From: Larkins, Clifford ’67
Subject: To Choirmates/Update Choir Project
Date: June 20, 2008 6:49:57 PM GMT-04:00
To: HPHSChoir1957, HPHSChoir1958, HPHSChoir1959, HPHSChoir1960,
HPHSChoir1961, HPHSChoir1962, HPHSChoir1963, HPHSChoir1964 HPHSChoir1965,
HPHSChoir1966, HPHSChoir1967, HPHSChoir1968, HPHSChoir1969, HPHSChoirFriends
Subject: To Choirmates and Friends: Important Announcement
Dear Choirmates, Classmates, Family Members, and Friends:
I hope those of you who have purchased the “Gifford-Kennedy” CD are now enjoying this beautifully performed and—I must add—“historic” recording as much as I. Mr. Sturdevant recently told me that he loves the CD, and that it may be the best of the four. Well, regardless of which CD or performances you prefer, they each show that those of us who grew up in Highland Park, Michigan, in the 1950s and 1960s were very lucky. We were encouraged, supported, and trained to produce excellence; and, as these CDs show, we did.
We have been very fortunate in this project. We have re-discovered the music of our youth; we have discovered that Mr. Surdevant is still alive and well (although sadly Mr. Gifford is no longer with us), and best of all we have re-discovered each other. What more could we ask for? Well, as an added bonus, we recently made our international debut before the entire nation of Canada as well as CBC's internet fans across the world. CBC told our story over the air and then played two performances of the 1967 choir as well.
Now I am proud to announce that our performances are not only being heard around the world, but are also being archived and stored in libraries across this country and even the world. As of today, our performances are being stored in 5 libraries. First, the David City, Nebraska public library (Mr. Sturdevant’s home town library) has made the CDs available to its patrons. They are very proud of the accomplishments of their hometown boy. Second, The University of Nebraska (Mr. Sturdevant’s Alma Mater) has also made the CDs available to its students in its music library. Third, The University of Michigan (Mr. Gifford’s Alma Mater) has now recognized his accomplishments—and ours. After his death, Mrs. Gifford donated his music scores the U of M music library—that was more than 20 years ago. Paul Gifford and I have now persuaded the library to find and unpack his papers and to acknowledge him by finally archiving and referencing these valuable and historic scores. You can now find our CDs online in the U of M music library web site.
Well, if that wasn’t exciting enough, just hold on, because now things get even more exciting. Fourth, during the 1969 spring concert, the HP Community College performed “To Her I Shall Be Faithful” by Arnold Schoenberg. Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1950) is sometimes called the father of modern music and is the developer of twelve-tone “atonal” music. After contacting the Belmont Publishing Company and inquiring about copyrights to this song, they not only granted us permission to use it free of charge, but they also requested a copy of our CDs to be placed in the Arnold Schoenberg Music Library in Vienna. Now, I don’t know what you think, but I think that this is truly exciting! Think about it, choral music from Highland Park, Michigan, is now being “displayed” in one of the most famous music libraries in the world! I propose that we all charter a flight to Vienna and make a pilgrimage to the Arnold Schoenberg Music Library to view our CDs. (Note: Belmont is the English word for Schoenberg, and both Belmont and Schoenberg mean Beautiful Mount.)
Fifth, but just as exciting, I am proud to announce that our Gifford-Kennedy CD is now being stored in the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Last week I e-mailed the John F. Kennedy Library and described my project to them as well as Mr. Gifford’s composition. Within a few hours after sending the notice I got a reply. The reply was kind, thoughtful, and sensitive, but best of all, they asked me to send them a copy of our Gifford-JFK CD! They also told me that they would be happy to store this important and historic composition in their library and museum. I have also sent a copy of the CD to Caroline Kennedy, in care of the JFK Library foundation, on whose board she serves. I have attached a copy of my letter to the JFK Library and Museum for your perusal.
Choirmates, classmates, family, and friends we have been blessed. One hundred years from now when we are all gone, someone yet unborn may now be able to visit one of these libraries and marvel at our accomplishments.
Love,
Clifford Larkins, HPHS class of 1967