Atlanta Rotarians kept a concert pianist past her performing time last Thursday during the club's weekly meeting
Mary Scott Goode of Texarkana College had been asked to speak on music.
As the 1 p.m.-scheduled closing time came and went, Rotarians were still eagerly asking her about music. Goode is both a college faculty member and a concert pianist, having performed concertos with full orchestras.
Several Rotarians remarked that although they had no prior music experience or formal classes, they very much wanted to do so now. They felt motivated and were willing to devote their time and interest.
Rotarian Mike Giesler said all his life he'd gone to musical events with family and friends but, because he'd had no music classes on his way to a dental degree, he felt he did not understand the music very well.
"I'd be interested in signing up if you have some community classes to offer," he said.
"We can help with that," the speaker responded.
Rotarian James Verschoyle spoke next.
"I took one music class in the eighth grade, and in all of my classes through college and law school, that eighth-grade music class stands out as one of my most significant," Verschoyle said to the group.
Goode responded that Texarkana College, where she teaches, does in fact provide music as a new and important college life experience.
"We are in the business of showing students what good music-making looks like. Sometimes we have talented students who've never been to a concert before, so a whole world of music opens up."
Rotarian Jerry Porter carefully questioned if the public would learn different styles of music from the college, perhaps even create new genres of music, compose or write their own creations.
"Yes, of course," Goode said. "We are here to fan the flames. And while we focus on classical music, we are a school of music for everyone, young or old. We think we all stand shoulder to-shoulder in both learning about and learning how to perform music."
Goode said Texarkana College, with its two full-time faculty members and seven adjunct faculty members, is able to offer music classes for guitar, brass, strings, voice, organ and piano The school also has music courses such as theory for music majors and music appreciation for the community and non-music majors.
"We think as a music department we must offer musical performances. We've been experimenting with offering music concerts at unusual times such as the Movies and Music concert series at 5:30 p.m. on different days or the week. Some of these are $5 or free. You can come and still be home early in the evening."
In choral work in recent years, the college and community choirs have gone to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. In 2020, this group plans to go to Paris, France.
A Rotarian asked Goode about the difference between practice and performance as they relate to music.
"Practice is what the individual does to prepare. Performing is not practice but having prepared your body and mind (to) go out there to play," she replied.
Goode spoke enthusiastically about the benefits of music.
"To continue with music, my best advice is get a teacher, a personal coach or tutor and then be disciplined, focused and apply yourself. This will be one of the great benefits of music," she said.
After the club dismissed, Goode said that although she rarely gets to speak to the public, she finds it worthwhile.
"I really enjoyed speaking to this club," she said. "They had a lot of great comments and questions and seemed so very interested.
"What I want the public to know is that we have this resource right here at Texarkana College and for our area. No matter your age or experience level, you could participate in music classes and events. We hope the community will come to our concerts and support what we are doing."