During my university years, I would often spend my lunch breaks scooting over to Clayton Famous-Barr or The Record Bar to listen and buy records with my lunch money. And you might even find me over at Blewett Hall in one of their record listening booths.
My taste was mainly for contemporary classical music, especially American composers.
Then one glorious day in January 1958, I read in Student Life that Aaron Copland (dubbed the Dean of American Composers and my favorite composer) was coming to WashU. Maybe I would be able to meet him! Yes, it was true!
Aaron Copland arrived on Saturday, Feb. 15, in 1958. He spent his first day at the music department, examining student music scores. Unfortunately, that was not available for me, a geology student. However, on Sunday there would be a concert of Copland compositions in Graham Chapel with Aaron conducting. I most certainly would be there!
Was I in heaven or what! I could hardly wait for intermission because my plan, even as shy as I was, was to go backstage and meet him.
I made my way backstage with a copy of my program and an LP record cover of Copland’s 3rd Symphony, and there he was. I made some comments about my devotion to his music and then asked for an autograph. He graciously did so, and then he curiously asked me if I was a musician? I nervously replied that I was not, but that I was a good listener.
I floated back to my seat to hear the second half of the concert. What a special lifetime event! At 90 years of age, I vividly remember and consider this meeting the highlight of my musical life, thanks to Washington University.
