Judy--I have been teaching Instrumental Music
and General Music at Warrior Run Middle School (Turbotville, PA)
for 25 years. I taught Elementary General Music and Elementary Choruses
in the Lewisburg School District, Instrumental Music Summer Programs
in Bath, New York, Woodwind Methods and Private Clarinet lessons
at Lycoming College for five years and was on the Summer Music Camp
staff at Susquehanna University. Substitute teaching has helped
me to think on my feet and appreciate spontaneity. Janet:--I taught primary grades for 30 years in the Huntingdon Area
School District, and was instrumental in developing their annual
Elementary Science Fairs. After retiring from teaching, I served
as the Educational Outreach Coordinator for the Juniata College
Artist Series. I have enjoyed teaching Woodwind clinics at Juniata
College and at Susquehanna University summer camp. Teaching private
clarinet lessons and being a free-lance musician have provided continual
musical growth and great personal satisfaction.
favorite music
The Mozart Clarinet Concerto has been one of our favorite
pieces of music since first hearing it in ninth grade. A fellow
clarinetist in our high school band, Timothy Foley (the now
esteemed conductor of the “President’s Own”
U.S. Marine Band) had given us the recording and we listened
to it so often that it actually wore out. Its beauty became
ingrained in us. It was obvious to us that Mozart loved the
clarinet and we loved Mozart.
Our mother plays piano excellently by ear. She was able to
hear the orchestral accompaniment and accompany us. How great
that was! It was written for A clarinet, so she transposed
(by ear) so we could play it on our Bb clarinets with her.
We did not know at the time what a true gift that was.
favorite stories
Some of our best memories would be practice time in our basement.
We did our individual practices in separate rooms, but always
ended each session with our “duet hour.” Janet loved
to play the beautiful, slow, dynamic ones, and I wanted to
play “fast and furious.” Developing both musically
and technically was a great by-product of those "duet
hours."
We started playing our clarinets in the fourth grade. It became
very clear to us that instrumental music was going to be a
important part of our lives. Dad made sure we had the proper
equipment to see us through our musical development. Our parents
never missed a concert—what a tremendous support system.
There has always been music going on in our home. Our gram
played piano professionally for the silent movies. She was
offered a scholarship to a music academy. Our older sister
is an excellent flutist and taught vocal music for 33 years
in New York State. Our younger brother is a fantastic vocalist
with soul, and our younger sister performs on the clarinet
with us in pit orchestras for high school musical productions.
We went to Mansfield University two years behind our older
sister. Janet majored in Elementary Education with a Science
minor and Judy majored in Music Education. We played together
through college in wind ensemble (featured together as solo
duo), orchestras, clarinet ensemble, clarinet quartet and
intercollegiate band festivals. No one ever came between us
even through the most challenging auditions we had to endure.
One of the judges actually called us back three times to play
and finally asked us "Which one of you actually plays
the best?" We had no idea what to say. We were one player.
It was hard to separate all of that, who would understand?
Since I (Judy) was braver and bolder when it came to playing
the clarinet, I usually sat first chair. The judges decided
to seat us in alphabetical order; this time Janet sat first
chair and she did a great job.
We were born in Danville, PA, about six minutes apart. We
have always been very close. From family stories we know that
two cribs were not necessary—we needed to be together.
I am sure it was Janet who climbed over.
We still dress alike on occasions and enjoy all the fun of
being look-a-likes. We have switched places many times but
found people were just as confused before we switched, so
it lost its initial impact. Janet has always been more outgoing
and will more than likely be the twin wearing the bright and
glittery outfits. She is the personality of the duo and still
is elected to be the entertainment/game chairman at family
events. Playing the clarinet has helped me (Judy) to overcome
much of my shyness. It gives me a voice that I am not afraid
to use. Playing in the WSO since 1969 has been a lifetime
wonderful experience. When an opening came for a permanent
Second Clarinet position, I insisted on getting Janet’s
clarinet overhauled. Then I gave her some reeds and coached
her on her audition pieces. We needed to play together full
time—it has been a fantastic experience. We feel each
other’s musical intentions and still play like one person.
We always look forward to getting together and making music.
It has and always will be one of our most favorite things
to do together. Now we both enjoy beautiful, slow, dynamic,
fast and furious music.
