swan song" opportunity to direct the orchestra near graduation.

I'm sorry I won't be able to join you all this weekend, but I send my best wishes for a very happy celebration. John Farinacci is an example of the powerful role good and caring teachers can play in our lives. His name is linked to shining memories in the minds of thousands of his former students.

Diane Ferguson Engel, 1954

I was working on my model railroad a few months ago when I got a call from Dick Rose. I have not heard from him since 1956 when we were best friends in band! I about fell out of chair! I am very excited about this reunion. Y'all have done a lot of hard work & this the best organized event!

Don Roe, 1959

I am probably the first alumnus ever to see Mr. F.; he picked me up at a bus stop in University Heights - I was on my way the first time to CHHS as a 10th grader (Sept. 1949) and Mr. F. was on his way to CHHS for the first time as Music Director. My three years in the orchestra were exciting and rewarding, especially when the orchestra won first place as the best high school orchestra in the state of Ohio. And then there was the massive orchestra (over 300) at the Mt.Union College Musical Festival in Alliance; I have a souvenir plate from that event. Mr. F. created the right musical environment for me to pursue performances with an orchestra(s) wherever I have lived for the past 62 years.

Harvey Meieran, 1952

The years in band and orchestra with John Farinacci were special and many have commented from the perspective of a fortunate experience in general education. It was also a remarkable training for those of us who went on to become professional musicians. An extraordinary number of professionals came from Heights during those years. At one time three members of the Buffalo Philharmonic alone were from Heights. Looking back I feel so fortunate that the "professionalism" Mr. Farinacci demanded in his programs paralleled the development of the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell at the same time. We grew up just thinking that that was the way it was everywhere. A special arts school couldn't have been better.

Larry Trott, 1955

Marching Band and Concert Band were some of my most fun programs at Cleveland Heights High School. They fostered a life-long love of all genres of music (classical, baroque, folk music, rock-and-roll, operettas (a la Gilbert and Sullivan), Broadway musicals, bluegrass, Klezmer, martial, and even a couple of quarters in the Ohio State University Chorus), and pleasant memories of good friends and old times. I started well-back in the Bb clarinet section, and successively progressed (?) to alto clarinet, and eventually bass clarinet (the notes got lower and more importantly, they got longer). .. I still listen for familiar supporting themes and melodies whenever I enjoy musical programs. Thank you to John Farinacci, Kaarlo Mackey, and my fellow band members.

Fred Valins, 1964

I think this reunion is the greatest honor any teacher could have and I salute the Committee for planning this event.

Bruce Dzeda, 1966

As a member of the French Horn section for three years in both orchestra and band, I had the privilege of playing under Mr. F and experiencing the results of his high expectations musically and in personal conduct. Highlights included the Spring tours to Philadelphia, Boston, and Montreal and the 1960 concert in Severance Hall. Being selected as soloist in the Beethoven 3rd Piano Concerto for my finale Orchestra concert was a indication of my life's ultimate direction. I've been professor of piano and theory at North Dakota State University for 40 years and plan to continue till I find something more interesting. Stars and Stripes has never sounded more inspiring than Mr. F's finale at all the Concert Band programs.

Andrew Froelich, January 1961

Fond memories,good friends, appreciation of music, (bestowed onto my children), hope to make the reunion.

Merle Robboy, January 1959

My introduction to Mr. F. was as a "9A", the one year the high school took us in due to overcrowding down below. Huge band, 14 trombones, what had I gotten myself into? I did get into it and loved every moment of it. Mr. F. was probably the most influential person in my career choice. His encouragement as to my college selection was equally important. Who would have thought that I would start teaching with Mr. F. as my system department head. I was still trying to follow his downbeat. Congratulations to the reunion team planning this event. Thanks so much.

Sharon Beale, 1956

Even when he was no longer band director, John Farinacci was serving the students of Heights' Instrumental Music Department. For example, in the Spring of 1966, he voluntarily gave up his Spring Break to serve as a chaperone on the Band's memorable tour of Canada. He also made sure no Catholic students would miss Mass the Sunday morning the tour buses left for Montreal. Instead, he loaded his car at 4:30 AM and took us downtown to the cathedral himself! I still remember his bright and chipper countenance at that early hour of the morning.

John Farinacci may have ended his distinguished career at Heights as an administrator, but I don't think his heart ever left the band room.

Bruce Dzeda, 1966

The Band was my favorite activity at Heights. I learned much about life from Mr. F. Three years of experiences with marching band and concert band will always be with me. Perhaps the best story is that as first chair tuba player in the band, I was chosen to play with the orchestra in my senior year. I then was invited to play tuba with the Suburban Symphony in May of 1960 at Heights. At the concert intermission I was walking through the halls at Heights and saw a pretty girl selling tickets in the ticket booth. So naturally I had to go over and talk to her. I married Dale Apsel four years later, and we have been married for 47 years, along with having 3 children and 4 grandsons.

BTW thanks to the tuba training at Heights, I now play with the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band in Southern California, as well as with a klezmer band out of Long Beach.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Howard Korman, 1960

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci Family

I still have the Solo Clarinet part from a tryout selection of Universal Judgment on my practice stand.

In the early 1980's I contacted Mr F for the name of a Clarinet repairman. I said I thought he probably did not remember me. Yeah sure! He described me as I was in '52 and even told me the name of the solo I played with the band in the Spring '52 concert!

Tom Herbell, 1952

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci Family

Mr. Farinacci followed Big Shoes into the CHHS Band and Orchestra. My older brothers both played in the CHHS orchestra and band starting a couple of years after I was born under the baton of the famous Raymond Gerkowski.

But lo and behold, after one semester, Mr. G.left for greener pastures, .It was as if the sky had fallen. We had to spend the summer conjecturing who might TRY to replace Ray Gerkowski and of course, we all knew there could be no replacement. for this legendary man.

Poor John Farinacci, the Supplanter, the Interloper, who walked into our lives suddenly, without knowing what sort of tangled web he was entering. He had to have been a very brave man! I don't recall how long it took for us to adapt to a different unique personality and style nor how long we held out before he had captured our hearts, but it happened. Hey, he was OK. In fact, he was good. He knew his stuff. This wasn't going to be so bad, after all.

As a professional Music teacher all my adult life, I know the difference between conductors who inspire and those who don't. One of my daughters, now a lawyer, became a professional musician after being inspired by her High School symphony conductor... the other one, equally talented, was quite turned off in a different setting.

So thanks to Mr. F, for throwing the spark that ignited my life.

Jan Pasch Bogart, 1952

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci family

We had a song that we sang on occasion. It was sung to the tune of a song called "Please Mr. Custer". While I only remember the chorus, maybe you can find someone who knows the rest. Here is what I remember:

"Please Mr. F, Please I don't want to go
Really Mr. F, Please don't make me go
Somebody yelled attack, and there I was with a Tuba on my back."

That's all I can remember but we used to sing in on the bus to football games.

Tom Brennand, 1962

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci family

I always thought Sessa Nom Beeza was a swear word in Sicilian, as Mr. F only said it when he was MAD! I played the Harmonica while at Heights, and always begged Mr. F to play with the orchestra. He finally let me play Beethoven's 7th at a practice. It was really exciting for me as I was a LOUSY Violin Player, but a Great Harmonica player!

Sandy Ginsberg, 1956

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci family

The Heights Band and Orchestra was where many of us found our home in high school, and Mr. Farinacci was our "musical father." He could sometimes intimidate us, but we all knew he respected us and held high but realistic expectations for us to be able to perform great music. The organization was where I belonged, where my peers shared my values, and where I made some wonderful, life-long friends.

Harriet Marx Katz, 1959

Excerpts from the "Memory Book" that will be given to the Farinacci family

The first day of orchestra rehearsals I was seated at the back of the viola section. Mr. Farinacci announced that auditions for section seating would take place a few days later. When the day of reckoning arrived, we were asked to play, a now long forgotten piece, beginning with the Principal Violist. As my new colleagues did their best to scratch through a few bars and were mercifully stopped by The Maestro, I became more and more nervous. Eventually the finger of fate pointed to me. I played, but with as much assurance as I could summon up. A long silence — and then I heard Mr. Farinacci say, "First Chair".

I don't remember much after that, except moving forward to my new seat and shaking slightly through the rest of the rehearsal. What I remember vividly is that when the rehearsal was over, Mr. Farinacci congratulated me but made it very clear that if I practiced, worked hard and behaved myself (somehow he could see the potential mischief in my face), we'd get along just fine together. Cross the line, and I'd be back where I came from. His experience being far greater than mine proved prophetic — a year later I was temporarily demoted to the second chair. But only briefly!

Ron Hurwitz, 1962

Amazing Guest Conductors, Soloists, and Composers

The overview of Mr. F's career reminded us of the guest conductors & soloists brought in by Mr. F. We might not have appreciated it at the time, but these were top-notch conductors and soloists in major universities or professional musical groups. What a range of musical connections Mr. F had! This is one of the most revelatory aspects of Mr. F as a musician.

The guest conductor and soloist I remember best was Leonard Smith. Here is a bit of background information about him; we had no idea of this at the time.

Leonard B. Smith, Cornet and Trumpet, is featured in a "Historical archival collection of recordings by this famed trumpet virtuoso. Starting in 1936 when he became the featured soloist with the famed Goldman Band in New York City, thru the war years when he was the cornet soloist with the US Navy Band and into the 1980's when he was soloist with his own famous Detroit Concert Band, Leonard B. Smith was America's most famous cornet soloist."

I still remember when Smith picked up his cornet in our Heights concert, without even having to warm up. When he played, I felt it was like the heavenly sound of an angel.

Frank Simon, cornet and trumpet, played in the Cincinnati Symphony and the Sousa Band, where he was a featured soloist starting in 1917. He formed his own band, the famous Armco Band, and was its conductor for many years. He was one of the founding members of the American Bandmasters Association in 1929.

Louis Lane held several conducting posts with George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra from 1947-1973, including conductor in residence 1970-73. He subsequently conducted several other orchestras, including the Atlanta Symphony. He led the orchestras accompanying the great pianist Glenn Gould on several occasions.

Bob Klotman was an amazing talent and music director at Wiley. He went on to be Director of Music Education in Detroit, Professor of Music and Chair of Music Education at Indiana University, and Chair of the MENC (National Association for Music Education).

Grant Beglarian served as composer in residence at Heights. He was a composer, foundation executive and educator who served as Dean of Performing Arts at USC from 1969 to 1982 . As a composer, Beglarian wrote band, choral and chamber music. His works have been performed by the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Dallas, Detroit and Seattle symphoniesm

Grant Beglarian was at Heights as a result of a grant from the Ford Foundation. He was one of the first "Composers in Residence" placed as a result of that program. High School music programs across the nation were evaluated by the Ford Foundation, and Heights was clearly a winner.

Neil Davidson, 1958 and Peg Killmeyer Walker, 1960

What a fantastic idea! Band and the Music Dept. was my life at Heights and most of my good memories center around being there, even cutting classes to help make "Kleenex roses" for the Military Balls!

Dick, you were my senior officer and a tough one at that.

Thanks to all who are doing this. It makes me wish I had kept on playing. If there is anything I can do long distance (from Baltimore) to help out, please do ask.

Janet Moss Helper, 1960

What a great idea! Looking forward to it.

Margaret Mary Koykka Cowin, Jan 1950

I do not expect I can come, the photos bring back happy memories.

Carol Kirkstadt, 1957

I can hardly wait to be there and see everyone!!!

Marita (Marti) Drach Bausman, 1956

I will try to attend the reunion. It would be great to see my friends from the class of 1955.

Carl Koch, 1955

Sorry about not being able to attend this year. I play in several bands/orchestras (one is an Intergenerational Orchestra). Sharing with younger players turns out to be quite rewarding. What you are planning for this concert is very nice.

Roger Spott, 1962

It would be a privilege to meet Mr. F's wife again and talk to some of his children. I remember that he was quite a sailor!

Sue Buettell Curtis, 1964

It would be nice if there were some old recordings still floating around which could be put on CD's.

John Bachman, June 1960

Please have a reception after the concert for those alumni in the audience who may not be able to participate in the other week end events. I would love to see everyone.

Bill Wieder, June 1961

I have two scrapbooks of orchestra & band memorabilia from 1950-52. Can't wait to share it. Guess I have to get my fiddle out of the closet and start practicing!

Hermine Fuerst-Garcia, June 1952

Great idea! I remember more friends from Roxboro than high school. Can't wait to meet everyone and share memories!

Don Roe, June 1959

Thanks. What a grand opportunity to meet again. And, thanks for all of the contacts of folks in my area.

Carole Greenes Zeiger, June 1959

I recently attended a fine performance of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony, played by the Baltimore Symphony. It brought back some vivid memories.

As a mid-year graduate from Roxboro, I was fortunate to join the Heights Concert Band in January 1955 as the last chair in the cornet section. On my first day in the band, Mr. Farinacci announced "Shostakovich." The score was for the finale of his fifth symphony. I was dazzled by the magnificence of this work and by the great sound of the concert band.

Performing the Shostakovich Fifth Symphony demonstrated Mr. Farinacci's interest in and commitment to high quality contemporary music. The work was composed in 1937, and we performed it only 18 years later.

This symphony is complex and challenging, and requires highly skilled performance by every section of the concert band or orchestra. This work seems clearly impossible for a high school ensemble. But that didn't stop John Farinacci; under his direction, we were able to present a commendable performance of this demanding work.

In listening to professional orchestras, whether live or on radio or CD, I often encounter works which we played in the Heights band and orchestra. It is fun to tell people, "we played that in high school." They usually look at me with astonishment, and then I get to tell them about our amazing conductor.

I offer this recollection as a tribute to Mr. Farinacci, and hope this will evoke remembrances of Mr. F from all of you.

I'll look forward to seeing you in November.

Neil Davidson, January 1958

Mr. F. was a remarkable man who made an impact - a neat idea to meet on his behalf.

Nancy Langer Schlecht, 1955

I also was Drum Major in 1956 and played with the jazz band. Music and Mr. F were the highlights of my high school experience --- never to be forgotten.

Mike Neben, 1956

I was there before Farinacci. Was it "Gentile?" My parents were Band and Orchestra Parents Group leaders.

Charles Hale, 1951

Although not "actively" playing my horn I do "get involved" with it from time to time in church or local orchestra "gigs." Obviously my embouchure leaves much to be desired.

John Kurtz, 1954

I will need to have a tuba provided for me at the reunion. I will bring my mouth piece. I definitely would like to play music (tuba part) at the reunion.

Howard Korman, 1960

Fantastic idea. How come this is the first I heard about this? If needed, I can conduct as I direct the University Heights Symphonic Band and a semi-professional group The Crooked River Concert Band.

Harvey Sisler, 1956

Nice idea. I remember enjoying the orchestra reunion in the 90's. If this is at a time when I can actually go (doubtful), I'd be happy to volunteer for repertoire choices, though I'm an orchestral musician. I think I could come up with good music for band.

Judith (Judy) Ormond, 1964

I recognize names of Marlene Krause, Linda Boardman & Marilyn Perkul. Please send regards & to all the planning committee, an excellent presentation. Look forward to future communications.

Marcia Wintner Dronzek, 1956

Still have the 1951-1952 concert Band Picture. I have fond memories of Music at Heights under Mr F. We arrived at Heights 'together' in 1949. We did not hit it off too well as he 'raked me' as my 9th grade contest judge. To boot I ended up in his homeroom - not good. In time we became good friends as he pushed me to hone my musical skills. I still push to musically excell today because of him.

Tom Herbell, 1952

For me, the BEST times at Cleveland Heights High involved the Band and Orchestra. Being a professional classical musician, I now appreciate John Farinacci's constant striving for perfection, even including his: "Da Bosessa Dambeez!" And Kaarlo Mackey was no slouch either!

Alan Schackne, 1963

The years I spent in the Heights Band and Orchestra were ones I'll always cherish. The friends I made and the fun we all had was a wonderful memory to have now, as we all are a little older ( not much just a little) I look forward to seeing many of you at the reunion and spending time together.

Linda Landis Boardman, January 1959

As I approach my 70th birthday and look back on my life, I cherish the days in Heights Band and Orchestra as some of my happiest and most fulfilling years. An average trombone player at best, I spent most of my time marveling at the talent around me. My year as Top Sergeant was such a growng and maturing experience for me - learning from Mr. F and being able to operate in the giant shadow he cast. Making music and learning to appreciate fine music are joys I will carry forth the rest of my life. I so look forward to seeing all of you again. Thanks to the organizers for taking the initiative to begin what will be a great event.

Ron(nie) Glickman, 1958

I have many wonderful memories from band at Heights. The band trips to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Connecticut and then on to New York were all great fun. There were many great concerts always ending with our brass section belting out "Stars and Stripes Forever". I was honored to play with the Marine Band when it visited Cleveland. All these experiences were made possible by playing in an excellent band under the direction of a demanding conductor who pushed us to get the great results he knew we were capable of reaching. I taught instrumental music for more then 30 years and used the same principles used by Mr. Farinacci and have wonderful memories of my performing groups, too.

Lois Latnik, 1958

More Thoughts - I will always remember the story Mr. Farinacci told about the time, when he was a boy, that he played under the baton of John Phillips Sousa and the thrill it gave him. It was an all city band and Farinacci was way in the back playing a sousaphone. Hearing the Stars and Stripes Forever still gives me a thrill as I imagine the line-up at the front of the stage of the brass and the piccolos.

Nevaire Serrajian Rich, 1963

I LOVE the photo titled 1951-1952 Concert Band! I found myself in it! I zoomed in and there I was, third row on the right, 6th person back....bassoon! How exciting!

Marion Long Good, 1952

We may have taken it for granted, that all public schools had music departments like Heights.We may have taken the amazing musicianship of Mr. F for granted. Many years later I learned how very wrong we would have been. The lessons we learned from Mr.F went far beyond how to play music in a group.

As probably the worst musician in the group, I spent many years working with The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts to foster the arts. I learned that many many communities do not have anything like what we were priviledged to experience. As the Director of a division of The Peabody Institute in Baltimore, I headed studies and programs where we had to struggle to bring music to the arts-deprived students in the Baltimore City Schools.

I didn't know until I arrived at Peabody, just how well and deeply I had learned those lessons from Mr.F. I can't wait to see everyone again, and share these great memories.

Ginny Uliss Frank, 1960

I am really excited about this proposed reunion and reconnecting with old friends. It is long overdue and a big thank you to all the organizers. In a school the size of Heights, the Band and Orchestra gave me a "family." John Farinacci helped shape my character far beyond music as he helped us mature into adults. He was one of a kind. Many of you will also remember that my mother was President of the Heights Band and Orchestra Parents' Association. Sesil Lom Beese (spelling?) forever!

Nevaire Serrajian Rich, 1963

I'm still learning from Mr. F -- remembering some things, relearning others, and reinterpreting things that I didn't quite get right the first time. :-) It's an honor to be working on the reunion that will help us all to again honor him.

Dick Rose, 1959

I was a lousy but eager oboe player in orchestra and band, and in marching band, they 'foisted' a bell lyre on me and sent me out to play at football games.

John Farinacci was a mentor to me - he'd swear at me in italian, tell me to practice more, swear at me some more, 'wink' every once in awhile when I managed to make it thru a solo passage....but most of all, he was a kind, amazing man.

Looking forward to participating in the reunion.

Mary Ellen McEwan Slone, January 1960

I am excited to re-connect with friends from the band and orchestra. Honoring Mr. F. is a great idea. I hope that Alice F. will attend and share her recollections. When visiting John and Alice in California, I was amazed to hear all she remembers about us.

Neil Davidson, 1958

I am the chair of the "Finding Band and Orchestra Alumni" committee. Do you know any other alumni? Any and all information you can provide, especially the email address, via the "Add Memories or Thoughts" button below would be invaluable. The alumni names will not be shared.

Ellen Vinocur Potash, 1961

Does anyone know the name of the Norman Dello Joio piece we premiered in 1960?

Peg Killmeyer Walker, 1960

Heights was among the first to receive a Ford Foundation Composer in Residence Program grant. In 1960 Grant Beglarian spent a year at Heights. It was quite a coup for Mr F and HHS. Grant Beglarian went on to establish a set of Regional Institutes for Music in Contemporary Education for the Ford Foundation. He wound up as President and CEO of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts after heading up the music school at UCLA where he was both Heifetz' and Piatagorsky's boss. Grant Beglarian died in 2002.

Peg Killmeyer Walker, 1960