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Hello all, Since Bob and Roylene still don't have email, he asked me to relay a message to you. First of all, he's still basking in the joy of our reunion and relishing the music we made together. He's over his sinus infection and bronchitis and sounds good. Ron and I wrote an article about our reunion for the town paper and I also sent one to the Orange County Register (don't know if that made it). So he's asked for a copy of that. Anyone else that wants one, just ask and I'll email it to you. He asked if anyone had received the video or heard anything about it. Ron did a video from on stage during the concert which we are transferring from camcorder cassette to VHS to send to him. We talked about possibilities and probabilities of future reunions and how hard it might be for us distant ones to make it too often. Finally, he wanted everyone to know how much he loves us and sent a verse of scripture for you to look up. It is Philippians 1:3. If you have trouble finding it, email me and I'll send it to you. I think of all of you and sing to our CDs daily. Next time, I hope to visit with more of you. I think I'm finally coming down to earth since Feb. Thank you all for your friendship and our common love for THE MAN. Ruth Hayden Hancock 360 675 4086
This was written by Ron Hancock as a ‘letter to the editor’ and published in the local paper where he & Ruth live in Washington state. ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’ (The moral and professional life-changing impact a respected teacher can make in the lives of his students and their future families) Bob Danzig’s (head of Hurst Newspaper Group) in his book ‘Every Child Deserves a Champion’ quotes Charles Kuralt as stating: “It does no harm just once in a while to acknowledge that the whole country isn’t in flames, that there are people in the country besides politicians, entertainers, and criminals”. My wife, Ruth Hancock had the privilege and opportunity to attend a unique reunion this past month. In 1961 she belonged to one of the two top-rated high school choirs in the nation and was therefore selected to represent our country [or even better, the United States] at the 1962 World’s Fair. Her choir was from the state of CA and was directed by Robert L. Day. He was such a highly respected, competent and inspirational instructor, who had made a lasting impact on their personal values and therefore their lives that his students from 1959-1965 determined to get together again after 40 years to sing and honor their beloved teacher (similar to “Mr. Holland’s Opus”). For 3 months, a group of former students searched for, contacted and organized over 65 of the 95 people who had been in his choirs. The plan was to meet in California on Feb 27-29 to practice and give a concert. Over forty of the former students responded and received sheet music on the internet and a CD in the mail of the songs that would be sung. They all practiced individually and on their arrival in California had only 2 days to practice with each other and Mr. Day to be ready for a community concert which brought a standing ovation from the audience of 200. People came from all over the United States FL, GA, VA, WI, ID, WA, OR, AZ and CA to participate. It was an awesome time full of renewed friendships and memories with an evening dinner dedicated to remembering, praising and sharing what the impact of a valued mentor meant to their self worth during the fearful and often confusing times of their teenage years. Mr. Day earned his students’ respect by always being the truly Christian gentleman, encouraging them to do their best with his caring attitude and by instilling in them values that have lasted a lifetime. They wanted to celebrate his heart and his leadership, as well as experience again the joy and the magic he produced in the music he brought to life by his directing. Other former choir members conveyed on the choir web site their regret for not being privileged to be a part of the highly praised concert. One member stated only her daughter’s delivery of her child could have prevented her participation. Another father made a similar statement that the urgency of seeing his son off to Iraq as the Army Medical group Commander could have been the only thing preventing him from being a part of the celebration. Many participants brought their children to meet “Mr. Day”, the man that made the difference in their parents’ lives. This is the impact of one solitary life, the effect of a man walking the talk… a life well spent, or better yet, “invested”. The impact of a truly moral leader should remind us that in fact we all have a leadership position no matter what our title might be and the stewardship of that position is no more or less important than any other. We all have the power of influence; we all can make a difference; we can be someone’s champion. We all will leave a legacy. Hopefully it will be worth remembering. From ‘Every Child Deserves a Champion’ ’Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” James Baldwin Ron and Ruth Hancock in Oak Harbor 38 years
Finally had the courage to look at the video my older daughter took of ourconcert. Guess I've been resisting the possibility of feeling the roar ofemotions in my ears again. "It's been two weeks, f'heaven sake. I certainly shouldn't have to steel myself to get through it," says I. Everything went well enough until the benediction began. Without warning, huge, hot tears splashed down my face. So vulnerable our hearts. So fragile we. Could it be that those brief hours spent together last month were not provided to look back but forward? Is it possible that the weekend allowed, not a visit to the past, but the space where we can create the future? It's simply too rich a blessing to have these precious, intimate friends return to our lives and not experience a deep desire for them to stay. Even now I'm sure that it was more than our physical re-uniting that occurred. What began more than 40 years ago under Mr. Day's direction is still in place ~ a thoroughly spiritual union of eternal proportions. Funny how we could not know until this distance of time and space what "lightning in a bottle" our group was. I told my husband that I thought every high school choir was having the same wonderful adventure we had! You mean, the other kids didn't blend with mature overtones and impeccable pitch? And they never went on tour or recorded or got a standing ovation? And you say they didn't wear evening gowns and tuxedos and only sang in English? My goodness. Maybe we really were unique. Maybe our director truly took us to a level no one else could attain. Had we known then, it may have changed something. But the last weekend in February has gently become that for me already. It was a chore, but I did what I set out to do ~ I stayed in the present while there. Each tender embrace, every smile and sigh was experienced with genuine attention to the moment, not the past or future. Still, there was no way of knowing how different my life was becoming or how irreversibly those renewed relationships was affecting me. Larry said it best in his Monday reflection, " . . . something was missing . . . it was all of you." What is even more stunning to me is that, given that I may indeed not be able to be a part of the next or, for that matter, any of the other events, I'm confident that I will never be the same as before the reunion. My respect and affection for each of you has deepened. You have made me richer, more sensitive, more alive. For now, I'm taking it on to allow myself to be swept away with the memories and love that precious few people will ever know. It's all an irreplaceable treasure. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Judi Wallace Carlson
I am filled with so much gratitude and appreciation. Every time someone asks about my reunion weekend, I have only one word to answer: glorious. It must be quite an answer because everyone responds with such a great smile. I feel so lucky to have been with you all this last weekend and all those years ago. I loved seeing how Mr. Day skillfully molded us Therese I just returned from visiting with my mother in CA. As it was 85 degrees when I left, it is 37 degrees and stormy here in Virginia. I just wanted to add my thanks to all of the committee for the fabulous weekend! Just being able to sing with Mr. Day and the group once again was a dream come true. The biggest bonus was seeing how happy everyone was and what great things they have been doing over Thanks so much! Diane What a joy ! The weekend was even better than we anticipated. It was such a pleasure to see everyone having a good time – especially nice was the opportunity for people to get to know members from years other than their own choir experience. With a common background, we all felt at ease and were able to renew and extend our friendships. The music was wonderful – memories brought back by rehearsing on our old choir room and of course by having Mr. Day in front of us – our attention directed towards him. Nothing could have been better than having the chance to tell Mr. Day how very much he has meant to all of us. For forty plus years he has been a part of our lives – never forgotten. The response I had from each person I found and contacted about the reunion was universal – each was so excited about seeing Mr. Day once again. Well, the chance came and we were able to try to tell him how much he affected our lives – how much we love him. Somehow, I don’t think he ever realized the extent of the impact he had on us until now. I delivered the Days to John Wayne Airport early last Thursday and I was able to keep it together as we said goodbye – that didn’t last long – I needed Jerry’s Kleenex box as I drove away. The good news is in everyone’s interest in doing this again. It will be a chance for those who couldn’t attend this time to share in a wonderful experience. Many thanks to the other members of the committee and to all those who attended for making the reunion such a success. Keep in touch. Linda Lehman linleh5@aol.com
It's been 2 weeks since we arrived in CA for our reunion week. I must say the excitement and anticipation of and in that week is right up there with our trip to England. But the anticipation didn't come close to the actual experience of getting together with old friends and especially singing with Mr. Day. I took lessons because I wanted to sing, but wasn't sure I could at the quaility those songs demanded. It was fun. The answer to that director that asked Mr Day how he got us to sing like that was simple. He loved us and generated such a love and respect for him that we would have done anything for him. My Ron was so impressed with him that he plans to write him a letter asking about his leadership and teaching techniques. He said the beauty of our choir wasn't just in the concert, but in the rehearsals and our interaction with each other and our director. Thanks so much to all who were involved in putting this together. We're looking forward to our next encounter. I'm sure we'll all keep "in shape" so our next time will be easier. I know we probably practiced as much as we could, but I sure chafed at not seeing you all until Friday night!! Very Sincerely, Ruth (Hayden) Hancock
We arrived home from California late on Monday night and I left the next morning for a business trip. Once I got home late this week I sat down at the computer for the first time since the reunion and was reading through all the e-mails from many of the people who attended and was again in awe of what had taken place during those three short days. I've told my co-workers about the reunion because they heard all about the plans before I left and really wanted to know how it went. I'm continuously amazed at the amount of emotion it brings up within me to describe the weekend in ways someone who didn't experience it could understand. The best way I found to do that is to tell them about the many friends who had not seen each other in 40 years but picked up again as though the last time we were together was just the week before. And how amazing it was to have met many of the earlier choir members who I didn't know previously, but with whom I found an immediate common bond. I tried to describe the intensity of the rehearsals, and the concert itself and the incredible sound that came from the collective voices of those of us who had not sung a note in many years and the profound feelings that night held for all of us. More importantly, the real reason we were all there, to be once again in the presence of our director, Mr. Day who has the power to bring the magic back after all these years. I think they all understand to some degree, but nobody accept those of us who were there can truly understand and appreciate the level of fellowship, love and joy that took place during those three days. I for one will never forget it and am so grateful to those who took the time to put this event together. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and I thank you all for making it possible! My family was in the church the night of the concert. My oldest son had an opportunity to meet Mr. Day before the concert. He told him he had heard all the songs before as a young child since I played them frequently (inflicted them on him actually) during his early years as well as having been told about the choir, Mr. Day and what an important part of my life the choir had been. After the concert he told me that he and the rest of my family were moved to tears by the richness and beauty of the music, the professionalism of the choir and the emotional connection we all seemed to have to one another at the Benediction. I'm so happy to have been able to share that great feeling with my family so they too could more clearly understand what our choir family has meant to me. Thanks again to the Planning Committee....when can we do it all again???!!! Bob Buerrosse
Oh my goodness...there are not enough words in the English language to express all the feelings and emotions that occurred this past weekend!! We just got home late last night and I haven't come down yet...know you are getting a lot of mail but I just had to say thank you again for all your hard work...because of you and the committee..the entire weekend was just wonderful! My husband expressed that what happened at Bolsa Grande was "Magical"....thought that was a pretty good explanation of it too!!! Anyway..thanks again....Can hardly wait to hear about where our next get together will be and when... Love... Elaine Kendrick
What an incredible time we had last weekend. It will be one that we will treasure for the rest of our days. When our friends ask us about the weekend there are no words to describe it. After all these years it brought back so many memories. It was wonderful to renew old friendships and make new ones. Although we didn't know some of the members from the early years, there was an instant bond. It was great to have Mr. Day directing us once again. Hearing the heart felt tributes was very emotional. He has truly touched all our lives in a profound way. Dear Friends, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Mr. Day, the committee, and all of you fellow choir members. I do not know when I have been more excited, as I am sure many of you noticed. I have been choked up most of the week with emotion. I have been playing all of the CDs over and over since I left. I’ve received so many e-mails about our weekend and thought I would post them here. Many of you do not have the Microsoft Office Suite and this is probably the best generic way to provide that overall feedback. My grandchildren, 4, 5, and 6 just loved it. My 6 yr old was watching Mr. Day and trying her best to help him direct us. She wanted to get up on the box and help. They were also trying to sing along. From the moment I was first told about this reunion I knew I wanted to be a part of it. After the first practice I went home and read the bio's of those I had spent an evening with and could hardly sleep all night long!. But nothing in my wildest imagination could have prepared me for the awesome experience this has been. I loved seeing people I had known and I loved meeting all of you "later" (that sounds so much better than older vs. younger) people! Today I listened through the "rehearsal CD" and each song that we sang Sunday evening brought tears. Words fail me. Sunday evening two of our sons, their wives and our four granddaughters, plus other friends and family, were there to hear us. The sons were duly impressed. My granddaughters evidently said, "Wow, meema is on the front row." (that must mean something ), and afterwards Angela said, "Good job, meema." My heart is still so full of thankfulness at those of you who worked so hard to give such a gift to Mr. Day and all of us. And it was a gift. Thank you so much. I was proud to be a concert choir member in 1959/1960 and am even more proud today to be associated with all of you in this very elite club. I love you all and eagerly anticipate our next adventure. Count me in! Linda (Hayden) Crites.
I just wanted to express my extreme gratitude for the absolutely wonderful weekend. It is certainly something I will never forget. One of life’s highlights. The committee did a wonderful job and I am still in awe of the entire gathering from the first rehearsal on. We need to all plan to meet for a meal maybe every two months or so to keep up with each other. Maybe we could take turns picking a spot and getting the info out to each other. What does everyone think of that idea? I continue to regret I didn't meet Jerry! Might he have been a somewhat little guy perhaps in the tenor section? That's okay, I can see him on the web site later. I'm glad he brought up "O Sacred Head Now Wounded". Pat, that was one moving piece - beautifully performed and you know the lyrics (or can review them). I get a little choked just sitting here thinking about it. Whew! And then there was one of Chris's favorites later "Beautiful Savior". Glad again he and Stacey came. And sorry again you couldn't - but enjoy that grandson!!! Thanks again! Love ya and see y'all soon! John Freeman (Patty Fritz Freeman’s husband)
Thanks again to you Jerry, and to all those who worked so hard toward successfully adding a very important anchor of joy to all our lives. Yours was a very great labor of love and service to the reunion. All that we sang still echoes through my mind and heart and Mr. Day stands at the forefront of my mind's eye, in a sense he is providing direction not only for our music but for our lives as well. What a wonderful feeling!. I am convinced as well that this unforgettable event is contributing richly to my progressive healing. Thank you all. I love each of you dearly. Thank you for the wonderful effort and update. It was very hard for me to stay here waiting for my son to depart. He is off and in Iraq serving as he knows how as a Medical Service Corp commander. No dry eyes at this end then or now. The weekend sounds as thought it was all you had hoped and more. I of coursed, having missed the weekend and staying focused on Neil Ivan did not do much to arrange the alternative CD's and DVD's and t-Shirt etc. I would like to have some or all as mementos if you would be so kind as to let me know address of the person to contact. I looked for Nancy's but did not find it. I am very thankful for your update as it IS my part of the reunion. Many thanks, many many thanks. Ned I feel like I just dove in the swimming pool depicted in the movie "Cocoon" Just a few thoughts........ The last two years of my mother's life she shared several new stories about her family and the people in Idaho where she grew up. Many times she'd have me look at a picture and give me some history about this place or that person. It created in me a longing to be part of her life in Idaho. Something like going back to Idaho just happened. As I trained my children musically, I created a kind of imaginary person in their mind. I would say things like, support your diaphragm, enunciate your words, I want to be able to hear you from the back of the room, end your words with DUH, BUH, T...... , stand up straight, My choir director Mr. Day said this, Mr. Day said that. Mind you, I did this without even being aware of it. I was just trying to add EM....FAA...- SUS to my own statements. When I heard that Mr. Day was going to conduct our high school choir again, I told my children and they were incredulous. They wanted to see this icon I had created. Believe me you were not a disappointment. It all came back to me!!! Saturday night while everyone was sharing, my daughter Amy leaned over and asked if I was going to share. I said no, that I had written my thoughts in a book we were going to give him. She said, she wished she could say something because she felt she knew him and wanted to thank him for the impact he had on her life through me. That just blasted through my mind. I spent Sunday morning thinking about her words. Mr. Day had impacted her!! I got up early and went down to the lobby to get a cup of coffee. I opened up my bible randomly and it was at Psalms 37. I started reading without too much interest until vs. 25: which says: I have been young, and now am old: yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed out begging for bread. I've often questioned within myself, can God really take the whole of our life with its missed opportunities and wrong turns and in the end cause us to be right where he wants us? I think the testimony of your life Mr. Day, has put mine at rest. I am honored to have known you, more than I ever realized. Joian
Good morning everyone! Yes, Jerry, you are right ... GREAT WEEK-END, still putting cucumbers on the eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the laughs, tears, and hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya! Joyce Ranes Spicer
Dear friends, something seems missing this morning, and it's all of you. Thanks to all of you for the life-enriching moments of forty years ago, last weekend, and all the time in between. All for now, Larry Klevos
I received glowing reports from my family scouts!!! What they cannot tell me is what happened Friday nite and especially Saturday. where was the Sat dinner, what was the order of the evening, how was the tribute done? Any details you can send north would be appreciated! My husband and sons said the sound was incredible. Who would've thought that 40 plus years would so completely dissolve under the maestro's direction! Back to the Sat dinner - did everyone have a sufficient supply of Kleenex? I have even had some leaky eyes this weekend as I've talked to the family who represented me.....joke up here ...daughter is postpartum weepy, I am nostalgia weepy. I want one of the concert CD's. Where do I send my $$ - and is it $10? I am detail hungry, so any tidbits would be most appreciated. Thanks again for all the work you did to bring this all together. As a post note, I love being here with a new grandbaby, and my help up here has been vital to the recovery of a very sick daughter - but I wish I could have been there with you all. Best regards, Patty |
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