Steve Mesh
Like my "new" (nearly) neighbor Laura Zatt, I have a feeling this might be a lengthy post as well. I haven't had much time to read through the myriad postings here that seem to have popped up in just a short few days, but I have read some. Barry's post about North Carolina reminded me of the amazing Elizabethan Festival he, Alex and I (and others) went to. And yes -- meeting Andy Griffith!!! OMG. And just like so many of you have already written, there were tons of amazing teachers at Blind Brook while we were there in the early days. I adored Tommy Reistetter and developed a huge love of geometry ... so much so that I ended up working in the field of architecture. We had so many amazing teachers whom most of you have listed already.
I have to single out Gary Cialfi as being one of the nicest and most patient ... and most gifted ... and most reasonable people I've ever met. Vinny, Alex and I have unbelievable memories about our musical education in those early years, even though our professional paths diverged. And of course Dave Schein was really like a dad to me, as I'm sure many of you feel as well. But there were so many other just truly great teachers that were amazingly interactive and inspiring, etc. Considering the recent trend toward reliance on test scores to determine a student's worth, I would say it's pretty much a miracle that Dave Schein was able to pull off a stunt like that!!!
But George Trautwein was far and away one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Like Laura, I didn't actually join the choir until 12th grade. I was way too shy for that, even though I have a reasonably well-developed voice. Mr. Trautwein would certainly be proud to know that I sang in a semi-professional production of La Boheme at SUNY/Purchase in 1996. And I've sang in other groups, large and small. But back in high school, my place was ultimately in the pit band, with Laura, and Alex, and Marcy Roy, and others. We loved that! And the productions were amazing, given the paltry facilities that we all had to work with.
I know that the stories about Mr. Trautwein throwing chairs get a huge amount of attention and publicity, because they are so extreme!!! But when I think about how he was able to just talk with me, and others, it is so obvious that he was one of the most genuine people I've ever met in my entire life. So when I consider all that, it's so obvious that the "chair-throwing" types of episodes merely served to punctuate his passion for something -- in most cases, getting high-school students from an upper-middle-class suburban high school to get out of their element, and to perform, and to respect, at a level which I think might otherwise not have been attainable at those ages.
Steve Mesh
(continued ..... hehehe) .....
I will never forget him telling us about how students in the Greensboro, NC, area used to sing. He told us about what was so obviously genuine emotion when they sang -- yes, even high school students. How come? Because most of them actually endured some degree of adversity in life that most students in Blind Brook undoubtedly had not.
I also remember him taking a small group of us to the opera one night. I know that both Joyce and Noreen (Fiscella/Urso) came with us. I remember ordering boiled calves brains for dinner (interesting!). I think GT brought out a pretty adventurous spirit in those of us who were clamoring for it. I certainly was. Praise the lord there was someone like GT who actually provided a framework for us to get out and experience the world (whether it was North Carolina, Harrogate, or wherever).
I guess if I had to sum up what characterized Mr. Trautwein the most -- I'd say "integrity". I know very few people in life who are true to themselves, and to others. Everyone knew where he stood, what he wanted, and most importantly -- how beautiful his spirit was. It touched everyone who ever knew him.
A few years ago, a small group of us got together at Joyce's house with George and Michael. Unfortunately, we didn't play "musical chairs". But I ended up sitting next to Michael the entire time, and had a really amazing conversation with him. At one point, I asked why they both spent their entire careers teaching -- to which he replied ..... just look around you. And I did. And here were a handful of their most devoted students, so in love with what they both had to offer as we were growing up. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I loved Mr. Trautwein and will miss him greatly.
You know ..... I just started reading back through some of the earlier posts, thanks to my sister Cyn who sent that to me in PDF form. Thanks Cyn! There were some very beautiful thoughts shared by so many of you, as well as some unbeLIEVably funny stories!!!
I've been trying to understand why Mr. Trautwein was so important to so many of us. I know we all KNOW he was important, but I've been having a hard time understanding exactly why -- besides the obvious (he imparted a love of music, challenged each of us to pursue things we're passionate about, etc.).
But there's something else that struck me in reading so many of your beautiful postings, and it resonated with how I've always remembered him. My recollection is that every time I had occasion to speak with Mr. Trautwein, or vice versa, his entire attention was focused on ME. Didn't you all feel the same way? How many people do you all know who devote all of their attention on you??? Yes -- of course some of that may have been unwanted derision, or I might even say "mock" derision in many cases. But it was still attention focused on you! But whatever the form of that attention was, I just always felt that I was the center of the world while I was speaking with him. That's a feeling I've rarely had in life, so it was so amazing to feel that even for fleeting moments, especially at such a young, impressionable age.
I think it is a testament to an extraordinarily GREAT man when you are interacting with him, and yet you feel that YOU are the center of the universe for that short time.
I also had to share this with all of you. I know many of you will get a kick out of this. Like many others, including my brother Leigh, I struggled with not wanting to seem less than "masculine" at that age. Who in the HELL even knows what a definition for being "masculine" is, or was? But somehow, I wasn't sure it included being a singer. Or liking show tunes. Hogwash. I mean ... OMG. Just recently, I started watching YouTube videos of Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, some of which have extremely beautiful music. But one of my recent favorites is "With Cat Like Tread". If you haven't seen the on YouTube, do so. It's truly amazing!!!!! And reminds me of the GREAT man each time I watch it.
Comments:
Craig Bierko
Steve, I agree - for better or worse "With Cat-Like Tread" was my "Whipping Post." To be 17 years old, dressed as a pirate - in my case the lead singer of some west village Duran Duran tribute band - was a genuine loin thrill.
Cynthia Mesh
Steve, you have written beautifully about this aspect of George that, I agree, was the primary element in his ability to reach and encourage each one of us. I know of only one other person in my life, Beth Levin, the cantor at our synagogue, who also gives this kind of attention to everyone she meets. I don't think it's a coincidence that she is a singer and musician, song-leader, and the one who prepares most of the kids for bar and bat mitzvah. The process they go through with her is unbelievably transforming for each of them, and largely because she opens her heart and soul to them every time they talk with her just by being herself. Her belief in each of us is so strong and organic (it's not because she uses words, though she does that sometimes, too), we all truly believe we are good and valuable people. This is exactly how George was and I am incredibly grateful for them both. Beth continues to encourage me to sing and play guitar in her most beautiful way... thank goodness for these people! (I wll share this with Beth.) Thank you again for your eloquent post! Love you.
Jodi Edmundson
Since we did Pinafore ours was "Carefully on tiptoe stealing"... with say 75 sailors trying to sneak across the gym floor... tooooo funny
Shelly Lipman
Steve, I know exactly what you mean. Like many (a lot who will not admit) high school was not the happiest of times for me. I remember Mr. T taking the time to sit and talk with me and offer great advice or more importantly just listen. Thank you for capturing another side of him.
Glenn Eisenberg
Steve - His ability to focus on you when speaking with you and making you feel the center of his world was truly amazing!! Right on the money!!
Dave Benerofe
PS-Thanks for your perfect pitch. I was lost many times on those risers and you helped me through it. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint Mr. Trautwein.
Lorie Lewis
complete presence...in the moment...others-centered...what a gift! thank you for pointing out the deepest essence of his bright and burning spirit. It makes sense that he lives on in us since the light of spirit is eternal.
Like my "new" (nearly) neighbor Laura Zatt, I have a feeling this might be a lengthy post as well. I haven't had much time to read through the myriad postings here that seem to have popped up in just a short few days, but I have read some. Barry's post about North Carolina reminded me of the amazing Elizabethan Festival he, Alex and I (and others) went to. And yes -- meeting Andy Griffith!!! OMG. And just like so many of you have already written, there were tons of amazing teachers at Blind Brook while we were there in the early days. I adored Tommy Reistetter and developed a huge love of geometry ... so much so that I ended up working in the field of architecture. We had so many amazing teachers whom most of you have listed already.
I have to single out Gary Cialfi as being one of the nicest and most patient ... and most gifted ... and most reasonable people I've ever met. Vinny, Alex and I have unbelievable memories about our musical education in those early years, even though our professional paths diverged. And of course Dave Schein was really like a dad to me, as I'm sure many of you feel as well. But there were so many other just truly great teachers that were amazingly interactive and inspiring, etc. Considering the recent trend toward reliance on test scores to determine a student's worth, I would say it's pretty much a miracle that Dave Schein was able to pull off a stunt like that!!!
But George Trautwein was far and away one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Like Laura, I didn't actually join the choir until 12th grade. I was way too shy for that, even though I have a reasonably well-developed voice. Mr. Trautwein would certainly be proud to know that I sang in a semi-professional production of La Boheme at SUNY/Purchase in 1996. And I've sang in other groups, large and small. But back in high school, my place was ultimately in the pit band, with Laura, and Alex, and Marcy Roy, and others. We loved that! And the productions were amazing, given the paltry facilities that we all had to work with.
I know that the stories about Mr. Trautwein throwing chairs get a huge amount of attention and publicity, because they are so extreme!!! But when I think about how he was able to just talk with me, and others, it is so obvious that he was one of the most genuine people I've ever met in my entire life. So when I consider all that, it's so obvious that the "chair-throwing" types of episodes merely served to punctuate his passion for something -- in most cases, getting high-school students from an upper-middle-class suburban high school to get out of their element, and to perform, and to respect, at a level which I think might otherwise not have been attainable at those ages.
Steve Mesh
(continued ..... hehehe) .....
I will never forget him telling us about how students in the Greensboro, NC, area used to sing. He told us about what was so obviously genuine emotion when they sang -- yes, even high school students. How come? Because most of them actually endured some degree of adversity in life that most students in Blind Brook undoubtedly had not.
I also remember him taking a small group of us to the opera one night. I know that both Joyce and Noreen (Fiscella/Urso) came with us. I remember ordering boiled calves brains for dinner (interesting!). I think GT brought out a pretty adventurous spirit in those of us who were clamoring for it. I certainly was. Praise the lord there was someone like GT who actually provided a framework for us to get out and experience the world (whether it was North Carolina, Harrogate, or wherever).
I guess if I had to sum up what characterized Mr. Trautwein the most -- I'd say "integrity". I know very few people in life who are true to themselves, and to others. Everyone knew where he stood, what he wanted, and most importantly -- how beautiful his spirit was. It touched everyone who ever knew him.
A few years ago, a small group of us got together at Joyce's house with George and Michael. Unfortunately, we didn't play "musical chairs". But I ended up sitting next to Michael the entire time, and had a really amazing conversation with him. At one point, I asked why they both spent their entire careers teaching -- to which he replied ..... just look around you. And I did. And here were a handful of their most devoted students, so in love with what they both had to offer as we were growing up. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I loved Mr. Trautwein and will miss him greatly.
You know ..... I just started reading back through some of the earlier posts, thanks to my sister Cyn who sent that to me in PDF form. Thanks Cyn! There were some very beautiful thoughts shared by so many of you, as well as some unbeLIEVably funny stories!!!
I've been trying to understand why Mr. Trautwein was so important to so many of us. I know we all KNOW he was important, but I've been having a hard time understanding exactly why -- besides the obvious (he imparted a love of music, challenged each of us to pursue things we're passionate about, etc.).
But there's something else that struck me in reading so many of your beautiful postings, and it resonated with how I've always remembered him. My recollection is that every time I had occasion to speak with Mr. Trautwein, or vice versa, his entire attention was focused on ME. Didn't you all feel the same way? How many people do you all know who devote all of their attention on you??? Yes -- of course some of that may have been unwanted derision, or I might even say "mock" derision in many cases. But it was still attention focused on you! But whatever the form of that attention was, I just always felt that I was the center of the world while I was speaking with him. That's a feeling I've rarely had in life, so it was so amazing to feel that even for fleeting moments, especially at such a young, impressionable age.
I think it is a testament to an extraordinarily GREAT man when you are interacting with him, and yet you feel that YOU are the center of the universe for that short time.
I also had to share this with all of you. I know many of you will get a kick out of this. Like many others, including my brother Leigh, I struggled with not wanting to seem less than "masculine" at that age. Who in the HELL even knows what a definition for being "masculine" is, or was? But somehow, I wasn't sure it included being a singer. Or liking show tunes. Hogwash. I mean ... OMG. Just recently, I started watching YouTube videos of Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, some of which have extremely beautiful music. But one of my recent favorites is "With Cat Like Tread". If you haven't seen the on YouTube, do so. It's truly amazing!!!!! And reminds me of the GREAT man each time I watch it.
Comments:
Craig Bierko
Steve, I agree - for better or worse "With Cat-Like Tread" was my "Whipping Post." To be 17 years old, dressed as a pirate - in my case the lead singer of some west village Duran Duran tribute band - was a genuine loin thrill.
Cynthia Mesh
Steve, you have written beautifully about this aspect of George that, I agree, was the primary element in his ability to reach and encourage each one of us. I know of only one other person in my life, Beth Levin, the cantor at our synagogue, who also gives this kind of attention to everyone she meets. I don't think it's a coincidence that she is a singer and musician, song-leader, and the one who prepares most of the kids for bar and bat mitzvah. The process they go through with her is unbelievably transforming for each of them, and largely because she opens her heart and soul to them every time they talk with her just by being herself. Her belief in each of us is so strong and organic (it's not because she uses words, though she does that sometimes, too), we all truly believe we are good and valuable people. This is exactly how George was and I am incredibly grateful for them both. Beth continues to encourage me to sing and play guitar in her most beautiful way... thank goodness for these people! (I wll share this with Beth.) Thank you again for your eloquent post! Love you.
Jodi Edmundson
Since we did Pinafore ours was "Carefully on tiptoe stealing"... with say 75 sailors trying to sneak across the gym floor... tooooo funny
Shelly Lipman
Steve, I know exactly what you mean. Like many (a lot who will not admit) high school was not the happiest of times for me. I remember Mr. T taking the time to sit and talk with me and offer great advice or more importantly just listen. Thank you for capturing another side of him.
Glenn Eisenberg
Steve - His ability to focus on you when speaking with you and making you feel the center of his world was truly amazing!! Right on the money!!
Dave Benerofe
PS-Thanks for your perfect pitch. I was lost many times on those risers and you helped me through it. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint Mr. Trautwein.
Lorie Lewis
complete presence...in the moment...others-centered...what a gift! thank you for pointing out the deepest essence of his bright and burning spirit. It makes sense that he lives on in us since the light of spirit is eternal.
