Table of Contents

- The Downbeat
- The Legacy of Dr. William R. Denison
- Down Memory Lane: Rae Denison
- Alumni Q &A
- Faculty Q &A
- Chapter Perspective
- Denisonpalooza
- Choral Alumni Performance
- "High Notes"
- Link Dump
- Troy University Happenings and Events
- Calendar of Upcoming Events

The Downbeat
Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

All Hail!
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The Legacy of Dr. William R. Denison
Frank Miles, Tattler Staff
Special Thanks to John Mitcham for contributing to this article

Almost four decades ago, a man of music walked onto the campus of Troy State University with a goal of helping others see the value and enjoyment that his art could bring into everyday lives. He succeeded.

It was the fall of 1967, and William R. Denison, armed with a PhD from Florida State, was ready to embark on a lifelong journey that began when he himself was a student.

“After participating in my high school band, I knew that (music education) was the profession that I wanted to follow,” Dr. D said. “I have been a music educator for approximately 45 years now.”

And how did he do it that long?
“I enjoy music.”

Dr. D says he enjoys music so much that he wants others to experience that joy and develop it in even more people. He says the secret to a successful music program is combining good music with strong personal relationships. It’s that kind of dedication to people that spurred Dr. D to helping the music department gain accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music, a feat he lists as his proudest accomplishment as a music educator and his proudest moment as a member of Troy’s faculty.

The world of music education is constantly changing and Dr. D notes that lessons have moved from one keyboard to another. “The biggest thing I have seen is the growth of technology in the curriculum,” he said. “Everything is based on technology now.”

But even with advances in technology, he says music educators are still faced with many problems.

“Funding, for the most part. You always need money for new instruments, salaries, expenses,” he said. Accountability in testing is another challenge he says educators must deal with.
After all these years in music, Dr. D still can’t get enough. His plans for retirement are to remain involved in church music and teach on a limited basis. How fortunate for us, and music, that retirement doesn’t mean departure. Thank you, Dr. D, for your dedicated service to Troy University, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and, most importantly, music.
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Down Memory Lane with Rae Denison
My Dad – Manly Musician, Musicianly Man
Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

In Nashville, Ga., Berrien High School band students are learning how to appreciate music the way thousands of Troy State University students did for more than 35 years – the Denison way. Rae Denison, one of Dr. Denison’s two sons, has taken up the baton and works as a music educator.

“I always knew that one day I would be involved in music in some way,” Rae said.

It’s no wonder, considering the amount of exposure Rae and his brother, Joey, had to music growing up. “We were present at every TSU musical, opera, Collegiate Singers concert, band concert and SOTS performance that happened our entire lives growing up.” The boys both joined the band in sixth grade. Eventually, Joey walked a different path, but that’s OK with dad.

“We were encouraged to do our best at everything we did. My brother later became a football player in high school and after graduation from TSU, a high school football coach.”

When they weren’t listening to performances of TSU musical ensembles, they were being blessed with the sounds of dad playing the organ for his Sunday church services. Rae also remembers with fondness his dad tickling the ivories at home.

“I remember when I was very young, laying under our grand piano in our living room listening to him practice. The sound would reflect off of the wood floor. I loved it.” Dr. D, being the fine musician he is, didn’t just play keyboards. “He also played trombone growing up, and even marched in the University of Michigan's band while Dr. Revelli was the director.”

Rae says you didn’t have to grow up with his dad to know what kind of a person he is. If you took one of his classes, you got the same treatment. “My dad was just as he was at work, very kind, soft-spoken, thoughtful.” And Dr. D never let his hands get idle when he wasn’t playing or conducting. “He was always busy when he was away from work. He was always working on some project around the house or we were going somewhere.”

Rae’s fondest memory as a child included his father’s father. “I remember riding to visit my grandfather at Ormond Beach, Fla., in my dad's green Gremlin. We had many wonderful trips in that car. When he bought that car, it had two options, white hockey stripe, and outside mirror. Later, he added a below the dash air conditioner. I remember the relationship he had with his father and I enjoyed listening to the conversations they had and how I thought they spoke in the most dignified, respectful way to each other.”

Rae has not only followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician and educator, but also as a Sinfonian. A 1985 initiate of the Iota Nu Chapter, Rae served as Fraternity Education Officer and probably learned a thing or two from Dr. D about leading, teaching and setting the example. “He accomplished his goals with kindness, dedication, hard work, compassion and humility. I have never heard him say a negative word about another person. What better role model can be found?”

Dr. D’s dedication to music is matched by his dedication to Troy State. “My dad truly loves his job and truly loves TSU. His contributions to the university go much farther than just the music department. He has served on countless committees and written countless reports. I remember the years he was in charge of writing and editing the TSU Bulletin. He was instrumental in having the School of Music accredited by the NASM. He did all these administrative tasks while working daily with students on preparing fantastic musical performances.”

While Dr. D’s truest passion is music education, Rae says his dad makes time for some of life’s other pleasures, such as antique cars. “He can tell you the name and year of any car built from the ‘20s through the ‘70s.” Cars aren’t the only antiques Dr. D seeks. “He and my mother have recently opened an antique/junk store north of Troy in the Pioneer Village. He is in charge of finding all the treasures they sell.” He’s an avid jogger as well, having completed several marathons.

But the students were always at the top of the priority list, and there’s no way to truly know just how many people he has influenced, informed and inspired.

“He always had time for solving any problem a student may have had and truly enjoyed helping people. As a music educator, I repeatedly am greeted by former students who tell me of how much he may have helped them or how much he touched their lives. His greatest contribution is his positive impact on thirty plus year's worth of students.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Rae Denison lives in Ocilla, Ga., with his wife, Michelle, and three children: Trey, 5, Katie, 3, and Alec, 18 months. The staff at the Sinfonian Tattler would like to express our deepest appreciation to Brother Rae for his time in helping us with this special tribute.)
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Alumni Speak Up About Dr. Denison
Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

Rae mentioned Dr. Denison’s positive impact on Troy students for more than 30 years. Well, here’s what some of those students (from each decade!) had to say about Dr. D’s impact on them.

1. What kind of person is Dr. Denison?
• Linwood S. Erb (’65): Dr. D is a very fine person and teacher. He was very understanding of his students’ needs and went out of his way to help. I’ve considered Dr. D a friend all these years.
• Ed Lawrence (’92): Very professional and an awesome musician!
• Chuck Maguire (’95): A very passively passionate musician who always stands for the right things.
• Gordon M. Moore (’88): I always think about Teddy Roosevelt when I think about Dr. D. Roosevelt coined a famous saying, “Speak Softly but Carry a Big Stick!” Dr. D is mild-mannered and soft-spoken, but he commands the respect and authority he has because he really does a great job of motivating and teaching.
• Tim Lutz (’99): Dr. D was always the kind of guy who would go out of his way to make your experiences with the music department pleasurable. As someone who was only involved with the band, he went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that we had everything that we needed to maintain the prominent status that the Sound of the South has a reputation for.
• Michael “Joiner” Janeiro (’76): He was always friendly and would greet you in the hall with a smile and call you by name.

2. While you were a student at Troy, how did Dr. Denison influence your life academically? Personally?
• Erb: Dr. D made the class fun and you wanted to do well for him.
• Doc Kirby (’74): He encouraged me to continue to be a singer even though I thought of myself as an instrumentalist. I have never stopped singing, and I have formed and led choirs wherever I have worshipped in church.
• Jerome Williams (’96): Dr. D. helped open my eyes to a whole new side of music. I fell in love with the Collegiate Singers under Dr. D.
• Moore: He gave me opportunity and access to perform with the Collegiate Singers and the Madrigal group. He connected to me (and everyone else) on a personal level.
• Lutz: He made an impact on my life by simply knowing who I was. It showed me that he cared about people in general, not just his music students and faculty.
• Janeiro: I remember being nervous when he would sit on the piano jury panel. But he was never intimidating in his personality.
• Demetrius A. Watkins (’84): He has a very calm confidence in any situation and that was most impressive to me. There were many times when he had every right to be upset with us in Collegiates but he kept his calm. He is a professor who cares for his students and for music. He is a friend as well as a professional.

3. In your opinion, what do you think contributed to Dr. Denison’s success and longevity at Troy?
• Lawrence: His love of music and the arts.
• Kirby: His character and talent.
• Maguire: Dr. D, being the true musician that he is, never wanted the glory and fame that comes with most conductors. His desires were to see students succeed and to foster an educational process that would give way to a strong future for all the people touched by the extended family of Troy's music department. It was never about him and always about the students.
• Moore: He is the Tortoise, not the Hare. He, as far as I know, never made radical changes to curriculum, etc. He went about it slowly and thoughtfully, bringing people with him rather than dragging them along. It's kinda like making diamonds - all it took was slow, steady pressure!
• Janeiro: I think that Dr. D's success and longevity at Troy can be attributed to his high levels of musicianship, professionalism and compassion that he displayed to his students and colleagues.

4. What do you miss most about Dr. Denison?
• Erb: He was always smiling and had a positive attitude. I enjoyed being around him.
• Kirby: His willingness to help students and friends.
• Maguire: His voice of reason! Too often in the many areas of life we fail to find this voice.
• Williams: Collegiates warm-ups and the off the wall jokes he use to tell.
• Moore: Watching him conduct. And the red-leather, yellow-leather vocal warm-ups.
• Lutz: The thing that I miss the most about him is the way he used to walk around the music department and speak to people when he saw them.
• Janeiro: I miss hearing his cheerful “nasally” greetings as he would see you in the mornings.
• Watkins: His sense of humor, his excellent gift that he brings to music.

5. When you think back on your days at Troy, what one memory of Dr. Denison really sticks out?
• Kirby: Directing the Collegiate Singers, keeping us Sinfonians within acceptable behavior parameters.
• Williams: His conducting skills and his ability to bring a mass choir together in harmony.
• Lutz: I guess for me, it was the first time that he called me by my name. Like I said, I was only a band person and he still cared enough to know who I was.
• Janeiro: I remember when the chapter visited his church and watched him play the organ for the service. It was a great experience.
• Watkins: When we were preparing for concerts and we would come out on stage, he would give us this funny smile and tell us to take a deep breath.
• Moore: We brought the pledge class into one of the classrooms in Smith Hall one night so they could hear Dr. D. give a performance on a small, portable pipe organ. He played Toccata and Fugue in D minor. When he got to the point in the beginning where the music pauses and the listener is supposed to hear an echo throughout the cathedral or performance hall, with his back to all of us, he shook his hands in the air and SAID, “echo, echo, echo” to which we all laughed hysterically!

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you Brother Moore for that one. To this day, that is still one of the funniest things I have ever seen! FM)
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Faculty Speak Up About Dr. Denison
Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

If you want to get to know someone, it’s always good to just walk up, shake hands and strike up a conversation.

But if you REALLY want to get to know a man, sit down and talk with his coworkers!
They are the ones who often see us at our worst, and hopefully best. They’re the ones nearby, that watch us deal with the daily challenges and frustrations of the world. They don’t have to love us. Or even like us.

They are a fair barometer of what kind of a person we really are.

For this issue, we picked the brains of some of Dr. D’s coworkers. Some have known Dr. D for just a few years. Others have worked side-by-side with him for decades. Below you can see for yourself what kind of an impact one man can make on those around him.

What kind of a person is Dr. Denison?

“Kind, thoughtful, full of knowledge, giving to others.” ~GZ

“Without a doubt, one of the nicest people I have ever known.” ~JWA

“Very patient and kind with a sharp wit (that usually remains hidden). He's always been one to give you the freedom to choose (as opposed to some who say “it's my way or the highway,” I think of him as a facilitator - one who helps others to foster their own successes.” ~JJ

“He is a kind, thoughtful and gentle person.” ~JML

“Sensitive, caring, excellent communicator, excellent musician, and very busy!!!!” ~GT

“Kind, decent, honest and fair.” ~DO

“Dr. Denison is the salt of the earth, kind, competent, a calm influence in a sea of raging prima donnas. He is the glue that holds this department together, allowing each member of the faculty to shine.” ~CA

What do you see as Dr. Denison’s main contribution to Troy University?

“He supports activities that make things better at Troy.” ~GZ

“His total dedication to the School of Music.” ~JWA

“His teaching: he's the model of self-control and inclusion. He's supportive of all students.” ~JJ

“Among his many contributions were his Collegiate Singers and conducting the opera orchestra.” ~JML

“Exemplifying to his students a love for people and a love and commitment to music and his profession--dedicated!” ~GT

“I believe that would be his efforts to bring NASM accreditation to the School of Music.” ~DO

“Dr. Denison helped guide the music department from a department to a school with full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. This made our program much more nationally visible, added to our prestige and helped attract talented students from around the country and the world.” ~CA

What do you think contributed to Dr. Denison’s success and longevity at Troy?

“His ability to “smooth the waters” and his willingness to work long hours without complaining.” ~GZ

“His incredible patience.” ~JWA

“His moral and ethical character and his love of the student and colleague.” ~JJ

“Dr. Denison's talent and knowledge of subject matter made him a stellar music educator.” ~JML

“Love for people and their pursuit in life above his own interests.” ~GT

“This would be his ability to move disparate parties toward consensus and his open door policies.” ~DO

“His calm, quiet, thoughtful approach to everything he does.” ~CA

How has Dr. Denison influenced you on a professional level?

“He has supported every endeavor I've taken on to make the School of Music a better educational experience.” ~GZ

“Dr. Denison is the kind of person for whom you just want to do a good job.” ~JWA

“He's always supported and encouraged me at a professional level. Personally, he introduced me to the church I now attend.” ~JJ

“His sincere concern for the students while I was dean made him an exceptional faculty member. He is a very dear friend.” ~JML

“Dr. D. has been my mentor and one of those people you just enjoy being around--a good friend. (Still is)” ~GT

“He taught me many things about professionalism and even-tempered treatment of colleagues and students.” ~DO

“I'm a performing musician, as well as a teacher. Dr. Denison has always allowed the time and space for both those pursuits and has encouraged me not only by flexibility of scheduling for outside performances, but by featuring me with School of Music ensembles.” ~CA

What will you miss most about Dr. Denison?

“His “zinger” joke when you least expect it.” ~GZ

“The one thing I will miss most is the fact that I could always count on the same pleasant person who greeted me good morning would be the same pleasant person all day long.” ~JWA

“I can't narrow it down. I'll miss the whole person.” ~JJ

“We will all miss his quiet ways of doing things.” ~JML

“Seeing his smile and hearing his laugh on a daily basis.” ~GT

“His availability and good nature.” ~DO

“His little chuckle and the “Weeellll” that always precedes a joke.” ~CA

Any words of advice for Dr. Denison as he gets ready to retire?

“We're going to have your number on speed dial. Be prepared!” ~GZ

“I think Dr. Denison seeks his advice from a higher power.” ~JWA

“Enjoy life every day and don't worry about us. All we need to do is try to act more like you and we'll be fine.” ~JJ

“Continue the excellent work you do in music and enjoy yourself.” ~JML

“ENJOY! And know that you are never truly retired! God has more for you!” ~GT

“Love those grandkids! Travel! Do whatever brings your pleasure! You have certainly earned it!” ~DO

“DON'T DO IT!!!!!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!” ~CA
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Iota Nu Thanks Long-Time Advisor
Chapter Always Had Someone to Go To
Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

“He made me feel like I was welcome to go talk to him whenever I needed to.”

Justin Amaro didn’t make it a regular occurrence to stop by Dr. D’s office and have a chat. He didn’t want to waste a busy man’s time. But he knew he could.

“The first day I did go and speak to him about an issue, and every time after that, it seemed as if I really had his attention and that I was not a burden,” Justin said. “I would like him to know how appreciative I am for that.”

Jacob Rasberry agrees.

“He just really cares about all his students and would do anything for them.”

Justin and Jacob, the chapter’s fraternity education officer and warden respectively, both understand the impact of Dr. D’s retirement on Iota Nu and on the John M. Long School of Music.

“When I heard Dr. D was retiring, I knew it would be difficult for the school of music to lose him,” Justin said.

Added Jacob, “He has done a great job as head of the music department and it won’t be the same without him.”

The thing Jacob will miss most about Dr. D is his willingness to help students. “As a teacher, sometimes you have to go to great lengths to help a student out,” Jacob said. “Thank you (Dr. D) for being such an inspiration for all of us future teachers.”

Justin echoed the sentiment. “I would like to tell him how much I appreciate his willingness to help us out whenever and however he can.” Justin remembers how Dr. D saved the chapter almost $1,000 by pulling some administrative strings for the Battle of the Bands.

“There is something to be said about a man’s character when he is so willing to go beyond what is required of him.”

Yes, there is. And it can be summed up in two words – true Sinfonian.
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A Night to Honor Our Advisor, Brother, Teacher and Friend
Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

The Iota Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha and The Sinfonian Tattler are proud to present a banquet in honor of Dr. Denison and his service to the chapter. It’s just a little something special for the man who has done so much for us as a brother’s brother, a man of the highest type. This banquet will be filled with brothers from 1960 to 2005, here to pay tribute to a beloved educator. We hope you can attend this once in a lifetime event. Please mark April 30th on your calendar so you can share in the fun.

Place: Adam Center Ballrooms, Troy University
Time: 6:00 p.m.
When: April 30, 2005
Who: Brothers (alumni & active), their dates, faculty members (retired &
active)

Black Tie Affair
We will have more about the banquet in our March issue, including dinner prices
and ticket order forms. But go ahead and mark this date. Let’s celebrate in
the life of Dr. D, and let’s show him what he means to us, this chapter,
and this fraternity.
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Choral Alumni Association Honoring Dr. Denison
Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

Dr. Denison has given more than 30 years to the choral department at Troy University. As a tribute to him, the choral program will be presenting Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, March 12. This will be Dr. D's final conducting performance as director of the school of music and a remarkable event as Dr. D will be looking into the choir to see decades of alumni whose lives he has touched over the years.

The Choral Alumni Association along with the Troy Alumni Association will honor Dr. D with a reception in the Trojan Center at 5:00 p.m. They will also host a dinner/dance at 6:00 p.m. If you were involved in the choral program while a student at Troy, you should be receiving information from the alumni association about the event. Please let everyone you know who participated in Collegiate Singers about this extraordinary event. I know our fellow brother from Donalsonville, Ga., Bradley Grantham, has made plans to join the chorus on this wonderful occasion. Come and see old friends as you say goodbye to a man who has passionately upheld the beauty and power of music for nearly a half century.

Information:

Friday, March 11th - Collegiate and guest choir concert. Alumni will be invited to sing the Hallelujah Chorus with Dr. D conducting.

Saturday, March 12th - Chorus rehearsal 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Collegiate Room.

- Alumni Association meeting at 11:00 a.m.
- Rehearsal resumes at 1:30 p.m.
- Performance at 3:30 p.m. in the Claudia Crosby Theater.
- Reception in Trojan Center at 5:00 p.m.
- Dinner/dance at 6:00 p.m.
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"High Notes"
Here you will find all the latest announcements from weddings to births. This month we would like to announce the birth of Olivia Lawrence to proud parents Dave and LeAnn Lawrence and the birth of Gary Stringfellow’s grandson, John William Hurley. (Click on link to see picture)

Weddings:
Scott Yielding - March 12
Scott Grossman - April 23
Scott Snell - May 14 (Foley, AL)
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Link Dump
Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

Welcome to da’dump! Each month Tattler staffers scour the web and lurk in dark corners to find cool and fun stuff. From here you’ll get a glimpse into what is going on and who is doing it. And anything and everything is fair game. So if you know of something cool and neat that folks should check out send it to us and we’ll see if it fits the program! Email Travis Bryant with your cool link.

• Now that we have spent some quality time learning about and honoring Dr. Denison, you can keep up with what's going on in the Choral Department at Troy and see if they are living up to the legacy that has been left to them.
  http://tsumusic.troyst.edu/events/choralevents.html
  
• While we're on campus, take some time to see what's going on... right... now. That's right! Troy has gone high tech with a new 24-hour 'campus cam'. Tune in and see who is running across campus, late for class.
  http://www.troyst.edu/abouttsu/campuslive.html
  
• Here in our last slot this month we feature The Wag. A brother who has gone on and done quite well for himself. You can check out his family and hobbies here on his website.
  http://gallery.wagners.homeip.net/
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Troy University Happenings and Events
Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

• General Info:
Do you want to know more about what is going on at your university, your alma mater? Click on the following link to subscribe to many listservs to keep you updated on events, athletics, radio and much more.
https://tsutech.troyst.edu/cgi-bin/dlentry.pl

• TROY Athletics:
As Troy Trojans had an incredible season in football, they hope to move that winning success to their basketball season. As of this newsletter, The Troy Trojans Basketball team has a record of 9 -14 overall, with a 7-7 record in the conference. Troy still has a chance for an A-Sun tournament invite if they can keep winning. Go support the Trojans as they try for a birth in the Big Dance. Click on http://www.troytrojans.com/ for more information about schedules and times..

• Activities:
For more information about the concert or other student activities, please click on www.troy.edu/uac .

• “Sound of the South”:
New Sound of the South Website: Its finally here, the “Sound of the South” website (www.soundofthesouth.org) Check it out for the latest updates and events happening with the Sound of the South. Also, if you haven’t already, click on the forum and communicate with alumni and current members of the SOTS. It’s free to use and a great way to have healthy and live conversations about all topics that interest you.

Iota Nuws:
As being witness to last week’s function (SEUS Weekend), I am happy to report that the chapter is doing well. We still have 6 strong probationary members that should take Iota Nu On and Ever Upward! If you get a chance, drive to Troy and experience Iota Nu probationary membership functions first hand.

As promised in our last issue, we have dug into the world of the active brothers and found out the vital information that you have all been waiting for. Who is Who's Big & Little Brother? Look no farther, because we have found out for you.

LB ~ BB ~ GBB ~ GGBB

Ben Burke ~ Joeseth Blankenship ~ Joe Ybarra ~ Jason Tucker ~ John Phillips

Chris Jones ~ Josh Cockrell ~ Justin Amaro ~ John Jackson ~ Tony Hawthorne ~ Steve Capps ~ Scott Erb ~ Scott Kigerl ~ Frank Miles (Editor’s Note: Just wanted to show you Scott and Frank’s line)

Paco Fransisco Negron ~ Jack Gillis ~ Richard Helms ~ Adolfo Roberdo

Rob Scheifers ~ Sean Weiler ~ Jacob Rasberry ~ John Mitcham

Aaron Slayback ~ Nathan Arnold ~ Jim Brasher, III ~ Mark Dickman

Bryan Smith ~ Mark Turner ~ Joey Mitchell ~ Damon Anderson
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• Friday, Januray 14 @ 8:00pm
• Friday, Januray 21 @ 10:30pm
• Friday, Januray 28 @ TBA

• Saturday, February 5 @ TBA
• Friday, February 11 @ 9:00pm
• Wednesday, February 23 @ 7:00pm
• A-Sun Men's Tournament (Feb. 24-27)

• Friday, March 4 @ 9:00pm
• A-Sun Women's Tournament (Mar 10-13)
• March 19 - 26, Spring Break