Friday, October 28, 2011
Adopt a student Cindy and I were students at Bryan College, Dayton, TN from 1971-75. We began traveling to Chattanooga to sing in the Lookout Mtn. Presbyterian Church choir, at the invitation of Jim Greasby who was organist/choirmaster and Cindy's organ professor. From the beginning, Marian would often invite us to her home or the country club for Sunday dinner, games and a change of scenery from college campus. She certainly made us feel at home, and it made a great impression upon us. Throughout the following years, we would keep in touch through phone calls and correspondence. Randy shared his music with us. I'm certain I still have a copy of his 1st LP in my stack of vinyl. Randy also introduced me to the music of the Portsmouth Sinfonia, which ultimately led to my devolution as a musician and critic. When we moved to Statesboro, GA and joined Trinity Presbyterian, we promoted the idea of a more deliberate effort among the congregation to extend hospitality to students from Georgia Southern. We call it "Adopt-A-Student", and the program continues. In the spirit of sharing, I also recently introduced the music of the Portsmouth Sinfonia to the Parish Musician of Christ Church (Anglican), Savannah, GA, where Cindy is the Assistant. He is mature enough to appreciate it without being effected perversely. Marian's love and generosity will always be remembered. Her example is an excellent one to follow. I can still hear her voice.
