Thanks to those who have submitted entries to the Guestbook page.
We appreciate hearing from people who enjoy Leroy Anderson's music.
You are invited to send your comments for us to include in the Guestbook.
Send your comments to:
- The Anderson Family
I think that Leroy Anderson is a great and brillant composer. My personal
favorites are: Sleigh Ride, Buglars Holiday, The Typewriter, and The Syncopated
Clock. Which I have played part in my music concert.
Robert
USA
Saturday, December 30, 2000 at 12:24:01 (EST)
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL WEBSITE ABOUT MR. ANDERSON. I AM AN ELEMENTARY
MUSIC TEACHER AND HAVING DECIDED TO MAKE ANDERSON ONE OF MY COMPOSERS OF THE
MONTH, I NEEDED MORE INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT A GREAT
MAN.
Marcia Hansen
Webster Groves, MO USA
Friday, December 29, 2000 at 11:09:18 (EST)
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about Leroy Anderson from the recent
PBS special. I grew up hearing his songs and am very happy to now know about
the composer!
Adele Loigu
Washington, NJ USA
Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 11:47:12 (EST)
An outstanding band director and composer, Leroy will forever be missed
by musicians the world over. His writings shine with such clarity and humor,
like none other before him. His music will continue to be a large part of our
music programs, and this, then, is the real tribute to his talent, isn't it?
Gregory F Trocchia
Vermilion, OH USA
Tuesday, December 26, 2000 at 18:39:07 (EST)
It was a real thrill to see "Once Upon a Sleigh Ride" last
night on PBS. The concert footage revealed the virtuoso requirements of the
music, and showed how audiences delight to it. It was also great to hear Mr.
Anderson speaking about his music and seeing him conduct and perform it. Thank
you to the Anderson family for making this program possible. I hope we will see
more CD releases like the Walking Frog CD of the Air Force Band conducted by
Mr. Anderson. Everyone should hear this great music - often!
Bill Thompson
Cleveland, TX USA
Tuesday, December 26, 2000 at 16:20:11 (EST)
YOUR WEB SITE IS GREAT LEROY
ALBI SKENDERI
QUENSS, NY USA
Tuesday, December 26, 2000 at 10:36:42 (EST)
TImeless music with a sense of humor....Music I grew up with and love to
share
Robert Stanin
Rochester, NY USA
Tuesday, December 26, 2000 at 09:01:27 (EST)
I just saw the PBS special yesterday and I remember most of these songs
from my youth.--- I just never knew who wrote them! This guy was great!
JJ White
Painesville, OH USA
Monday, December 25, 2000 at 15:10:11 (EST)
Really enjoyed PBS' "Once Upon a Sleigh Ride"! He's one of my
favorite composers to play, and I just directed " A Christmas
Festival" with my high school orchestra for the first time. His music will
always be with us!
Yvonne Wingard
Yellow Springs, OH USA
Monday, December 25, 2000 at 08:47:08 (EST)
Please see my E-mail to the Anderson family.
Harold A. Sheroff
Hollywood, FL USA
Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 18:48:43 (EST)
I'm 54 and have knows his music since childhood. Never known that this
brilliant man was behind all this. Thanks to internet I'm happy to have met
him!
Frans Mulder
Netherlands
Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 05:36:41 (EST)
I've always enjoyed Anderson's music. My favorites are Serenata and Belle
of the Ball. But after seeing the wonderful PBS production of Once Upon A
Sleighride", I now know there is much of his music that I have never
heard. I'm particularly interested in Concerto in C. The concerto is listed as
being done by the Cincinati Pops, with Eric Kunzel. Does anyone know where I
can get the CD?
Dennis Casey
Rindge, NH USA
Thursday, December 21, 2000 at 16:06:06 (EST)
What a great composer! His music will live forever.
Lars Furfors
SWEDEN
Thursday, December 21, 2000 at 06:22:03 (EST)
I grew up with the music of Leroy Anderson, my parents had many of his
records from the 40's and 50's. I have just received the new PBS video and it
brought back so many memories of my childhood in the 1950's. I am also the
librarian to an amateur light music orchestra which includes many of Leroy
Anderson's pieces in its concert repertoire. Thanks also for the wonderful
Website that I've only just discovered!
steve bidey
manchester, England
Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at 09:57:28 (EST)
Beautiful music by a genius. Saw a progamme about him on Swedish
television, until then I never knew what all these wonderful pieces of music
had in common: the composer, how silly of me. regards, A
Haavio A
Helsinki, Finland
Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 15:32:58 (EST)
I am actively interested in scores & recordings of Leroy Anderson's
music. We wish to perform works for a major college reunion in June 2002. This
is the start, but anyone with helpful suggestions is invited to help: Songs,
piano works of interest and unusual character, choral arrangements of Harvard
songs, chamber music, jazzy stuff, etc.
Frank T. Manheim
Reston, VA USA
Monday, December 18, 2000 at 12:19:04 (EST)
I played flute in orchestras at McMichael Intermediate and Northwestern
High School in Detroit in the 1940's. Leroy Anderson's music was always fun to
play and woke us up, and it was treated just as seriously as our pieces by
Bach. Now I live in Woodbury, where Anderson lived for so many years. He had
died by 1965 when I moved here, so I never met him. However, his widow and his
children keep his legend alive: there is a town bandstand dedicated to his
name, and each summer at our Picnic and Pops concert by the Waterbury Symphony,
Anderson's piece "Fanfare to Woodbury" is played.
Trudy Martin
Woodbury, CT USA
Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 16:05:19 (EST)
The program on PBS was delightful. I was happy finally learn the name of
the composer of so many familiar tunes I have heard since childhood. What a
fascinating life Mr. Anderson had, and what a wonderful legacy he left us.
Cynthia Burdyn
Broken Arrow, OK USA
Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 13:24:35 (EST)
I've always enjoyed Mr. Anderson's music. What a wonderful talent he had.
Ron Drummond
Yarmouth, Me USA
Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 00:27:36 (EST)
It was wonderful to watch "Once Upon a Sleigh Ride" last night
on New York's Channel 13. The music remains very evocative for me, transporting
me right back to my childhood in the Long Island of the '50's. My first musical
memory is of this great composer, for my parents must have had an album of his
and I remember playing it over and over again, along with my other favorite,
music from Alice in Wonderland. Almost half a century later, I still think
Anderson was great and I am more convinced than ever that we could more composers
like him.
Virginia Williams
New York, NY USA
Friday, December 15, 2000 at 16:03:44 (EST)
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to discover your web site. I
have enjoyed Leroy Anderson's music since I childhood -- even before I really
knew who he was. In the past few years I have spent a good deal of time trying
to locate various recordings of his music, especially some of the old vinyl
recordings on Decca. (Yes, I do have the two CD set from MCA). Thank you for
helping to keep alive the memory of one of America's true musical geniuses.
Rene Tetro
Abingdon, VA USA
Friday, December 15, 2000 at 13:41:55 (EST)
Just visit your homesite and rememberd my childhood in the fifthies, when
i listened to Leroy Anderson at 12 o clock every day. Wonderful music, know
just about every one of them Love Inger !
Inger
Sweden
Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 10:12:59 (EST)
I had a wonderful evening watching the program on public t.v. Love the
music!!!!!. Thanks.
Isabel Ladd
Rohnert Park, Ca USA
Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 00:32:36 (EST)
Sleigh Ride and Christmas Festival are two of my most favorite pieces of
Christmas music. As a trumpet player, I find Leroy Anderson's compositions as
wonderful to play as well as to hear. Excellent site. Thank you !
Laurence Bouchard
Kingston, Ontario Canada
Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 17:05:21 (EST)
Mr. Anderson is to me all things in life that are good,wholesome and precious.
Since I was a teen-ager (many moons ago)I've loved the music of Mr. Anderson.
His music is so much a part of my roots I can't imagine being in a world
without "A Waltzing Cat" or "Syncopated Clock"... God bless
you Mr. Anderson
Ernie DeMaio
Jersey City , New Jersey USA
November 30, 2000 (Thursday)
I play trombone in the Bartlett Community Concert Band; many great tunes
by this prolific composer. I came looking for program notes and found them
here!
E P LUKAS
Memphis, Tennessee USA
November 28, 2000 (Tuesday)
I have the beautiful LP recording of "A Christmas Festival",
music arranged and conducted by Leroy Anderson. Does anyone know whether this
music is available on CD?
ernest a. dupont
north york, ontario Canada
November 27, 2000 (Monday)
I love the page. It's perfect in every way.
Mike Garcia - November 27, 2000 (Monday)
I grew up listening to my parent's Leroy Anderson recordings in the late
Fifties. Until I stumbled onto your website, I had forgotten that he wrote so
many great pieces! I ejoyed my surfing here very much. Thanks for the memories.
All the best, Kevin Gray
Kevin Gray
North Hills, Ca. USA
November 26, 2000 (Sunday)
Visited your site looking for some information for program notes. Thanks
for the info and the site. I would love to know when the PBS special will air.
G. Bacon
North Tonawanda, NY USA
November 26, 2000 (Sunday)
I thought that this site was very uuseful to me while doing my reaport.I
liked that you could listen to some of his peices of music.I was reading most
of the reveiws and most of them were good.Excellant site Melissa H.
melissa H.
hingham, MA U.S.A.
November 25, 2000 (Saturday)
I am an orchestra director at Eden Jr/Sr High School and have performed
Leory Anderson favorites with my school orchestras over the years. This year we
will perform "Sleigh Ride", the String Orchestra Carols and the
"Christmas Festival". I am so glad I found this site so that I can
gather information for my students. What a wonderful man!
Merry Jeffers
Orchard Park, New York USA
November 24, 2000 (Friday)
I was 16 yrs old and just entering high school at the 9th grade level. I
had learned music from piano lessons at church and was craving for more
training. I joined the high school concert band as a drummer and tuba player.
Our band director would select various arrangements by Mr. Anderson to inculde:
Sleigh Ride, Buglers Holiday and others. Most of the band's performances would
either be for Christmas or for our the Spring Concert usually held in late
March or early April. My school was an inner city school in Washington,DC and
predominantly made of black students many of which were from low-income
families. Our director exposed the band to music that usually we would not have
privy to. The whole band loved Mr. Anderson's music because it had snap and
challenge for creating precious tonal qualities and sounds. The dynamics were lively.
We performed Bugler's Holiday much to our parents delight. Incidently, it was
performed by three of our trumpet players who many felt would not most likely
to succeed in life. The performance changed many of our attitudes. Many of the
band members pursued music with renewed sincerity after these performances.
Finally, the musical arrangement that the band favored the most was Sleigh Ride
and A Christmas Festival. The latter being the most favored. We enjoyed the
overture effect of Xmas Festival, its touching on so many Xmas favorites. When
I got older I sought to purchase the recording of Xmas Fesitival and got the
LP. It was stolen from and desire greatly to replace it. If you can help me
please do. I love to play it at church and to the public during the Xmas
season. I need the entire recording and not just the Xmas Festival selection. I
am a sure nuf Leroy Anderson fan. Thank You
Steven Jackson
Hillcrest Heights, Maryland 20748-5612 United States
November 16, 2000(Thursday)
I am the conductor of the GOLDEN EAGLE BRASS BAND, a 45-piece community
concert band in the Denver area. I am planning a concert for the Spring of 2001
with the music of Leroy Anderson. The title will be something like this:
"Music of an American Legend - Leroy Anderson". I have about 10 of
the concert band arrangements of his and am looking for more so that the entire
concert can be about the life and music of Leroy Anderson. If anyone has some
of the more lesser known band arrangements, I would appreciate the loan of them
for our Spring concert at the end of April 2001.
John R. Williams
Aurora, CO USA
November 15, 2000 (Wednesday)
I have always been a fan of Leroy Anderson and Always will be. My
favorite piece is "Blue Tango". I may be only fourteen years old, but
that doesn't mean I have to go with the flow. All I'd Like to say is
"Thank you" for the wonderful music, Leroy Anderson!
Ben Austin Corry, PA USA
November 09, 2000 (Thursday)
Leroy Anderson isn�t only one of the graet american music, he�s
together to the best around the world and forever. His music is universal.
OSVALDO MI„O BAHAMONDES
SANTIAGO, CHILE
November 08, 2000 (Wednesday)
This wonderful music reminds me of when I was a kid in the '50s...
Jim K
Birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM
November 05, 2000 (Sunday)
I am doing a project on Leroy Anderson and honestly I never have even
heard of him. Then when I first came to the sight i heard a familiar
song,"Sleigh Ride". You're sight is cool. Thanks for the info!!!!!
Katt
Ma - November 04, 2000 (Saturday)
Interesting website, used to play Leroy Anderson on the piano when I used
to play. heather http://www.endhomelessnessnow.org Make a FREE donation to
homeless shelters
Heather Guillen
Santa Clara, CA, 95050 USA
November 04, 2000 (Saturday)
I play the trombone in the orchestra and I love listening to leroy
andersons pieces I especially like the sleigh ride and I am looking forward to
play his pieces in orchestra. It's Fabulous!
Lavanya
Dubai, - United Arab Emirates
November 03, 2000 (Friday)
dear mrs. anderson ,i'm an israeli saxophone player ,and i'm playing in
the kiriat bialik orchestra. 3 weeks ago we started playing leroy's music ,and
my orchestra and myself have found it something incredible to play. we will try
to play leroy's music as good as we can, so it will sound as he wanted it to
be.
shahar vardy
carmiel, Israel
October 31, 2000 (Tuesday)
I am the Conductor and Director of Kiryay Bialik, Israel Band, and we are
happy to perform our next concert with a collection of 8 pieces were written by
L. Anderson. We are happy and enjoying to perform his music! Shalom Rony
Kess-El
Rony Kess-El
Kiryat Haim, Israel
October 31, 2000 (Tuesday)
Thank you! I am researching Mr. Anderson's work for program notes at a
concert by the Gainesville Community Band in Gainesville, Florida. Your web
site is very helpful, just what I was looking for. We try to impart a little of
the person behind each piece we play. Our audience will enjoy a little personal
information about one of America's favorite composers.
Greg Howard
Gainesville , Florida USA
October 13, 2000 (Friday)
His music always brings a smile to my face.
Annetta Forrer
Eugene, OR USA
October 11, 2000 (Wednesday)
Blue Tango is one of my most favourite pieces of music by Leroy Anderson.
Fans of Leroy Anderson's music might like to know about a Canadian pianist,
Catherine Wilson, who has recorded Blue Tango on her disc titled CW. It is a
unique and delightful treatment. Thanks for the excellent site.
Ian Wellsford Toronto, Ontario Canada
October 10, 2000 (Tuesday)
It`s upon time that Leroy Andersons music would be introduced to the
Swedish community far more than it is today. My suggestion is that the eminent
pianoplayer mr Robert Wells on his annual tour with the "Rhapsody in
Rock" show should include a set with some of the brilliant compositions of
mr Anderson. Since mr Wells has a huge symphony orchestra to his disposal it`ll
be a worthy memorial and a reminder of Leroy Andersons descent.
erik jansson
helsingborg, sweden
October 02, 2000 (Monday)
I have known and enjoyed Leroy Anderson's music for many years but knew
very little about the composer. Thank you for this excellent site. I am looking
forward to seeing the Leroy Anderson video when it is aired on American PBS TV.
Merci beacoup!
Sebastien Beauregard Montreal, Quebec Canada
September 28, 2000 (Thursday)
We were listening to Mr. Anderson's piece "Syncopated Clock" in
our music class and decided to get on the internet and see if we could find any
information about him. We are glad to have seen some pictures of him and we
enjoyed listening to "Sleigh Ride". We also wanted to know when he
died. Thank you for answering some questions we had.
V-C Elementary fourth grade WV USA
September 15, 2000 (Friday)
I enjoyed the site very much, however if anyone know where I can find a
sound file or clip of "A Trumpeter's Lullaby", i would appreciate it
very much.
Anonymous
September 13, 2000 (Wednesday)
A great resource and full of interest. Does anybody know if there is an
arrangement of Blue tango for string quartet available in sheet music form?
Please let me know.
Claire Griffiths
UK - September 11, 2000 (Monday)
One of my favourites in the 1950's
David Smith
London, UK
September 09, 2000 (Saturday)
I found your site while researching a homework assignment on American
Composers with my 10 year old son. I remembered Leroy Anderson by name but not
exactly for his music compositions. How suprised I was when I heard
"Sleigh Ride". What I remembered most of all, however, was listening
to "The Typewriter" as a child and how it captured my imagination at
a young age. Leroy Anderson is a name I will remember and look forward to
seeing the documentary on PBS.
Debbie Ghezzi
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
September 05, 2000 (Tuesday)
- I, after reading all the lovely comments on
Leroy Anderson, felt compelled to add my feelings about Mr. Anderson. For many
years I haved loved his music. Years ago when I sang in Fridgidaire Chorus in
Dayton, Ohio. We sang the Syncopated Clock. Since then I have bought several of
records on his music. I played it so much as my children were growing up that
they all love and appreciate this simply marvelous composer. I wish I could
have known the man as his music portrays a man of gentleness, fanciful humor,
and with "forgotten Dreams", my favorite, a loving heart. How
grateful I am for living at a time when I could enjoy such wonderful music.
Edna M. Chastain
Franklin, IN USA
August 29, 2000 (Tuesday)
presently listening to a cd recording called, Blue Tango. The original
hit recordings of LeRoy Anderson
justin marino
arizona city, arizona USA
August 20, 2000 (Sunday)
Is there any way to post the times when the documentary will be shown on
the various PBS stations here in the United States? I am afraid that by chance
I will blink and completly miss it. Otherwise, will the documentary be
available for sale at some date?
Dan
August 15, 2000 (Tuesday)
What a fine website! I found out about it just today from my brother -
after I mentioned to him that I'd found a used 2-CD set of Leroy Anderson's
music. Just as others here on this page have said, I grew up listening to the
wonderful melodies and the inventive themes of Anderson's music - and I would
have no idea when the first time I heard it was. In the crib, I suppose! I did
discover some new (to me) songs on this CD set, which have rapidly become among
my favorites of his work - "The Pennywhistle Song" and (I believe
it's called) "China Doll" Sublime! And I'd have to agree with several
others here that "Forgotten Dreams" is truly special. Many years ago
an old college roomate of mine had a recording of "Goldilocks" -
which I loved. I've been looking for a recording of it ever since! Does anyone
know where one might be available? Someone mentioned "A Stamp". Is
the government considering issuing a commemorative stamp of Leroy Anderson?
What a grand idea!
John Anderton
New Orleans, Louisiana USA
August 14, 2000 (Monday)
I first heard Leroy Anderson's work as a kid (about 5 or 6) via Boston
Pops recordings of "The Typewriter", "Syncopated Clock" et
al. You don't hear them much today but it's always nice to do so. Last night
(8/8) I went up to Portland, ME, where I had the great pleasure of hearing that
town's mighty Kotzschmar Organ, in the very impressively restored Merrill
Auditorium. Summer concert series are held there annually. Included in a very
enjoyable program by the fine West Coast organist Lyn Larsen were no less than
four Anderson numbers: the standards "Bugler's Holiday/"Fid- dle
Faddle" (an encore medley), "Phantom Regiment" and a lovely
version of "Forgotten Dreams". On sale in the hall was a Larsen CD
recorded at Shea's Theatre, Buffalo, NY, with "Forgotten Dreams" on
it. My oldest and dearest friend lives in Niagara Falls, and he once told me
that "Forgotten Dreams" is one of his very favorite songs. He heard
it on an album called "Music from 'Dark Shadows'", the '60s cult soap
opera whose waltz-time "Quentin's Theme" was a Top 10 hit in '68. I
made sure to tell Larsen on the way out about this- he was delighted. Just
thought others out there who know and like Anderson's material would like to
hear this. Thank you for keeping the memory of a great American composer alive.
Jonathan Cohen
Brookline, MA 02446
August 09, 2000 (Wednesday)
I really enjoyed the documentary aired on the 22nd of July 2000 here in
Sweden. It was the second part in a series about American music. (The first
documentary was about composer John Adams) I believe Anderson's music is
refreshingly non-great and truly entertaining. One thing made me wonder though.
It was hinted at in the program that 'fashions changed' and I see in the New
Groves dictionary of Music and Musicians that there are no pieces listed after
1962. There are one or two items listed on this commendable site. Did he give
up composing or what? Anyone? I am glad that he did not accept the offer to
become military attach� (right word in English?) in Sweden after World
War II!
Mr. Jan Silverudd
Stockholm, Sweden
July 31, 2000 (Monday)
I discovered Leroy Anderson on the 22th of July this year as SVT 1(the
Swedish Television) broadcasted the documentary "The Unknown
Composer". That is, I discovered his name. His wonderful melodic music was
known by my heart long before that. His melodies speak cross borders. Now I'm
looking for a CD with a collection of his most loved songs. There are so many
recordings and I don't know which one to choose. I would like to have the
"classical" recordings from the 50's, but who was conducting? Was it
Anderson himself or Fiedler? Can anybody help me here?/Hans-Eric
(b.1960),Solna,Sweden
Hans-Eric
Solna, Sweden
July 26, 2000 (Wednesday)
Hello. About two months ago, a friend of mine played "Forgotten
Dreams" on piano. I fell in love with that melody right away. I asked him
who wrote it, and he said: LEROY ANDERSON! Well i never heard about Leroy
Anderson or his music before, but i could not get that piece of music out off
my head. The next day i search the internet for facts about this mister
Anderson. I stumbled across this fine website and found to my suprise that he
had swedish parents. i noticed that he had written "The Typewriter"
that i know very well. Now i am hooked on Leroy Anderson and his marvelous
music. And if this is not enough, last saturday (22 july) there was a wonderful
documentary on swedish televison about him wich i recorded. Now i am going to
by more Leroy Anderson records as i find them. //Michael
Michael Petersson
Malmo, Sweden
July 24, 2000 (Monday)
I missed your video "Leroy Anderson, the Unknown Composer" on
TV last winter because I did not know it was on; I did not see it in TV Guide
or Starweek. Please tell me how I be able to obtain a copy of this video. Yours
very truly, M. Newfeld
Michael Newfeld
Toronto, Ont. Canada
July 15, 2000 (Saturday)
I would appreciate any information on the following subjects: 1. Is it
possible to obtain video cassettes of Boston Pops concerts featuring Leroy
Anderson’s music? In the 1970s, I think WGBH in Boston broadcast some such
concerts. Is there any way to obtain these? 2. Is there any Leroy Anderson
Society? You can contact me at: hansenk69@yahoo.com Thanks for any help you can
give. I have not yet had an opportunity to search the archives at this site,
but will do so when I get the chance to see if answers to my questions might be
in there!
Keith Hansen
IL USA
June 28, 2000 (Wednesday)
I've just returned from a wonderful evening with Goldilocks. I have
listened to the original cast album ever since I was a child, but had given up
hope of ever seeing it done on stage. The score is as fresh, clever and
beautiful as ever, and it was performed by a delightful cast, courtesy of
Musicals Tonight, a NY company devoted to producing neglected musicals.
Gary Giardina
New York, NY USA
June 24, 2000 (Saturday)
Leroy Anderson's music is often performed, especially around Independence
Day. The 40th US Army Band will perform Anderson's arrangement of 76 Trombones
at the Smuggler's Notch Ski Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont on July 4th,
2000. It would be interesting to hear of other performances of his music at
concerts this summer. Anderson's birthday on June 29th is one day that we can
expect to hear his wonderful music on public radio stations around the U.S.
Strike up the band ! (or orchestra, as the case may be)
An Anderson fan in Vermont.
June 21, 2000 (Wednesday)
I dearly wish that more of Mr. Anderson's less heard works were recorded.
I remember "Goldilocks" so fondly, and the Christmas music is all so
wonderful. It is my plan to race right out and find the 2 CD set which I
understand is available. I can only hope that it will contain "Forgotten
Dreams", "Trumpeter's Lullaby" and all those old favorites that
decorate my memories. As soon as the school year is over, I will write my
letter in support of the stamp.
- June 20, 2000 (Tuesday)
For many years now I've enjoyed the many compositions of Leroy
Anderson.This web site is a delight for the fans of his music!! The Scottish
Festival Orchestra will be performing,amongst others, his Belle of the Ball
(1951) later this year.Might anyone have some background information on this
particular piece,so as we can put something together for programme notes? Carry
on the great work! With Best Wishes to all Leroy Anderson fans.
John Davidson
Glasgow, SCOTLAND
June 18, 2000 (Sunday)
Aloha! If anyone is vacationing in Honolulu this week, be sure to check
out the Royal Hawaiian Band (www.royalhawaiianband.org) which will feature
Leroy Anderson's music. On Friday , June 16, we will be at the Iolani Palace
grounds for our usual Friday noon concert. Then on Sunday, June 18, we will be
at the Honolulu Zoo at 4pm. On Wed., June 21, there is a repeat performance of
the same music at Ward Warehouse Shopping Center in Honolulu. The program
consists of "Blue Tango", "Syncopated Clock", "Summer
Skies", "Horse and Buggy", "Serenta", "Buglers'
Holiday" and "Trumpeter's Lullaby." I'm the tall haole guy in
the percussion section. Come say hello!
Bill Wiley
Honolulu, HI USA
June 15, 2000 (Thursday)
I can appreciate everything Mr Anderson accomplished in life, his music,
Harvard educated, his military career in WW2. Mr Anderson served in Iceland,
Keflavik AFB in a small CIC detachment. Six years later during the Korean War I
was assigned to the same CIC detachment for one year in Keflavik. It was not
pleasant duty but I had the good fortune to work with and review and expand the
very excellent records Mr Anderson created in the 40's that were very valuable
to our country's security during the Korean war. Mr Anderson was a patriot, a
fine musician, a wonderful person and I would have been proud to have served
under Captain Leroy Anderson,USA. He truly deserves a medal. Sincerely, Charles
F. Minett 85-86 67th Ave Forest Hills, NY 11374 USAF 1951/1954 AF12332830
Charles F. Minett
Forest Hills, NY USA
June 13, 2000 (Tuesday)
I have played the string bass for over 30 years - and I still love to
play "Sleigh Ride" every year for our Holiday concerts.
Kathleen Miller
Northfield, IL 60093
June 12, 2000 (Monday)
As a lifelong fan of LeRoy Anderson's music, I found it a surprising
thrill in our college bookstore some years ago to find a CD with his music. A
short time later, I was able to buy another such CD; I find the music
rewarding, stimulating, and a generous reminder of the lively and also
comforting days I experienced in the 1950s. I strongly affirm a postage stamp
commemoration for this composer and musician of first rank!
Gary L Stucky
North Newton, KS
June 01, 2000 (Thursday)
As the conductor of The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, I often program
the music of Leroy Anderson for our summer concert series. His music is as much
fun to conduct as it is to listen to.
Louis Panacciulli
Franklin Square, New York USA
May 29, 2000 (Monday)
As an American conductor living in Germany, I�m pleased to be able
to program so many fine compositions by Leroy Anderson.The Hamburg Police
Orchestra is a full-time professional wind ensemble which works closely with
the North German Radio (NDR). We will be presenting Leroy Anderson works in a
concert on Friday, May 26, 2000 featuring Jiggs Whigham as soloist. "A
Trumpeter�s Lullaby " and a fine new arrangement by James Barnes
"A Leroy Anderson Portrait" are on the program. His music is as
well-known here in Germany as it is in the USA.
Dr. Kristine Kresge
Hamburg, Germany
May 24, 2000 (Wednesday)
Sharon and Rolf, Just a reminder that we would be honored to have you as
our guests at our middle school concert on Thurs. May 25 at 7:30p.m. at the
Georgia (VT) Middle School. We will be performing "The Phantom Regiment"
and "The Irish Washerwman" and would be delighted if you would say a
few words. Hope you can make it. Thanks, Randy Wheeler Band Director
Randy Wheeler
Colchester, Vermont United States
May 23, 2000 (Tuesday)
Surrounded by medleys and tunes in the 50's while growing up in a small
town, whether on a TV show, on the radio or record, Leroy Anderson's songs were
captivating and unforgettable. Leonard Slatkin's, The Typewriter, brought back
the sights and feelings of those early years. Dare I say Anderson's pieces have
an aura of innocence around them? And who is composing music that's pure fun
now!? Music that literally makes you smile . . . or weep (Forgotten Dreams)?
Thanks to Providence for moving in the life of a man who will ever be
remembered for his simple genius.
Dave Skinner
Stockton, CA USA
May 22, 2000 (Monday)
I picked up The Best of Leroy Anderson several days ago. I then had a
seven hour car trip home after dropping my son off at college. The time on the
road absolutely flew by as I listened to the CD again and again. Today, I've
had it playing in my office, and have been amazed at how many fellow workers
have stopped to listen and want to know "where did I get that CD?"
His music is so uplifting and gay (in the old sense of the word). My spirits
just soared. What a contribution to American music he made. I believe he
deserves a place of honor beside Kern, Gershwin, Berlin, and Rogers.
George W. Brett
Beaver, PA USA
May 15, 2000 (Monday)
Leroy Anderson bridged the gap between "light music" and the
full orchestration of "classical music". His compositional ideas were
simple, fun and entertaining while giving the listener a glimpse at the range
of classical orchestration. His sense of humor and his obvious joy of life came
through in his compositions. I am a graduate of DePaul in Chicago (Music '70).
I got to know his music as a child through my father, and more in depth in my
educational career. I miss him....
Steve Schmidt
Arlington Heights, IL USA
May 09, 2000 (Tuesday)
Leroy is my new favorite musican, ever since I studied him in my
humanities class. I love "Fiddle Faddle"
Jeanette Baker
South Jordan, UT USA
May 08, 2000 (Monday)
Leroy touched so many people over the course of his life - in person and
over the airwaves. One of those people was my grandfather, Robert Lawson, who
(although exceedingly tone-deaf) was recruited into the Harvard University Band
by Leroy to pull the new 6-foot tall base drum, "Bertha". Granddad
loved the band and the music they played. His experience was a major reason why
I joined the Band as well (and pulled Bertha, of course). Leroy may have
started out small by conducting HUB in the thirties, but he will never be remembered
as well as by the generations of Bandies who have been influenced by his spirit
and his music.
K.T. Lawson Vaughan
Chapel Hill, NC USA
May 06, 2000 (Saturday)
I wanted to thank the webmaster of the Leroy Anderson site. You made my
job so much easier. I program concerts for the Golden Eagle Community Band,
based out of Mt. Holly, NJ. May 12 & 13 we will present MASTERS OF AMERICAN
MUSIC. Along with the music, I'm writing narration to provide insight into each
composer's contribution to American music. Your site provided me with much
needed info in a concise manner. Not only was it informative, but a pleasure to
peruse, as well. Keep up the good work!
Douglas Famy
Philadelphia, PA USA
May 04, 2000 (Thursday)
I was driving in the city today listening to the classical station when I
caught the end of a piece which involved a typewriter. I thought 'this is
brilliant!' and had to jot down the author so I could try and listen to the
whole thing. Silly me. Not only did he write one of the two most memorable
classical pieces from my youth - the Syncopated Clock (Wendy Carlos' Switch on
Bach was the other), but how many times have I heard Sleigh Ride in my life?
After hearing Blue Tango today, you can be assured I'll pick up an album of his
by the end of the week...
Marc Reber
Wilmington, Delaware
May 03, 2000 (Wednesday)
My childhood memories go back to Leroy's music, the 1950s in N. Calif.,
although I never knew his name until recently. Now at age 50, I find myself
listening to those radio stations that play Blue Tango, and relish in their
comforting sounds. Recently this station has been using The Typewriter as a
commercial for the "office of the day" game. This has sparked my
memory of another favorite piece of my youth, and found myself becoming
obsessed with finding his music. I also remembered that my son played
Syncopated Clock, and Bugler's Holiday at his band concerts when he attended
Benicia High School in the early 90s. Determined to find a CD, I am pleased to
say that I finally did. We are so enjoying his talented, happy music....what good
therapy Leroy Anderson's music is! So pleased, also, to find this nice website.
My son is now reminiscing about his old band days with his buddies back in
Benicia, and how his high school band instructor must have loved Leroy, as he
chose so many of his works.
Anne Lawman
Port Orchard, WA 98366
April 23, 2000 (Sunday)
Leroy Anderson's music touches me in ways that no other composer can.
Because of his music, I decided to major in music in college. My brother and I
used to listen to the Decca recordings every day as children. I still have
those somewhat worn records in my collection! As a adult, I still marvel at the
freshness, childlike lack of inhibition, warmth, and richness of musicality
that his music contains. While my brother has moved into more "hip"
forms of music, he still retains a love for Anderson's music. That says it all!
If there are any available CDs of the entire Christmas Carols, please let me
know. I have the original LP.
Rosemary Patterson
Los Angeles, CA USA
April 16, 2000 (Sunday)
Just dug up a few of the wonderful piano compositions by the most
talented Leroy Anderson. I found your site because I am looking for a book with
all of my Leroy Anderson favorites. I guess that would be everything I have
ever heard. Looks like WBP can help me. Thanks for a great web site.
Kathleen Kopitzke
Battle Creek , Michigan
April 05, 2000 (Wednesday)
in my opinion, leroy anderson is the greatest amercian composer, living
or dead.
prof jon appleton
hanover, nh USA
March 27, 2000 (Monday)
I HAVE HANKERING TO HEAR THE tYPEWRITER aGAIN.... aND FINALLY I TRACKED
DOWN A RECORDING ON MERCURY LIVING PRESENCE CALLED: FREDERICK FENNELL CONDUCTS
THE MUSIC OF LEROY ANDERSON. Great to hear it again! What Fun! Then ,to my
surprize, more and more treats to enjoy with 23 selections! Sadly the disc had
NO info on the composer so I warmed up the computor and typed in Leroy Anderson
and WOW!!!! I have days of reading ahead. Thanks to everyone working on this
site and maintaining the memory and presence of Mr.Anderson. Time to go.
Jerry B Messmer
Merritt, , b.c. Canada
March 24, 2000 (Friday)
It was a real pleasure to have Leroy Anderson's son conduct the Hamden
Symphony Orchestra as we played "The Waltzing Cat" at our concert at
Quinnipiac College on Sunday, March 5. It was also an honor to meet his wife,
and I'm so glad they told us about this web site! We violins had to practice
our "meows" over and over, and the drummers did the dogs' barking at
the end. What fun! We alos played "Home Stretch," and everyone could
hear the horses racing by (woodblocks). There was a large audience and everyone
especially enjoyed the Anderson pieces. Thanks for this great opportunity to
share with others! [I too have fond memories of playing several Leroy Anderson
pieces in high school band and orchestra.] Roberta Mouheb, concertmaster,
Hamden Symphony.
Roberta Mouheb
New Haven, CT USA
Tuesday, March 07, 2000 at 13:23:17 (EST)
Thank you for this wonderful site about Mr. Anderson. I am in my 35th and
last year as a high school band director and have always loved Anderson's
music. We will do an all Anderson concert tomorrow evening, something I always
wanted to do and never got around to.
Paul Grill
York, PA USA
Monday, March 06, 2000 at 09:13:12 (EST)
I have fond memories of hours spent as a child dancing around my living
room to The Syncopated Clock and the Waltzing Cat! Years later, I'm following
my heart to become a Dance Movement Therapist. My search for good music for
children sent me back up to my attic to dig out my old LP of Fennell's
recordings of Anderson's music with the Eastman-Rochester "Pops". I'm
thrilled to see info here about CD releases, but wish this web site had more
specific info on how to go about ordering Anderson's CD's. *** Can anyone offer
suggestions? I've had no luck at music stores....***
Sue Diamond
Troy, NY USA
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 10:35:00 (EST)
Thank you for supplying the students of America with this wonderful web
page. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about musicians of the past
and also made my life a little easier. ~Jessica
Jessica Panos
Greensboro, NC USA
Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 16:52:25 (EST)
Hello, I hope that someone will be able to help me out. I am looking for
the words to Leroy Anderson's "Syncopated Clock". If anyone has the
words, please email me. Thank you.
Shelley Klein
Naknek, AK USA
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 22:27:05 (EST)
It's really fun to read through many of the comments about Leroy
Anderson. As one "guest" testified, the Piano Concerto is
particularly wonderful, and I am at a loss to understand why Mr. Anderson was
dissatisfied with its quality and pulled it from his repertoire. I listen to it
often because it is bright, relaxing, reflective of the optimistic spirit of
America, and beautifully written. I had to search for a recording of it as
well, but I believe I finally found one at Amazon.com. Stuart Goodyear is the
pianist. I would like to thank the Anderson family for allowing this wonderful
piece of music to be recorded. My very best wishes for continued accolades to Mr.
Anderson and the joy he has brought to so many over the years. His music is
reminiscent of happy times spent with my parents...I remember attending the Ice
Capades as a little girl and watching a skater couple in blue glide around to
"Blue Tango." He has given all of us so many lovely, joyful memories.
Thanks for the site!
Jane Howard
Omaha, NE USA
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 17:54:13 (EST)
I think of it as a great honor to have composed such an excelent
selection of songs. My favorite, though, has to be a Trumpeter's Lullaby. There
is a little story to go with it. In fifth grade my band director asked my if I
wanted to play a solo for our spring concert so I said sure. He showed me the
piece and I was in awe. We worked on it confidentially and later told the band
about it which was the time we began to rehaerse as a whole. The day finally
came and I was tremendously nervous. After the first five measures of the song
were played I came in. My knees were shaking and my hands were sweating. But
once we got into the piece I was ok. There was only one part that I was worried
about. It was the chromatic scale in the middle of the page. I worked long and
hard on that one part to make that scale become music. It ran off of my valves
so smoothly. I was satisfied. Then it seemed like the song was over. I was hit
with the feel of relief. I had a great time doing it and would like to thank
both Leroy and our former conductor Mr. Vowells for helping me get through this
glorious piece. As of now I am in the eight grade and going on to the O'Fallon
Marching Panthers. Thanks again.
Nathan Harris
USA
Monday, February 07, 2000 at 00:03:45 (EST)
We think Leroy Anderson was a talented and good musician, and that he was
very clever, especially in Sleigh Ride. We like how he used the sounds of
horses hooves and the whip crack, and the trumpet for the horse's neigh.
Mrs. Hartleroad's Gr. 4 Class East Goshen Elementary School
West Chester, PA USA
Friday, January 28, 2000 at 10:33:14 (EST)
Many of the musicians in our class hope to become great musicians and
follow in Mr. Anderson's footsteps. We hope he wins the Medal of Freedom, and
gets a postage stamp to honor him.
Mr. Hunsicker's Gr. 4 Class - East Goshen Elementary School
West Chester, PA USA
Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 10:27:25 (EST)
I wish to share the following message which I have just sent to President
Clinton: "I am writing to express my support for Senator Joe Lieberman's
proposal of composer Leroy Anderson for a posthumous Medal of Freedom.
Anderson's many well-known compositions (the most famous being Sleigh Ride) are
a wonderful lyrical reflection of the optimism and wit of the American people.
As the son of Swedish immigrants (like me), he represents one of the best
aspects of America, namely her acceptance and encouragement of the talents of
people from many different nations and cultures. Anderson is as American as
Carl Sandburg or Ann-Margret (Olson), and as representative of the American
experience in music as Norman Rockwell is in art. He richly deserves this great
recognition." I send my best wishes and regards to Mrs. Anderson and her
family, and hope that this award will soon be forthcoming.
Lars Troide
Pointe Claire, QC Canada
Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:24:08 (EST)
I thoroughly enjoy Leroy Anderson's "The Blue Tango." I'm
39-years-old and I can say that his music is so clear, crisp, pure and clean.
Blue Tango reminds me of the decade that I wish I was born into. I'm glad to be
born in l960, but the l950's had an innocence about it and a naievity that is
long gone in this era. I am a music lover and "The Blue Tango" is
reminiscent of when families were much more stable, loving and cohesive.
Indy Turbo Boost
Anchorage, Ak. USA
Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 03:42:17 (EST)
We like listening to Leroy Anderson's music and we appreciated the
website. We think his music has probably inspired people all over.
Mrs. Hulnick's Gr. 4 Class- East Goshen Elementary School
West Chester, Pa USA
Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 10:33:54 (EST)
We enjoyed listening to the song "Sleigh Ride" with our music
teacher, Mrs. Niemi.
Mrs. Cherna's Gr. 4 Class
West Chester, PA USA
Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 10:23:57 (EST)
Leroy Anderson... what a master of music. I have listened to his music
since I was a teenager in the 50's, at the time of BLUE TANGO. I recently
bought a 2-CD set of Leroy Anderson's music, conducted by him - on MCA,
formerly Decca. My favourite composition is a piece called SARABAND: it is so
lively, so bright, so typical of the man. My fondest wish would be that his
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL and SUITES OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS could be released on CD. They
are among my favourites... on LP that is. Leroy Anderson, you wrote music for
the heart.
Ernest A. Dupont
Toronto, ON Canada
Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 19:55:26 (EST)
What a master he was....so good to see his works on the net..
Earl Eckart
Kailua-Kona , Hi USA
Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 18:35:54 (EST)
I am an American bassist in the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. We just
finished our first (of three) performance of a Gala concert consisting of (the
first half) Strauss pieces and (the second half) of Leroy Anderson. Even though
I am relatively young, I grew up listening to Leroy Anderson music. This is the
first time that I have been able to such a large amount of his music in one
concert. (Our music director, Kees Bakels LOVES his music!) It was interesting
to hear the audience quietly enjoy the first half of the concert, and respond
much more enthusiastically to the second half. I really don't know how many
folks in the country of Malaysia are familiar with the music of Leroy Anderson,
but tonight's show told me how much they enjoy his music. It was terrific to
have a world class professional orchestra enjoy squeaking the sides of their
stringed instruments, and to have the oboe give an "a" to the solo
typewriter...and to throw the audience off in the waltz of the "The
Classical Music Box." I think everybody who attended the concert really
enjoyed themselves. I also know the orchestra and did!
Jean Posekany
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Friday, January 14, 2000 at 11:33:27 (EST)
I remember Leroy Anderson's music on an off since I was little, although
I have only recently found out the name of the composer and the titles of the
pieces of music. I play in a Concert Band and we have done Blue Tango and
Sleigh Ride (great) which has been a big success at our last 2 Christmas
concerts. It's nice to finally find out more about the composer of this
brilliant music.
Jacqui Cutler
WOLVERHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 19:51:29 (EST)
I remember Leroy Anderson's music on an off since I was little - but only
recently found out the composers name and the titles of the pieces. I play the
flute in a Concert Band - we have played Blue Tango (great) and Sleigh Ride has
been a big success at our last Christmas Concerts. Thank you for your site. It
is nice to finally be able to find out about the composer of these great
pieces.
Jacqui Cutler
WWOLVERHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 19:36:46 (EST)
I grew up in Missouri. I think I remember Bugler's Holiday being played
as the theme for a TV program in the 50's. If you remember this, I would love
to know the program. Thanks.
Debbie Froelich
Greensboro, nc USA
Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at 09:00:48 (EST)
Excellent site! After hearing the Leroy Anderson Tribute by his son on
NPR, There is a rare song that I would like to obtain (recording and/or sheet
music). I don't know the title but it had 76 Trombones (from "The Music
Man") and the Star Spangled Banner mixed togehter. It was really great and
I cant seem to find it... even on this site! I believe it was a tribute to
Arthur Fiedler (Boston Pops). If you can help please email. Thank you!
Rob Saxton
Portland, OR USA
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 15:59:54 (EST)