Stalwart Hands

In 2013, I was asked by Bruce Galbraith to write a work in memory of Roger and Mary Jane Jacobi. Bruce had been my director when I attended the Interlochen Arts Academy, and Roger & Mary Jane president and “first lady” of Interlochen almost my entire time there. Roger was a trumpet player, and Mary Jane a pianist, so the piece had to be, of course, for trumpet and piano. Furthermore, they had moved to Naples when they retired, and I got to speak with them (mostly about trumpet!) on many occasions during my time in the orchestra there.

When asked what about them inspired me in writing the piece, I responded as follows: I decided to echo much of what the Jacobis and Interlochen represented for me: Stalwart Hands:

a. symbolizing what strength the Jacobis had in running Interlochen b. the annual hand-shakes at the Maddy cabin (which is how I first met them) c. hands very much needed to play both piano and trumpet!

Musical references to both “O Sound the Call” and “Call to Quarters” – bugle calls always played at Interlochen – (and a subtle taps) symbolizing that we are now, in essence, with this memorial, calling them to their resting place in our memories at Interlochen. Plus, I ALWAYS had to play “Call to Quarters” and “Taps”! Equal parts for both players symbolizing how they both were equal and very important figures at Interlochen.

It was always Roger & Mary Jane.