Roger Denat
It's been about 35 years now since I graduated BBHS, George was one of the few people there whom I've though of often since then.
- He was the one who recruited a bunch of unwitting students to paint the LGI black. Ceiling to floor. I still have no idea if he got permission first, but I have my own theories on that...
- He taught is the difference between a chorus and a choir. We were *never* in a chorus.
- He was stickler for starting a show ON TIME. To this day, when I'm at a live performance, I check my watch and think to myself "George would be pissed".
- He got us to do things we didn't think we were capable of. He expected excellence and we responded. Every concert, every production was something to be proud of.
- He put up with me learning my carpentry skills on-the-job.
George, thank you for everything. You'll be missed.
Roger Denat:
I posted early to the group, and said something which at the time seemed right, but really isn't and it's been bothering me ever since. I said that in the 35 years since I graduated, George was one of the few at BBHS I though of. No, that's not true at all. Momentary selective memory brought on by the passing of one of the important people in my life.
My three years at the school (73-76) are ones I remember as among my best. It was a remarkable school - not simply because of the classes without walls. We were blessed with extraordinary teachers. They gave to us not just in the classroom, but outside of it as well. Jim Nyhan, who took me on several weekend bird watches. Steve Jones, all those lacrosse clinics and countless hours on the field. Doris Patrao who taught me that I could write poetry. Dave Press, who gave me the tools I'd later use to build a career. Ms Hurley, who tried her best to teach me history. Daphne Dewey, who among others I confounded with my attempts at writing. John Tibbs, who never could get me to cut a straight line, but who taught me drafting.
Second only to the hours I spent in a classroom chair, were the ones I spent in the LGI. I was mostly one of the backstage guys - lighting, sets - basically whatever George and Peter Tarshis needed. George also taught me to sing (I too still have the dents in my sternum), and broadened my appreciation of music. For Joesph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, George bravely took me out from backstage and gave me the opportunity to sing on stage. Blessedly, not solo, but just the same, it meant a lot to me.
To all the teachers I never had a chance to thank since my graduation - this is my opportunity to do just that. To those whom I neglected to name, my apologies. It's been too long and so many of those classes mush together. Each and every one of you helped shape me into the person I am today, and I'm grateful for the time you expended on my behalf. To Dave Schein - thank you for assembling this cast of characters. It was a truly remarkable school. It took a few years before I could actually appreciate that fact.
This group though is about George Trautwein. He is indeed someone I've thought of often over the years. It saddened me to learn of his illness. This past week has been a flood of memories, all good. I've never been much for Facebook, but the joy in participating in the celebration of this man's life and all the good things he has brought us has been truly incredible. The sense of community moves me with every post. George, thank you again for your patience and love. Rest in peace.
It's been about 35 years now since I graduated BBHS, George was one of the few people there whom I've though of often since then.
- He was the one who recruited a bunch of unwitting students to paint the LGI black. Ceiling to floor. I still have no idea if he got permission first, but I have my own theories on that...
- He taught is the difference between a chorus and a choir. We were *never* in a chorus.
- He was stickler for starting a show ON TIME. To this day, when I'm at a live performance, I check my watch and think to myself "George would be pissed".
- He got us to do things we didn't think we were capable of. He expected excellence and we responded. Every concert, every production was something to be proud of.
- He put up with me learning my carpentry skills on-the-job.
George, thank you for everything. You'll be missed.
Roger Denat:
I posted early to the group, and said something which at the time seemed right, but really isn't and it's been bothering me ever since. I said that in the 35 years since I graduated, George was one of the few at BBHS I though of. No, that's not true at all. Momentary selective memory brought on by the passing of one of the important people in my life.
My three years at the school (73-76) are ones I remember as among my best. It was a remarkable school - not simply because of the classes without walls. We were blessed with extraordinary teachers. They gave to us not just in the classroom, but outside of it as well. Jim Nyhan, who took me on several weekend bird watches. Steve Jones, all those lacrosse clinics and countless hours on the field. Doris Patrao who taught me that I could write poetry. Dave Press, who gave me the tools I'd later use to build a career. Ms Hurley, who tried her best to teach me history. Daphne Dewey, who among others I confounded with my attempts at writing. John Tibbs, who never could get me to cut a straight line, but who taught me drafting.
Second only to the hours I spent in a classroom chair, were the ones I spent in the LGI. I was mostly one of the backstage guys - lighting, sets - basically whatever George and Peter Tarshis needed. George also taught me to sing (I too still have the dents in my sternum), and broadened my appreciation of music. For Joesph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, George bravely took me out from backstage and gave me the opportunity to sing on stage. Blessedly, not solo, but just the same, it meant a lot to me.
To all the teachers I never had a chance to thank since my graduation - this is my opportunity to do just that. To those whom I neglected to name, my apologies. It's been too long and so many of those classes mush together. Each and every one of you helped shape me into the person I am today, and I'm grateful for the time you expended on my behalf. To Dave Schein - thank you for assembling this cast of characters. It was a truly remarkable school. It took a few years before I could actually appreciate that fact.
This group though is about George Trautwein. He is indeed someone I've thought of often over the years. It saddened me to learn of his illness. This past week has been a flood of memories, all good. I've never been much for Facebook, but the joy in participating in the celebration of this man's life and all the good things he has brought us has been truly incredible. The sense of community moves me with every post. George, thank you again for your patience and love. Rest in peace.
