The chorus room of Tyler Hall 41 was humming with excitement as a group of more than 30 students, faculty and alumni came together to catch up with old friends and learn more about careers and opportunities in the music field.  The discussion was the opening event for the very first music department reunion held Sept. 7 to 9, and the six panel members had plenty to share with current students.

“It’s great to have [them] back here,” said Julie Pretzat-Merchant, music department chair.  “They are a great representation of what we’ve been doing here (on campus).”  And SUNY Oswego music alumni have indeed been doing great things.

Wendy Adamkowski-Boltash ’96, T.J. Bandla, Allison Capano ’94, Dani Gottuso ’98, Keith Himes ’82, M ’91 and Kristin MacDonald ’96 shared their journeys from music major to music professional. 

Adamkowski-Boltash left the marketing program to become a music major, but her business sense has helped her to develop an active voice studio and in her role as a high school vocal coach.  Although she has faced challenges in her career path, she said that dedication and determination are key in reaching success.  “So far I haven’t run into anything I couldn’t handle,” she said. “I just had to work a little harder.”

Bandla, a 1990 graduate of SUNY Fredonia, is the theatre technical director of the Oswego High School.  Born and raised in Oswego, Bandla spent many hours rigging lights and equipment for productions in Waterman Theatre during college breaks.  He encouraged students to keep their minds and their options open.  “Jump in when opportunity presents itself,” Bandla said.  “You have to take the risk and do it.”

Now in her 11th year as an elementary strings teacher for the Cortland City School District, Capano played the viola in the Oswego State orchestra under the direction of Dr. Jerry Exline.  Although introducing third-grade students to the violin can be less than musically inspiring, Capano said that she wouldn’t trade anything in the world for what she does.  “I just drive home in silence,” she said with a laugh.  She encouraged students that were interested in pursuing a master’s degree to do so as early as possible and to keep practicing after graduation. 

Gottuso also uses her music training to influence young people as a non-violence education teacher by day and musical theater and drama instructor in the evenings.  “I was up for a lot more jobs than I thought (with a music degree),” Gottuso said.  She also told students to “be prepared for life to change [their] plans” and to “be kind and honest – always.”

Himes teaches instrumental and vocal music for the Mexico Academy and Central School District.  “They wouldn’t let me fail,” Himes said of the music department staff and faculty.  His advice to graduating seniors:  be consistent, dependable and resilient.  “A lifetime of failures can teach you more than a lifetime of successes,” he said. 

MacDonald said that many people aren’t quite sure what her career is all about.  But her love of music and interest in psychology led to rewarding experiences in the music therapy field from inner city Washington, D.C., to Syracuse.  The stay-at-home-mom currently gives presentations about music therapy programs to schools and professional groups and uses her skills at a day care program every other week.  MacDonald told students not to be afraid to create their own opportunities.  “Market yourself,” she said.  “Find out what you want to do and do it.”

Each panel member agreed with MacDonald’s sentiment.  “These people have found the two P’s – passion and purpose,” said moderator Don Levine ’78.  “Find those two P’s and you’ll be successful.”

Alumni experienced the music of the Oswego Jazz Project at Patz on the River restaurant Friday night and guest alumni performers. 

Saturday’s schedule was jam-packed with rehearsals for Saturday evening's concert, campus tours highlighting the new Campus Center and a banquet in Hewitt Union’s Forum Restaurant. 

At the banquet, Pretzat-Merchant presented memory books to emeriti faculty or family representatives in appreciation of their contributions to the music department.  Graduate comments ranged from the sentimental to the humorous and more than one chuckle escaped the crowd.  Alumni also honored the memory of James J. “Doc” Soluri, who passed away July 10, 2006, with a reverent standing ovation.  “This is for them (those that came before us) as well as for us,” said Pretzat-Merchant.

After closing remarks from Oswego Alumni Association Executive Director Betsy Oberst, guests made their way to Waterman Theatre in Tyler Hall for the grand finale alumni concert.  Generations of State Singers, concert band and orchestra members, Solid State jazz band players, soloists and more came together for a spectacular three-hour show.  The audience gave a rousing applause following the jazz band’s performance of “Niteroi” directed by Stan Gosek and cheered in honor of Doc Soluri who arranged “Show Me the Way” for jazz band and choir with former director Hugh Burritt.

Other concert highlights included solo piano performances by emeritus faculty member Anthony Crain, Cindy Josbena and Janine Johnson, emeritus Leon Carapetyan’s vocal solos and an original electric guitar piece composed and performed by Emmett VanSlyke.  The program also included Concert Band performances directed by emeriti Jerry Exline and George Cuppernull, a chamber orchestra piece directed by Juan LaManna, the Oswego State Jazz Ensemble directed by current director Eric Schmitz and choral numbers directed by Pretzat-Merchant and Carapetyan. 

The concert concluded with a combined Concert Band and choir rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the singing of the Oswego Alma Mater led by Pretzat-Merchant.  The audience stood to its feet and cheered, honoring the fine music and fond memories of the Oswego music department.

Immediately following the concert finale, Pretzat-Merchant unveiled a plaque and framed photograph display honoring former faculty members Maurice Boyd, James "Doc" Soluri, Paul Rogers, Dorothy Hickok and Sylvia Irwin.  Their memory will be ever-present in the Waterman Theatre lobby with these words:  “With deep appreciation to the Founders of the Music Department – May their music live on in our hearts and minds.”

The weekend concluded with a “Bon Voyage” breakfast in the Campus Center food court.  Many graduates expressed immense satisfaction with the reunion and anticipate returning to their musical “home” very soon.  If the lasting love of music can be reflected in smiles and laughter, Oswego alumni will indeed carry that passion with them for years to come.

—Meagan Smith '07

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Upper: A three-hour concert in Waterman Theatre featured the music of Oswego alumni, including Solid State.
Middle: T.J. Bandla, Dani Gottuso ’98 and Kristin MacDonald ’96 were among those sharing their experiences with students in a panel discussion.
Lower: Alumni attended a Friday evening jam session at Patz on the River restaurant.

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