Not long now until our Class (the Class of ’62) reassembles to celebrate our 50th anniversary of graduating. Truly exciting. Every so often I find myself reflecting on those days – so many of which, for me, were spent up there on the top floor of Yeo Hall in that space where the Chapel is located preparing posters for athletic events and materials for the ball decorations. I had always sketched this and that in my notebooks through pre-RMC school days, but was in no way involved seriously in visual art until I came to the College. Flash forward and now relocated from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Stratford, Ontario, I was encouraged last spring to become involved in a project here which has only just concluded but which has been not only fun but exhilarating: the painted piano project for this year’s Stratford Summer Music Festival.
This painted piano project began ten years ago, initiated by an installation artist from England, Luke Jessam. Two cities were involved that year. The idea: to place brightly painted pianos about a community outside and invite people to stop and play in whatever style suits them. This year the program has been embraced in fourteen cities and communities around the globe, including such centres as New York, Toronto, Paris, and London (England). Over four hundred artists have been involved. Here in Stratford in this year when the Music Festival has featured and celebrated the piano and Glenn Gould as its themes, we have had eight artists contribute their work. was more than a little pleased to be one of those. Lori came up with the theme for my piano, an aquarium. Each piano had a totally different design. Rich as a collection. And each had to have the inscription, “PLay Me, I’m Yours” on it.
We’re only just back from a seven-week odyssey back to the east coast, Bill, to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Now getting ready for next month’s excitements.
I’ll be watching for you at the Reunion weekend.
Every good wish.
5472 James Colbeck
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I was somewhat surprised at the item regarding the teaching and singing of Precision. I recall that I and all my classmates knew the words and music by Christmas 1956 and sang and marched to it on a regular basis. I was also surprised to see the word “Empire” used twice – I think the word “Country” was substituted before 1956 and was far more appropriate.
However I am pleased that the College will be using the “School Song” on suitable occasions. I have never forgotten the words.
I really enjoy Veritas so thanks and keep up the good work.
4840 Dr. Peter J Ashley