Kara Hackwith Philippe (89-97) is living in France. She can’t wait for
her children to be campers.
Sarah Solberg (66-85) is still in The Netherlands. She enjoyed a visit
with Larke last autumn as she traveled through Europe. Sarah plays in a
municipal band in that is in the top (of 5) levels of bands in Holland. She took
several big cycle tours on 2007: Majorca, Alsace, north of Spain. The last trip
reminded her a lot of AMC – hilly/mountainous and the smell of pine trees on the
air.
Dr. Stuart Farber (45-47) played tympani at Franklin and Poly for Tony
Gill and in All City for Mr. Ohlendorf and Mr. Furjanic. He remembers the
“mystery” of night rock climbing in back of camp along lots of laughs and
friendships.
Brooke Wharton Getzen (69-72) Mr. O, Mr. Burger, Mr. Gibson, “Sarge”,
Mrs. Smith, Dennis, Carol, and Rick were very important people in her life. She
has fold memories of them and Arrowbear.
Eileen Choi Golden (73-80) says she’s going to start her 7-year old on
flute soon so she may one day attend Arrowbear. Maybe she’ll come and volunteer
as the camp doctor! Her husband can come along and teach percussion.
Our deepest
sympathy goes to the family of Dave Fraser who passed away in April.
Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Bill Mitchell who was a staff member
at camp in the 1960s.
Every fall and spring we receive numerous newsletters back stamped, “Not Deliverable as Addressed. Unable to Forward.” Not only are we sorry to lose an address, but it costs us 97 cents per piece to get a newsletter back. We also receive about 30-40 address changes for every newsletter. These pieces cost us 50 cents each. For the Fall Newsletter, this cost us $38.00 The post office figures if they charge a hefty price per piece, organizations like ours will make sure to keep their databases up-to-date. It’s expensive, but the only way to keep our database accurate. Otherwise, we’d lose between 40-50 of you each newsletter. This is where you come in. Please try to remember us during the stress and craziness of moving. We need your new address as well. You can send the new address to our PO Box or you can email it to Lkusaba@sbcglobal.net, Many thanks to those of you who let us know when you move.
If you know the whereabouts of
any of the following Arrowbearites, please let us know. It’s really helpful if
you have their mailing or email address, rather than just telling us you think
they moved a certain city.
| Dominene Hernandez | Joe Carr | Alissa Mear | Karlee Sampagna |
| Dr. Marie Haddock | Emily Shisko | Henry Crouch | Alexandria Taylor |
| Mike Stone | Erica Solano | Jennifer Srisamai |
Bob Bachle (‘68) remembers he came up with Bob Walton for several years to help Mr. O. with a lot of his work projects. He was never a camper, but played as a guest with the orchestra when Akira Endo was there. Bob Walton, Dennis Trembly, and Jay Kohorn were in the same graduating class from Millikan together with him. He played in the LBCC orchestra for several years, both under Akira and Dr. Pappone. He misses those times, but has fond memories.
Jane Franklin Rizzo (64-71) has recently finished her third tour of Europe with the Sonoran Desert Chorale, one of the premiere choral groups in Arizona. This year they were privileged to sing for mass at San Marco Basilica in Venice and “High Mass” for St. Peters in Rome. Along the way, they took the opportunity to perform at the Duomo in Assisi, Revena, and San Gimignano, and Florence. Singing at Arrowbear was the beginning for Jane. She enjoyed the clean air of the mountains, the friendships that are still in her heart, and the glorious music!
Jennifer Ness Schmid (87-89) is moving back to California where she will be practicing as a traditional naturopath and singing in various places. Her first gig is with the San Francisco Symphonic Chorus as a professional substitute.
Stephanie Burris Perez (84-85/89-90) is an optometrist in Santa Barbara. She has two children ages one and four. She still plays her violin with the Santa Barbara City College Community Orchestra. Her daughter likes to try to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star on her mother’s violin. Stephanie does the fingering, her daughter does the bowing.
Dolores DelComa (48-55) has many fond memories including swimming in Lake Arrowhead, ice skating at Blue Jay, and ensemble practice concerts on Saturdays with a huge ham dinner for guests.
Mary Lou Drummond Tudor-Hayes (49-51) was first violin in both the Long Beach All-City Jr. and Senior High Orchestras under Mr. O. She took piano lessons from Mrs. O. Mary Lou attend Hughes and Poly and played first violin in both school orchestras. Arrowbear was a fantastic experience for her. She was the President of Delta Gamma Omega Music Sorority at Poly at the same time Judy Cochran Kalen was the President at Wilson. They pledged Tri Delt Sorority together in college.
Bruce Sledge (85-88) is scheduled to sing “La Traviata” at the New York City Opera in September and in Tokyo and Kobe, Japan, in October, then on to “Tancresi” in Madrid in November/December, “Elixir of Love” in San Antonio in January, “Rigoletto” in New Orleans in March and the Mozart Opera in Bari, Italy in April. Bruce just received USC’s Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2007 in May.
Gayleen Hood Marmarelis (68-75) continues to love music which was founded deeply at Arrowbear with Mr. O. She’s currently a full time student at CSULB getting her Bachelor’s in Music after 27 years away from school. She’s loving every minute!
Lynne Greenwood (65-69) is looking for Chuck Talmadge who played the cello and attended camp with Lynne. Please contact her at Lynne.Greewood@doj.ca.gov if you can help.
Diane Shapiro - Sommerfield (80-89) just got married on June 17, 2007. She’d love to hear from friends at diane.shapiro@gmail.com
Eddie Stephens (97) is still working as a bassist in Southern California. He’s been as far as Afghanistan doing a USO tour performing for the troops. He works in the Paramount Unified School District in Alternative Education. That was the district that sent him to Arrowbear. He’s getting married in April 2008.
Alan Black (68-80) has been principal cellist of the Charlotte Symphony for the past 22 years and also is founder and Artistic Director of Chamber Music at St. Peter's, the largest presenter of chamber music in Charlotte. He’s had a varied and interesting career (so far!) and has performed on stage as a soloist with Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, and even fiddler Marc O'Connor. He has performed chamber music with cellist Lynn Harrell, Van Cliburn winner Jon Nakamatsu, and for the past two years done recital tours in Belgium. Most recently he has participated during the summer in a festival in Italy (yes, life is good!) where he has performed in a piano trio with the concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw. He has two children ages 7 and 17. He would LOVE to hear from all those great friends that came from the incredible 10 years he was active at Arrowbear! Email him at suitecello5@yahoo.com.
Barbara Simmergren, widow of Bob Simmergren, passed away on June 9, 2007, at the age of 87.
Every mailing we receive newsletters back marked, “Attempted Not Known” or “Forwarding Order Expired.” We hate to have to click on the delete button if we can avoid it. Please take a look at the following names. Do you know where we can find any of these people? It’s most helpful if you have an actual snail mail address or an email address. Just telling us what city the person may be living in is usually not too helpful. If you recognize anyone, please email to Lkusaba@sbcglobal.net or call 562-634-5158. We are usually able to update 2-3 names from our “Lost” list each time with your assistance. Try to let us know in advance when you are planning a move. Otherwise, it costs us 97 cents for the post office to let us know, and they aren’t always reliable. The Spring Newsletter returns cost us $37. It adds up over time. Many, many thanks to those of you who do email us with your change of address info. We appreciate it.
| Daniel Armstrong | Richard & Barbara George | Diane Hendry |
| Laurie Flieder | Becky Desfor | Mario Hernandez |
| Alexandria Taylor | James McDaniel |
Sheila Johnson |
Arrowbear alumni should say "thank you" to Teresa Brewer, who passed away on October 17, 2007. No, she wasn't the flutist who always wore a bow in her hair. In fact, she never attended Arrowbear. But she could sing. Time magazine described her voice as ". . . somewhere between a blowtorch and a cello." She made a recording in 1950, when she was 19 years old, that became a surprise pop hit and influenced Arrowbearites for decades: Music! Music! Music! Some of you may remember Petula Clark’s version in the 1960s, but Teresa Brewer was the first to record it. John Rabold (‘68-‘69) alerted us to Ms. Brewer’s passing and the importance her song had on Arrowbear. The song is in AABA layout. John says the B motive ("Hours, we play for hours, ...") is from Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody #2 in C-sharp minor. He wondered if Liszt was credited on that release? (grin) If you’d like to hear Teresa Brewer singing the original song, try www.amazon.com, or specifically http://tinyurl.com/233hj5 and click on the “Listen to samples” link that you’ll see below the image on the left side.
Brooke Wharton (69-72) has very strong memories of Mr. O, Dennis and
Carole, and her time at Arrowbear. She is currently an attorney working in the
entertainment industry representing writers, executive produces, directors, and
actors including the creator and executive produces of the ABC drama, “Grey’s
Anatomy.” She is married and has two boys ages 13 and 5, the eldest of which is
a gifted saxophone player.
Phil Isenberg (74-82) has moved back to Long Beach from Italy with his
wife, Evi, and is now working as an interpreter and translator with Italian and
German.
Arthur Hopkins (47-48) would like to know if any of his fellow students
of Will Rodgers Junior High who were students of Fred Ohlendorf and Nic
Furjanick are still around. He attended Wilson High School from ‘44-‘47. Please
contact him a
sunbird_studios@yahoo.com.
Bruce Sledge (85-88) is singing “La Sonnambula” at the Florida Grand
Opera in February 2007, “La Traviata” at the N.Y. City Opera in April 2007, and
“Daughter of the Regiment” at the Santiago, Chili Opera in June 2007.
Susan Gall (70- ??) Is now living in Chicago and going to medical school
at Northwestern University Feinber School of Medicine. She’s a 40-something
first year medical student and says, “It’s REALLY hard!”
Richard Mott (62-67) - traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam,
this summer to train and support the teachers and staff in two special education
schools: Soc Son School and Hope Center. He held teacher workshops in using
music and drama in teaching language arts.
Cheryl Rosse Cauldren (84-90) - is a substitute teacher in San Diego
after a decade working for a four-star, Preferred Hotel. She’s married and had
her first child in February. She sings for recreation and remains a marching
band geek. Her best and most loyal friend was met at Arrowbear her first year,
and she is forever grateful.
Lynne-Marie Rosse Friedrichs (79-83) - plays violin in the San Diego
Chamber Orchestra, Symphony, and Opera. She is married with two children and is
teaching her daughter to play the violin. Her son is accomplished on the piano
and is in the process of choosing a band instrument.
Steve Rosse (82-83) -is one of the top tubists in the world. He has been
playing in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since ‘92, teaches at the conservatory
and leads workshops around the world. He credits Arrowbear for his passion for
the tuba. He has five children who all play various instruments.
Anne De Boute Bertsch is seeking information about June Tannenbaum. If
you know anything or could help her locate June, please contact Anne at
annend@adelphia.net.
Charlotte Brejcha Schaffner - was in Nicolas Furjanick’s first orchestra
at Wilson High School in the late 1930s. Nic Furjanick opened a wonderful world
of orchestral music to her, and though she’s now 86 years old, she still
remembers. She felt a close bond with him because she is half Czeck. When she
finally visited Prague and saw the Moldau (which he loved) she couldn’t help
thinking of him. She even accompanied him when he played violin solos, although
she played string bass in his orchestra.
Lisa Holzman (70s) is working for the Santa Barbara Symphony as
Subscriber Services Manager and Marketing, and she does their web and online
newsletter, “SymphonE-notes,” as well. She’s still playing her flute in local
groups which she loves to do. She lives close by to her cousin, Dave Holzman’s
family. Her current email is
lholzman@flash.net if you’d like to contact her.
Julie Freeman Luckey (76-78) is trying to find Carolyn Jillson, a
violinist originally from Newport Beach, who she camped with. Julie has
unearthed some charming memorabilia she’d like to share with Carolyn. If you
know where to find her, you can contact Julie at 562-434-2764 or email her at
Luckeys@verizon.net.
It’s spring cleaning and fix-up time at Arrowbear Music Camp. Your help is needed to get camp into tip top shape for the summer Work weekends this year will be held:
May 27-29 (Memorial weekend), June 3-4, and June 10-11, and June 17-18.
This will be a really beautiful time of year in our mountains as the spring flowers will be in full bloom. Take a hike while you’re there! Come for an hour, come for a day, or stay all weekend – any help is appreciated! Meals will be served Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon (through Monday afternoon for Memorial Day weekend.) You may arrive Friday evening, but meals will be on your own.
Specific tasks on our priority list this year are: raking to create a firebreak, painting, carpentry work/repairs, plumbing, building new benches for the dining hall, and general camp clean-up. If you’ve got a specific skill, or even a pet project you’d like to work on, please contact Dennis and Carole. In an effort to help us plan for food and sleeping accommodations, please RSVP at info@arrowbear.com or call toll free (877) 867-4511. See you there!
Ellen Pesavento (63-70) has been so fortunate to travel the world and
play in great concert halls and yet her memories of Arrowbear are some of the
best times ever!
Rejean Schweitzer Anderson (46-48) is still teaching and playing- mostly supporting northern California music camps.
Vina Mae Woodland Sippel (41-46) attended the first camp session and is hoping to attend the 65th Reunion. She remembers the winter camp. It snowed and they had to hike out. Her dad, Bill Sippel, drove the truck to the first camp. Both of her parents were very active for many years at Camp.
Marvin Sippel (45-52) says his memories include his father driving open-top trucks to camp with his sisters Vina Mae and Evelyn, riding in Mr. O’s hatch-back trunk with the instruments to All-City rehearsals, being a camp counselor with Gary Wrench driving Mr. O’s car/trailer hauling trash, putting campers to sleep and then munching on Mrs. O’s leftovers in the kitchen, and of course, the wonderful music anc concerts at Lake Arrowhead.
Bob & Jeanette Allen Dill (49-70) continue to sing in their church choir. Bob still plays clarinet occasionally and substitutes as a music teacher in the schools.
Jack Hollander (69-74 & 85-90) is currently a Festival and Parade Adjudicator with the SCSBOA (Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.) He’s the assistant conductor of the Golden State British Brass Band.
Arthur Hopkins (45-46) remembers his teachers Fred Ohlendorf, Nic Furjanick, and Lea Sekora. He is still playing twice a week and composing ( 5 string quartets last year) as well as his occupation as an exhibiting painter, mainly in Japan. Arthur would love to hear from other campers from the mid-40s.
Sarah Solberg (66-87) has received her next assignment to the Hague in the Netherlands. She’s working on a transfer date that she hopes will allow her to attend the Reunion.
Gary Wrench (45-50) said the note from Stu Farber about the Poly Orchestra from 49-50 brought back a lot of memories. He remembers well all the Merry Widow rehearsals with Marilyn Horne and Joanne Pagones, who was an excellent singer in her own right.
Dr. Stuart Farber (45-47) says “Hello” to his former Poly High Orchestra members and campers.
Sarah Solberg (66-87) - Sarah is bidding on
her next diplomatic tour. She has one more year in Skopje, Macedonia. She hopes
2006 will see her in a city with more opportunities for clarinet playing.
Brooke Hearons Hicks (48-53) - Brooke remembers Mr. 0. calling her about
a music scholarship at the University of Louisville which included an
apprenticeship with the Louisville orchestra. She applied and received the
scholarship. Brooke played with the Louisville Orchestra until 2001 when she and
her husband retired. He played tuba in the orchestra. They raised four musicians
- two classical and two pop. It’s easy to see the influence Arrowbear had on her
happy life.
Wilson Ochoa (79-82) - Wilson is the principal music librarian with the
Nashville Symphony. He’ll carry the wonderful memories of Arrowbear with him
forever.
Sharon Beitstock Devor (late 70s) - Sharon
remembers Choral camp. She can still close her eyes and feel and hear the
experience of sifting under the canopy singing. They sang their hearts out and
during one song they sang, the director, Ed Brahams, had them “belt out” a forte
and cut it off quickly. They heard their voices echo through the trees and
against the other side of the mountain. It was truly a wonderful sound that
still is in her mind when she longs for “those days."
Bruce Sledge (83 - 87) - Bruce will be singing the lead role in “La Juive”
at the Venice Opera in October 2005, “Ttie Cavalier” at the Chicago Lyric Opera
in February 2006, and “Daughter of the Regiment” at the Savonlinna Opera
Festival in Finland in July 2006.
Dr. Stuart Farber (45-47) - Dr. Farber sends greetings to Arnold Hogarth
and other PoIy High orchestra players. He remembers the 49-40 Poly orchestra
played with Marilyn Horn and performed the “Mikado” one year and the “Merry
Widow” another to a full house for three nights. Many of the players were former
campers.
Wallace Umber - He has pleasant memories of the 1960s when Mr. 0. had a
“Director’s Weekend” in the fall after the camps were over. They formed a band,
read new music, slept in the camp bunk house, ate in the mess hall, and had some
great sharing experiences and fine camaraderie. What a great experience in the
busy life of a band director. His own children attend Arrowbear in the 70s and
80s.
Dennis and Carole want to extend a enormous Thank You” to everyone who was able to attend one of the work weekends last spñng. There weren’t a lot of people, but those who came worked really hard. A lot of general clean-up was accomplished along with raking the endless piles of leaves. The Haberman and Locke families built a retaining wall at the top of the ramp to the volleyball court. They also moved the cook’s cabin back to a safer location. The hillside had been giving way.
Next spring, there will be painting jobs for those who feel they can wield a paint brush. There will opportunities to work on the boys’ dorm. It needs some updating. We’ll try our best to get out the spring newsletter ea~y enough that you all have more notice of the dates for the work weekends. Hopefully, with more advance notice, more people will be able to attend and help out.
Arthur Hopkins (40s) still plays several times a week and also
composes. His piece, “Five Japanese Poems” for soprano and orchestra, was
performed last October in Okayama, Japan, by the Kurashiki Symphony Orchestra.
Bruce Sledge (83-87) gave a solo recital at the Cerritos Center in
February. He sang in France, Munich, and Italy in April. He is due to appear
during the summer in Sante Fe, New Mexico, in The Barber of Seville in the role
of Count Almaviva. In 2006, he is scheduled to sing in Don Pasquale in Berlin
and La Traviata in Copenhagen.
Jean Mahnken-Predergast (70-73) is now a civil engineer and emergency
manager for Los Angeles Water and Power.
Allan Applegate (68-71) wanted to thank his musical inspirations: Glen
Hoover and Roger Johnson.
Ray Nowak (80s-90s) earned an MA in music performance from UCLA. He has
had orchestra positions in Spain and the Canary Islands. He has returned to the
U.S. and is presently teaching and doing free lance performing. He and his wife
have a new baby born in January.
Kendall Feeney (70-77) founded the contemporary chamber music ensemble
Zephyr in the early 1990s. She frequently performs in the Spokane area where her
work is described as often “creating surprising moments for listeners.” She
likes her audience to be passionate because there’s a lot of non-engagement in
our world. She likes to provoke a response.
Rufus Olivier - is on the cover of the Feb. ‘05 edition of International
Musician. He is the principal bassoonist with the San Francisco Opera and San
Francisco Ballet orchestras. Check out the article on him.
Jennifer Frautshi - Her new cd featuring the Prokofiev violin concerto is
reviewed in the April ‘05 edition of Strings Magazine.
In Memorium
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of John Lindfors who
was an instrumental teacher for over 40 years. He was especially proud that
during the 18 years he taught in Duarte, CA, he sent more students to Arrowbear
than any other city outside Long Beach including his son Don (drums) and his
daughter Karen (saxophone). He will be missed.
Friends and family of Walter Norwick donated in his memory. His daughter, Naomi
Norwick, was a conductor at Arrowbear for several years. The donations received
will be awarded as the Walter Norwick Scholarship for this coming summer.
Bruce Sledge (83-87) made his debut at the Met in New York City in December 2003, appearing as Count Almavina in “Barber of Seville.” He will travel on and appear in Marseilles, France, in November 2004, in Trieste, Italy, in December 2004, and then on to Genova, Italy, in 2005, appearing in various operas in tenor “lead” roles. Arrowbear helped give him his start by teaching him the joy of singing.
Sarah Solberg (66-87) is now in Macedonia (also known as FYROM: former Yogoslav Republic of Macedonia). She still hasn’t found an orchestra, but she and a Macedonian pianist played for a diplomatic charity. They get together once a week to play. Sarah would love to hear from fellow Arrowbearites - SolbergSA@yahoo.com.
Amy Kaplan (76-81) is beginning a tenure-track job as Assistant Professor of Composition at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music this fall after teaching as a visiting Prof. at the University of Iowa.
Tom & Carole Parmeter Dyer (79-87 and 2004) have just moved back to Long Beach after living in Northern California for many years. Tom was the band director at the Elementary Session this summer. He will be teaching music at a Long Beach K-8 school this year. Carole is taking some time off from the “paid labor force” to take care of their one year old son, Aidan.
Mike Meckna (58-69) His book, Satchmo: The Louis Armstrong Encyclopedia, was recently published by Greenwood Press.
In Memoriam
Harold Hanson passed away in January. He attended Arrowbear in the late 40s and
was a professional bassoonist. During his Air Force days, Harold’s best friend
and roommate was John Williams, the well-known composer. If you ever watched the
Alfred Hitchcock TV series, you heard Harold. The pouncing bassoon ditty that
opened the show each week was played and recorded by Harold. He will be missed.
Brian Reynolds, who was a camper and counselor in the
80s and 90s was killed during a hiking accident with the Sierra Club in August.
His family graciously asked that friends and loved ones please donate to Arrowbear Music Associates in lieu of flowers. To date, we have received $6,238
in donations which will be given as scholarships in Brian’s name over the next
few years.
Work Weekends a Success!
This spring there were three successful work weekends
at Camp. Over 50 people came out, some for a few hours, some for a few days, to
give a little something back. The projects ranged from repairing the roof of the
nurse’s area and restoring the boys’ trolley, to painting buildings and the
always necessary, general camp clean-up. We would like to thank all those who
participated in these work weekends. THANK YOU!
We are planning to have multiple work weekends again
this coming spring and are already making lists of new projects. This coming
year we would like to resurface and seal the floors in both the girls’ and boys’
living areas, we have some spots in need of a couple of good retaining walls
(Fun for the whole family!), and we’d love to have someone make curtains for the
staff cabins. Work weekends next spring will be spread out over the months of
May and June, and we’ll give as much notice as possible. So when you’re planning
your spring, think about spending some time in the mountains. We’ll feed you and
the views are free too!
| Sarah Ewell sarah@arrowbear.com |
Steve Roddie ( 67-76) has two daughters and a son who are all in high school and all play instruments and/or sing. He still plays flute in a local symphonic band.
Gayleen Hood Marmarelis (68-74) says she is still playing thanks to Fred Ohlendorf and Arrowbear Music Camp. The love of music was instilled in her for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Bruce Sledge (83-87) made his debut at the Paris Opera in the lead role in Italian Girl in Algiers last September.
Alan Applegate (68-71) Some of his fondest youthful memories were of fall and spring weekends getting the camp ready for the winter and the summer. As a member of the kitchen staff, camper, and finally a counselor, Arrowbear stood out as a shining beacon of positivity and good. He hopes new campers are receiving the same experience, and judging from the letters campers are writing, he believes that to be true.
Jane Linville Wolff (56-60) The camp experience was GREAT! She remembers so many adventures, so much K-P (toilets to clean), ice skating at Blue Jay, Santa’s Village, riding in the stake truck, Mr. Burger’s red convertible, and many, many more fond memories.
Stephy Bell McCormick (67-74) says that Arrowbear was her life during the years. She can never describe to anyone in her life now what Arrowbear meant to her. It saved her life. After getting a degree in flute performance, she moved to Oregon. She did graduate work in choral and instrumental conducting at Oregon State. She has taught music in the Corvallis School district for the last 14 years and credits Arrowbear with her ending up as a music teacher. She feels it was important to give to other young people what she was given at camp. She would like to hear from anyone from her same time period at camp who remembers her. Contact her at eloisebandlady@comcast.net.
Cathy Highberg Williams (62) remembers Arrowbear as an unforgettable experience. She lives in Auburn, Washington, just south of Seattle. At camp she played the oboe, but during college, she sang in folk groups and choirs. She still sings with a classical choir. The news reports about the fires last fall sent her searching for info on camp. She was very pleased to discover that it’s still going strong and still standing.
Daryl Temkin (67-71) is looking for anyone who knows Trish or Patricia Waters. She was a camper from 1968-1970. Please email him at DarylTemkinPhd@aol.com.
Seth Dockstader
With heavy hearts, we provide you with the following information about the disappearance of Dennis and Carole Dockstader’s son, Seth. This text is taken from the website currently posted at www.arrowbear.com/seth.html. You might want to view this site on your own. It includes a link to a Message Board where friends of Seth have posted numerous reflections about him. There is no more up-to-date information than what is listed below due to the winter season in the mountains.
On last October 26th, during the voluntary fire evacuation, the Dockstader family (thinking that Seth had taken a trip north for a few weeks) discovered that he had sent letters to several people that implied suicide. The letters were dated the 21st of October. They checked his cabin at camp and his room in L.A. and found that he had left all of his belongings and business matters organized for his departure. The first week was spent contacting the authorities and following every lead attempting to find him. On October 30, the authorities in the mountains found his car on a forest service road just east of Heaps Peak transfer station. They could not search the area because it was still on fire and very foggy. On November 1, Search and Rescue spent three full days looking for him, though the process was complicated by the layer of ash obscuring all clues. Once Search and Rescue finished, the family spent some time looking until it snowed. Seth left some writings for his family and friends that illuminated what a difficult time he'd been having lately and his reasons for making the decision to leave. As of November 26, he is still a missing person and some searching is still being done.
Please be sensitive to the Dockstader family’s privacy and refrain from calling them with questions or expressions of sympathy. You can contact them through Sarah Ewell. (See below)
A memorial is planned for Saturday the 12th of June, 2004. Family and friends are setting aside this time to express their grief at the loss of Seth in our lives. This day has been planned in hopes that it will allow each individual to do what they need to remember, to grieve, to commune with each other and with nature, and to seek peace. If you are interested in more details, check the web site at www.arrowbear.com/seth.html. Sarah Ewell - (562) 416-7129 or sarah@arrowbear.com.
In Memoriam - We send our deepest sympathies to the family of Jim Selover who passed away on October 13, 2003. Jim was a 40s camper who organized all the 40s campers he could find to donate a bronze plaque in recognition of Fred Ohlendorf. The plaque is on display just above the orchestra bowl. He will be missed.
Last year we came frighteningly close to losing our beloved Arrowbear. Like many people, I realized just how much camp meant to me and that it was important to me to give something back. Here’s your chance to do the same, spend some time in mountains, and maybe reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with. Come volunteer your time helping us as we get camp ready for another (Yeah!) summer. We’re having three work weekends between now and when camp begins on June 20th. You can spend an hour, a day, or even two days up in the mountains helping us get ready. There are different jobs that need to be done, so we can find something for just about anyone! We’ll feed you and give you a place to sleep! May 15th and 16th. This weekend will be devoted to making the transition from Winter to Summer. This will involve general cleaning and moving things out of camp. This is dirty work, but it can be a lot of fun with the right people! Please RSVP to Sarah Ewell and not to Camp. Memorial Day Weekend! All of the buildings at camp could use a fresh coat of paint and any help we could have would be really appreciated! Please RSVP to Sarah Ewell. Saturday, June 19th. This is the day before camp starts and is generally the day were running around scrambling to make sure everything is in its place. Please let us know! Contact Sarah Ewell.
If you have other skills (e.g. carpentry, sewing, etc.) or resources (e.g. linoleum, music stands, etc,) please contact me so we can coordinate. If these dates don’t work for you, but you would still like to come up at another time, either before the summer or during, send me an email and we’ll see what we can do. Contact Sarah Ewell at sarah@arrowbear.com or call 562-416- 7129
Bill Thomas (AKA Billy or Mark's little brother) is living in Ventura County with his wife, Laura, and their two daughters. He is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Ventura County Fire Department. While his own musical career ended in 1975, he recently organized a fund raiser for the Thousand Oaks High School Marching Band which enabled the band to go back east and compete. He hopes to get the entire Thomas family to attend the next Reunion at camp.
Diane Shapiro (80-89) is a happy homeowner in San Francisco. She teaches web design for a private foundation that educates public high school students in technology. Diane has very fold memories of her Arrowbear days both as a camper and a counselor. She misses all of her old Arrowbear friends and encourages them to write to her at
deelaine@earthlink.net.
Art Hopkins (45-46) Even though Art attended music camp in the 40s, he still looks back with fondness at the association with Fred Ohlendorf and Nic Furjanick who recommended him for a scholarship. He hopes to attend the next reunion. Art exhibits paintings and travels frequently to Japan. He still plays viola at least three times a week in chamber groups, mostly string quartets.
Wallace Umber - One of his fondest memories is of the Directors' Weekend and reading sessions organized by Fred Ohlendorf back in the 60s. He remembers the many trips taking his own children to Junior High School camps. He sent many of his own students to camp during his teaching career. His retirement includes directing the Santa Monica College Emeritus Band.
Susan Gall is still living in Boston. She teaches flute at Brandeis University, the University of Massachusetts Boston, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, as well as freelancing. Her group, Auros, just celebrated its tenth anniversary season. Susan is also part of the Philip Glass opera premiere "The Sound of a Voice." She writes that none of this would have been possible without Arrowbear and the support of the Ohlendorfs.
In Memoriam
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Robert Gibson who passed away in August. He was a conductor at Arrowbear for many summers and taught in Long Beach Unified. He will be greatly missed.
My message to the alumni . . .
I just received the latest newsletter and as always it provoked a moment to stop, think, and reminisce. With me, it wasn't just the camp. It was, also, the All City Orchestra back in the late 40s, the rehearsals with Fred Ohlendorf on the stand, the trips we made on tour, and the wonderful kids I had the privilege of knowing. And those two good looking sisters in All City. One played French horn and the other the flute (I believe). What were their names?
Anyway, I go along with alumnus Dr. Stu Farber, who says, "It's time to pay back - to help others." Most who receive this newsletter well know how fortunate they have been. So, I say to you: stop before you finish the newsletter. Get your checkbook, and do it. Write a check for at least $100. Everyone wants money, sure, but this is special, isn't it? You CAN afford it and you know it's going to give encouragement and help to someone that will end up being a good citizen and a positive influence to those that follow. Just are you are now.
Arnold Hogarth (47-48)
Linda Nunez (78-79)
Linda has been in the radio business for 17 years. She is currently co-anchor in the morning on KNX News radio in Los Angeles. Although she's not playing the violin anymore, her musical training has helped in her broadcast career. Anchoring the new is very lyrical. It has a rhythm, a cadence, crescendos, decrescendos, allegros and legatos, depending on the subject matter and what you want to convey to the listener. She's found that the best news anchors have a background in music!
George Cameron Keys When they moved to Maui eight years ago, they started out not knowing a soul. Music quickly gave them access to a huge cross section of new friends and an extended family. Thank you for all the wonderful Arrowbear summers.
Stan Baker (58-64) Stan was newsletter editor in the summer of '64. Some counselors at that time stayed the entire summer. He was lucky enough to be one of those.
Marc Thomas After graduating from Cal Lutheran, Marc moved to the Boston area to attend the New England Conservatory of Music. Following the closing of a theater which was his main source of income, he left music and returned to school to complete a graduate degree in special ed. He is currently a high school special education teacher and advisor. He has 15 and 5 year old daughters and 1 ½ year old twins. He often recalls his time at Camp and longs to return.
Kim Angelis (mid 70s) Kim is a composer/performer who performs in concert regularly. In addition, she presents school assemblies, violin workshops, and other community outreach programs. Kim's music was highlighted on NBC's coverage of the 2000 Sidney Olympics, and she is Taiwan's most popular and highly acclaimed violinist.
Bob and Janette Allen Dill (49-78) They enjoy getting news from former students, colleagues, friends. You can email them at rdill@efn.org
Ellen Pesavento (63-69) Ellen just finished doing an 8 week preview of Baz Luhrmann's "La Boheme" before it went to Broadway in NYC. The project also included recording a CD at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch in Marin County where she lives. Ellen has so many fond memories of her days at Camp.
Peter Davidson Arrowbear really had an influence on him to want to make up music. TV and film may not be "Classical" music, but Peter keeps busy. He is currently scoring all 26 episodes of The Endless Voyage for PBS ,and he will soon be also scoring 52 episodes of The Unfinished Nation, also for PBS. He's convinced it was the harmony classes at Arrowbear that got him started in wanting to compose.
Dr. Stuart Farber (45-47) Stuart is retiring as Dean/Professor at CSULB this spring. He is looking forward to world travel, attending more concerts, some writing on "Leadership," and assisting Arrowbear. He would love to hear from other campers from the 45-47 years. Email him at sarber@csulb.edu
Amy Simon Weiner (66-68) Amy has three children (15, 12, and 10). All of them are musical. She and her husband, Cantor Alan Weiner, and their family live in Agoura Hills, CA.
Claudia Kiser (84-89) Claudia is the cellist in the Alma String Quartet which is in residence at UC Santa Barbara. The quartet is committed to giving educational programs that would inspire the next generation of musicians. She offers congrats to Bruce Sledge for his lead role with the LA Opera. She would love to hear from her Arrowbear friends and can be reached at claudia@umail.ucsb.edu
Arthur Hopkins (45 or 46) still plays chamber music three times a week. He was a student of Leah Sykora, Fred Ohlendorf, and Nic Furjanick.
Marvin & Lucia Sippel (47-51) Marvin's memories as a counselor include driving with Gary Wrench in Fred Ohlendorf's sedan and trailer to the dump, and snacking after taps in the kitchen on left overs provided by the cooks. Earlier they rode in Mr. O's coupe sitting in the huge trunk with instruments going to All City rehearsals.
Kirk Watilo Had a wonderful time at the Reunion remembering old times with Betsy Osborne and Donna Fekjar. He wrote that we may look a bit older, but while at the Reunion, we all felt young at heart.
Chris (Bill) Alsop (85-90 & 96-98) Chris is entering his sixth year as an elementary general music teacher. This June, he and his wife, Tara, moved to Gresham, Oregon, for the lower cost of living and slower pace of life. He is now teaching general music at a brand new elementary school for grades K-5. In teaching these young children, Chris wants to impart to them his love for making music that was fostered in him at Arrowbear.
Bruce Sledge Bruce can be heard singing on the soundtrack of the movie, “Sum of All Fears.” He is singing Pavarotti’s signature song, “Nessun Dorma” toward the end of the movie just before the villain gets killed. He also participated in the World Masters Voice Competition in Monte Carlo, France, in June. His parents say that Arrowbear gave him a great start toward his music career in the opera. Many thanks!
Nancy Strobridge Chase (49-52) Writes that the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra’s 2002-2003 season marks its 50 year history, and that she is the only remaining performer from the premier concert. Mr. O. gave her her first bass lesson as a 7th grader at Rogers Jr. High. She happily passes along his legacy to her students.
Dr. Stuart Farber (45-47) Notes that we all have wonderful and lasting memories of our time at Arrowbear. Now it is time for stronger financial support for scholarships and other possible needs. He believes all need to pay back - to help others - to double or triple the $2,071 donated with the last newsletter by all of us working together.