Once again, the Music Department is saddened by the loss of one of our dear friends and supporters. John H. Reimers of Bethlehem died Thursday, July 22, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, after a long illness. He was the husband of Barbara (Bradley) Reimers. They were married for 33 years last August. A graduate of City College, New York City, he worked for Merck and Co., Whitehouse Station, N.J., for more than 30 years until retiring as director of advertising. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Bethlehem, which they fell in love with after attending many programs and events at Moravian.

Born in Astoria, N.Y., he was a son of the late John H. and Hedwig (Bartschak) Reimers. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bethlehem, where he was team leader of the Missionary Ministry. He was board president of Bethlehem’s First Night, co-president of the Moravian College Music Alliance and vice president of the Bethlehem Garden Club. Reimers was a devoted member of and a great leader in the Music Alliance. He was a frequent attendee at concerts and lunches in the Music Department.

Reimers is survived by his wife, his son Daniel, and his daughter Stephanie, who received a B.A. in political science in 1992 and a B.Mus. in music education in 1993. Contributions in Reimers’ memory may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, Bethlehem, or to the Moravian College Music Alliance.

Participating in Taub’s master class will be Gary Stokes, a continuing studies student majoring in piano performance, and studying with Dr. Debra Torok; JoLynn Dentith, a B.A. candidate in music, also studying with Dr. Torok; and Kristy Bredin, a sophomore double major in music and English, who studies piano with Martha Schrempel. Sophomore music education major Sarah Smith is the alternate for the session. The master class is scheduled for Thursday, September 30, at 11:30 a.m. in Peter Hall. Taub’s concerts are scheduled for September 30, October 28, and November 11 (all Thursdays at 8pm). Taub will also present pre-concert lectures, beginning at 7:15p.m. For ticket information, call the Music Office at 610-861-1650. For more information on Taub, visit California Artists’ Management webpage.

Other fall term concert highlights are:

BONUS TRIP: The Music Department is planning a trip to NYC to see STOMP, an exciting, inspiring, improvisational musical experience in an informal environment in Greenwich Village. The trip will take place on Thursday, September 16. The bus leaves at 12 noon for a performance at 8pm (no intermission). There will be time to eat, shop, walk around the village. Cost is $57 for ticket & bus. If interested please contact Blair Flintom @ (610)861-1661.

For information on these and all Music Department and Music Institute events, call (610)861-1650.

composition major
winner, 1999 Leon Prokofy Leonovich Prize
(awarded to a member of the sophomore class who has shown significant growth and excellence in the study of music)

    My name is Justin DeAngelo, and I am a sophomore at Moravian College. I grew up in Forest City, Pennsylvania, a very rural community northeast of Scranton. Coming from a small town, I felt right at home at a small school. In fact, I can say that I knew pretty much every single student in my graduating class, and that made a big difference to me. Here at Moravian, I’m having a blast doing everything I expected to do at college, and more. Living on campus also has been a great experience; it is something I find I will always remember.
    Originally, I came to school here to be a Music Education major. After being opened to new options, I soon realized that Music Composition was what I really wanted to study. I felt that I would be happier in the long run pursuing a goal that would allow me to become a college professor and a composer at the same time. Thanks to the helpful and friendly faculty at Moravian, I was shown this opportunity and have taken a hold of it.
    I compose mainly contemporary classical music for different instruments and voices, but I also enjoying composing for jazz ensemble, big band, and also alternative popular music. Currently, I am working on a piece for the Moravian College Choir, possibly to be performed in the annual Christmas Vespers at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. It is painstakingly detailed work, but it is what I enjoy doing very much.

Lauren Nicholas
performance major (saxophone)
co-winner, 1999, Steven K. Van Auken Memorial Prize in Music Performance
(awarded to a member of the junior class for notable achievement in vocal or instrumental performance)

    Hello, my name is Lauren Nicholas, from Basking Ridge, NJ, and I am a junior at Moravian College. I am a double major pursuing a B.Mus. in Performance as well as a B.A. in Graphic Design.
    Growing up, I was always involved in music. I began studying the clarinet at age 8, and then the piano at age 10. When I was a junior in high school, I started studying both the saxophone and the French horn. Since the saxophone was more conducive to both marching band and jazz than the clarinet, I began playing the saxophone more often. In my senior year, I was elected Drum Major of our high school marching band, and, as a result, I gained much musical knowledge and experience as well as leadership skills. While I was very much involved with music in the community, I began designing publications for the music department and developed a sharp interest in graphic design.
    I always thought of music as more of a hobby than a career opportunity; as a result, I came to Moravian with intentions of being a graphic design major and a music minor. I studied clarinet, saxophone, and French horn, participated in various ensembles, and took art classes. After a few weeks, I decided I like music a whole lot more than I thought I did, and decided to become a music major as well. My major instrument is the saxophone, and I study both classical and jazz with Neil Wetzel. I also study clarinet with Dr. Chris DiSanto.
    I am active in the Music Department as a member of the Moravian College Wind Ensemble, the Choir, Clarinet Choir, Big Band, and Jazz Combo. I am 2nd vice-president and publicity chairperson of Delta Omicron, our international music honors fraternity. I incorporate graphic design and computer skills by designing publications for the Music Department and by working for the Moravian College Center for Information Technology.
    Following graduation, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in performance, as well as to work for an advertising design company. Finishing two years at Moravian, I am realizing more and more that music is something I love and will always long to know more about. My experience thus far at Moravian College has helped to shape me as an ever-growing musician, and continues to show me ways to appreciate music in different ways.

Heather Strizalkowski
performance major (flute)
co-winner, Steven K. Van Auken Memorial Prize in Music Performance
(awarded to a member of the junior class for notable achievement in vocal or instrumental performance)

    Hello! My name is Heather Strizalkowski, originally from Danbury, CT, and I am a junior at Moravian College. I initially enrolled as a music education major, but have decided to devote my energies towards a career in performance. I am now majoring in flute performance and studying with Robin Kani. I am involved in many ensembles at Moravian. I perform with the wind ensemble, flute ensemble, flute quartet/trio, and have performed in the past with the chamber orchestra. In addition to flute lessons, I study piano with Barbara Liebhaber. One highlight of my performing experience at Moravian was performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 with the Bach Festival Orchestra, during the 1998 Moravian Music Conference.
    I started playing the flute about eleven years ago when they offered music lessons to the fourth grade students. I automatically chose the flute. The following summer I played in a band for beginning players at the Danbury Music Centre. I started taking private lessons the next fall and continued playing the flute and doing the summer band. In high school I was section leader of the marching band for two years and first chair in our award winning symphonic band for four years. I auditioned for region band every year and made Western CT Region Band from sophomore year through senior year. I also made All-State Band in my senior year.
    Over the summer I performed in the Julius Baker Flute Masterclass. I also assisted in teaching a flute ensemble of middle and high school students. Some of my other interests are running, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family.

Here are some bits of exciting news from our alumni:

1 T. butter
1+ tsp. curry powder
1 can condensed chicken broth
1/4 c. water
3/4 c. regular rice, uncooked
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds
1/4 c. raisins
2 T. sliced green onion
1/2 c. plain yogurt
1/4 c. mayonnaise

Melt butter in 2-quart saucepan over low heat. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add broth and water and increase heat to boil. Add rice, cover, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed. Remove rice from pan to a bowl and let cool. Add oranges, celery, almonds, raisins, and onion. Toss lightly to mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours.

Combine yogurt and mayonnaise. Add to rice mixture and mix gently. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves 4.

The next issue of ON THE BEAT will be released in January 2000. If you are an alumnus, faculty member, current student, or supporter of the Moravian College Music Department and would like to contribute articles, information, recipes, or photos, please e-mail Carol Traupman-Carr (caroltcarr@moravian.edu) or call the Music Department at (610) 861-1650.