Music, memories key to choir reunion, dedication at Brooke High School
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WELLSBURG -- As one of many former members of the Brooke High School Madrigal Choir participating in a reunion concert Saturday at their alma mater, Roy James remarked that in singing the praises of former director Rick Taylor, he was "literally preaching to the choir."
James presented a plaque to Taylor to commemorate the first time the venue was known as the Richard W. Taylor Auditorium.
James had approached the Brooke County Board of Education about naming the facility for the longtime music educator, an endeavor that received much support from fellow former students.
Asked how he felt about the honor following the concert, Taylor said, "I'm humbled. It's still surreal. Not sure I deserve it. It is awesome."
While the auditorium's designation was a first for Taylor, it wasn't the first time former students from throughout his 32-year career gathered to pay tribute to him with music.
When Taylor retired in 2008, many of them organized a farewell concert. And as with that performance, Saturday's reunion drew Brooke alumni of various ages and professions and from several states.
In lieu of admission, attendees were asked to donate money or canned goods to Bruins Helping Bruins, the school's food pantry. More than $1,200 and a table full of food was received.
Jaime Santora Allemond, a 2008 Brooke graduate, said she was picking up her child from the pre-school program operated at the high school when she got the idea to reunite fellow members of the madrigal choir.
The choir is known for dressing in costumes inspired by the Medieval period and rendering, a capella, songs from various eras.
It is one of many musical groups that have been led by Taylor who, in addition to directing up to five ensembles at one time, was the school's assistant band director for 10 years and directed 28 of its musical theater productions.
Allemond shared the idea with Trinity Brock, a 1996 graduate, who reached out to other former madrigal choir members through social media.
Musical scores for Saturday's selections and video footage of some performances were disseminated online since the entire group would have only one rehearsal on the night before the concert.
Many family members, friends and others in attendance remarked that it seemed as though the large assembly of alumni had stepped out of school just days before.
Participants were all smiles for much of the performance, though some tears were shed as candles were lit and memories of eight deceased classmates were related.
The eight included Brett Cain, Sharon Cronin, Tonia Andreozzi Garan, Jeff Gilkey, David Marston, Rob Rahr, Andrew Tokas and Jeff Yost.
Following the concert, many stopped to greet Taylor, offering congratulations and introducing their children or sharing photos of them.
Joining the alumni for the performance were Isaac Cardot, the school's current choir director; Nic Taylor, Taylor's son and also a former choir director at the school; and Ronald Miller, Taylor's predecessor and founder of the madrigal choir.
A native of Washington, Pa., Taylor had been a student teacher under Mille at Brooke. When Miller left the position in 1976, Taylor nearly lost out to another candidate for the job.
When school officials' first choice told them he'd accepted a position elsewhere, they called Taylor, asking him to meet with them right away.
"I was on a scaffold painting a house in Washington," he recalled, noting he arrived at the board office in paint splattered work clothes.
Taylor said through the years, the job "was like being a downhill skier and you never fell. Well, I may have fallen a couple of times."
James was among many who took time to reflect on the influence Taylor had on his students.
He said while the veteran educator often remarked he had great talent with which to work, it was Taylor who mined and forged that talent.
Jennifer Mason, a 1996 Brooke graduate, agreed, saying, "He finds your talent and pulls it out of you. He pushed me to audition for things I never thought I would."
Mason, who now teaches fifth grade in Columbus, added, "He's also one of the reasons I became a teacher."
Roberta Mizok Fedoush, a 1991 graduate who teaches music privately and directs the choir at her Weirton church, recalled Taylor's great enthusiasm.
While he took his job seriously, he also instilled a sense of fun in his students, said Fedoush, who noted his influence led her to serving as organ accompanist at Brooke Hills Playhouse.
Fedoush's sister, Rhonda Taylor -- also a former madrigal choir member -- served as accompanist for the reunion concert.
Brent Kimball, a 2013 graduate now serving as choir director and drama instructor at St. John Central Academy, said, "My kids will say, 'Some of this music is hard,' and I'll say, 'Let me show you what we did when I was in school.'"
Asked about any advice given by his former choir director, Kimball recalled Taylor often advised his students "to keep your muddy shoes at the door," which referred to setting aside the day's stresses when performing.
"Everything goes to the back burner and we're just here to perform," he said.
Allemond recalled the lecture she received from Taylor after he observed her speeding in her vehicle.
"He looked out for his students. He always had your best interests in mind. When you went to him for advice, you knew he was going to give you the best advice he could," she said.
Ron Gamble, a 1985 graduate, said Taylor was patient with his students and knew when to change direction when a particular approach or selection wasn't working.
Gamble recalled during his senior year, spending much of his school day in the music room.
"It was like family when you were down there, and I imagine it still is," he said.