Christmas 2001

Greetings from San Diego!

To all my fellow Mater Christi Alumni I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and in particular for the former members of the MC Orchestra, Dance Band and Glee Clubs, I want to present you with a very special Christmas present. I also want to dedicate this to my dear friend, Bill Loskofsky, who died in 1997, but was like a brother to me during our times together in the orchestra and later at Manhattan College.

After attending the 2001 reunion (class of '66) I felt that it was time to give back something to Mater Christi, and all its alumni, as a thank you for the wonderful opportunities I was given. With the help of Tony Casamento [a.k.a. The Web Guy], Kevin Faughey and Tony Polizzi, I'm pleased to offer you a photo gallery and bits and pieces of history regarding the Mater Christi Orchestra and Glee Clubs. My hope is that this initial collection will generate an Orchestra/Glee Club sub-section to the Web site and will grow over time as more and more of you dig out the old photos and recollections about your affiliation with these wonderful organizations.

The photo annotations with dates and names are as best as can be recalled, and many of the names and events mentioned herein are accompanied by photos … enjoy.

First a little history. Let me preface this by saying that 35+ years may have skewed some of my dates, names, and recollections, so I ask you to fill in the blanks or correct my "senior moments" when necessary. As a charter member of the Orchestra (woodwinds, flute) and a member of the Boys' Glee Club, I can tell you that these organizations were major parts of the extracurricular programs at MC. Substantial resources, both money and instructor talent, were made available to build the entire music departments from scratch. Within one year, these fledgling organizations became a dynamic part of the school and the surrounding communities. I believe the orchestra numbered 50 to 60 and each glee club was at least 75 members strong.

The orchestra was established in 1963. At that time MC was beginning its third year in existence. I was a sophomore looking to take part and wanted to play the clarinet. ("Sorry Tom, here's a flute.") The truth of the matter was that it was more important to belong and participate. It was fun for all of us. I think we all felt that way. As mentioned above, MC spared no expense. The instruments were all brand new, exceptional quality, and the composition of each section (strings, woodwinds, brass, etc.) were as complete as a professional concert orchestra. These bright, new instruments instilled a sense of pride in each one of us, but the real key to our future success rested in the dedicated and professional teachers and staff.

Brother Basil Robert (a.k.a. Robert Daszkiewicz rdaszkie@hotmail.com) and Sister Corde were the directors and champions of the orchestra. Without their absolute dedication and energy we never would have attained our success and excellent reputation. They were charter members who were both teachers, role models and our older brother and sister (no pun intended). Remember too, that various sections of the orchestra trained after school almost every school day. So for Brother Robert and Sister Corde this was a full time job every week!

The most significant part of our development must be attributed to the music teachers. Also remember, this was the early 60's in New York. Broadway musicals were in their prime. Shows such as "West Side Story," "My Fair Lady," and "The Sound of Music" were all debuting. Also, Leonard Bernstein was conducting at the brand new Lincoln Center. Needless to say, New York had a legion of very talented musicians.

Paul Camarotta was my teacher. He was a professional musician who played many Broadway shows. At the time he was working "West Side Story." He was a very patient man and really cared about our instruction. I believe Nicholas Lamentola was brass instructor; he also conducted the dance band. The orchestra conductor was Vincent La Selva who, today, conducts the NY Grand Opera Company. I remember him to be a kind, dedicated professional. He had a wonderful sense of humor and made our rehearsals fun. He was quick to complement us when we sounded well and patient when we were not. I can't remember any of the other instructors so I leave that to the alumni out there.

The glee clubs were the other half of this wonderful department. Unfortunately I'm very limited as to names or events. Most of the time we all played and sang together at Christmas, Easter and summer concerts. Many of us performed in both organizations simultaneously, which made for some very frantic running around between acts! The conductor for the boys was Brother Benilde James (sp?). Sorry, but I can't remember who was the Sister for the girls, although she appears in one of the B&W photos.

So, together we made wonderful concert events. Our dance band actually cut a record and all of us performed at the 1964/65 NY World's Fair. Most important, we brought great pride to MC and our surrounding neighborhoods. Father Campbell would always say a few words from the stage during a concert. I realize now what a valuable gift he gave us to learn and perform and how we repaid in kind with excellence and enthusiasm. We were very good without being cocky and our parents and relatives would be part of the sell-out crowds in the main auditorium. Its was a family and a community.

Here's hoping that many of you alumni can add to this modest beginning with your own photos and memories. You and Mater Christi made a significant, positive impact on my life and for that I am forever blessed.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

Tom Griffin (Class of '66)

8965 Cliffridge Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858:455-7462
griffo@san.rr.com

WebMaster's Note: Because of this wonderful submission -- a personal account & photos -- by Tom Griffin, it was quickly realized that not only a MC Music sub-section needed to be created ... but an entire MC Web Site! I encourage others to submit materials (i.e. photos, stories, concert programs, etc.) so that this Site will be rich in content, and memories [See the How To Submit Materials. section.] Also note, that the photographs that Tom submitted are now being, or have been, organized into specific years, by event.