Guest Book - 2006

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Thanks to those who have submitted entries to the Guestbook page. We appreciate hearing from people who enjoy Leroy Anderson's music.

The Anderson Family


My name is Gustavo, and just now dicovered the name of the misterious composer of that melodies that l listen from many years ago without knowing the author. At a masterclass for music teacher in ARGENTINA, we listen to "Sand paper ballet", and in the Orquesta camara Mayo conducted by Mario Benzecy, always played "Jazz Pizzicato" for "Bis" and was the most applauded music.

Gustavo Berenyi
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
December 28, 2006


I recently heard Jelani Eddington in concert perform some of Leroy Anderson's wonderful music. You could not have entrusted the premier of two new organ pieces by Leroy Anderson to a finer person or a finer musician than Jelani Eddington. For those of us who love organ music, and admire the artistry of Jelani Eddington, thank you!

Deb Rude
December 24, 2006


It's amazing the detail that a person fails to notice, but recognizes the wonderful music. I love all the music that Leroy Anderson composed, but failed to put his name with the music.

Thank you so much for this wonderful Web site.

Dorothy Sexton
December 19, 2006


The music of Leroy Anderson was used in the early days of televsion by station KTLA in Los Angeles. It was played during the station breaks. As a youngster I only recognized it as beautiful, soothing and melodic. Only in later years did I become aquainted with its creator. Yet today in my seventies whenever I hear Leroy's music it takes me back in time to enjoy the melodies that will live forever. I think it's a wonderful thing that this site exsists so we can share our gratitude.

Ruben R. Martinez
Sedona, Arizona
December 18, 2006


Here in Sydney, Australia, I have just listened to an hour of Leroy Anderson music on on our ABC Classic FM radio station. Pieces played were The Typewriter; Promenade, Irish Suite, Piano Concerto in C (with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - celebrating 100 years this week - and soloist Simon Tedeschi) and A Christmas Festival.

Since my childhood in the 1950s I have been a great fan of Leroy Anderson's music, for to me he composed such wonderful pictures in music. My CD entitled Waltzing Cat is played often. His music is guaranteed to lift the spirits - even if they don't need lifting. What a wonderful legacy.

Jennifer Griffiths
Kurrajong NSW Australia
December 15, 2006


I am absolutely delighted to discover the Leroy Anderson website. It is very encouraging to know that music of this quality and high standard is still appreciated, in spite of what is now heard on popular radio.

I grew up during the 1940's and '50's in the remote northern Manitoba, Canada mining town called Flin Flon. There was a locally operated low power radio station (CFAR) that played the Anderson songs during my childhood years. I consider myself very fortunate to have heard this music in my formative years. I particularly favour 'Forgotten Dreams and Summer Skies' for their nostalgic presence.

And how exciting to learn that the Anderson repetoire is now interpreted on the Mighty Wurlitzer! A must buy for me!

Thank you to the Anderson family for their continuing efforts to encourage greater awareness of this musical legacy. And warmest regards to the worldwide legion of fans and friends of Mr. Anderson's music.

Wishing you 'all the best',

Vincent O. Murphy
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
December 14, 2006


I had become very familiar with Leroy Anderson's music as a little girl. I used to watch the Boston Pops Orchestra on television and as an adult played his "Christmas Festival" in bands. Now as a music teacher, I have chosen Mr. Anderson as my "Composer of the Month" for December 2006. Today's students definitely need to learn about composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. But they also need to get acquainted with American composers such as Mr. Anderson. After all, everyone knows "Sleigh Ride!"

Star Ehrhardt
Appleton, Wisconsin
December 12, 2006


I have to tell you that as a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin 1976, you'll be happy to know that when joining either the chorus or orchestra at the school, the very first thing that a student learns is Mr. Anderson's connection to the school. I certainly hope that proud tradition continues today.

One correction. In the bio it states that the school is now named (now Rindge High and Latin School). That is incorrect. It is named Cambridge Rindge and Latin (hence CRLS) and our beloved building torn down in favor of the Rindge building. The only thing left is that grand archway we all walked through as the entrance to a park on the grounds where the building once stood.

Hope this helps. Best regards,

Sharon Swain
CHLS Class of '76
December 11, 2006


I love the music of Leroy Anderson & I especially enjoy the arrangement known as The Christmas Festival-- weaving the music of others into a glorious fabric--every year an important part of our Christmas celebration.

Dr. Ralph H. Johnson, FRSC
Professor Emeritus
Department of Philosophy
University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario CANADA
December 8, 2006


As a boy growing up in the 1950's in Woodbury, Connecticut, I developed a deep appreciation for music at an early age. My parents had a record player and a small collection of scratchy 78 rpm records. I recall hearing the "Peer Gynt Suite", the "Nutcracker", as well as many wonderful, whimsical short works by a well-known local composer. One reminded me of a typewriter; another, of a clock; and my favorite, of sleigh bells. How happy I felt when I heard that music!

I was also a Cub Scout for several years, and the denmother of my pack was Mrs. Leroy Anderson. I recall going to Cub Scout meetings at the Anderson home several times. The meetings were held on a lower level. During a lull in one of the meetings, I quietly climbed the stairs to the upper level. I sat down at the top of the stairs and peeked around the corner.

There, in a large, bright room with a glass wall, was a gleaming black grand piano. Seated at the piano was Leroy Anderson, deeply engrossed in his work. He would play a few phrases, write something down with a pencil, and then play some more. I was absolutely spellbound with what I saw and heard, for I realized that he was creating something entirely new. I was listening to his music at the exact moment of its creation, and no one else in the world could ever have that unique experience -- no one! I felt very privileged indeed.

He must have known someone was there. As I looked around the corner, he looked up from the piano, smiled warmly, and said quietly "Hello". I remember feeling that I had interrupted something very personal and unique, and I did not want him to stop on my account. So I quickly disappeared down the stairs and rejoined the meeting.

I have never forgotten those short moments in my young life when I shared the magical experience of musical creation with a truly great American composer. Each time I hear "The Typewriter", "The Syncopated Clock", or "Sleigh Ride" I feel the same human, musical warmth that I felt on that afternoon so many years ago.

Greg Herr
Groton, Massachusetts
December 5, 2006


My husband and I are trombonists that have played in many bands and orchestra's throughout the years, so we have been lucky enough to have played many tunes composed by Mr Anderson. We will soon be playing holiday concerts and "Sleigh Ride" and "Trumpeter's Lullaby" are on the program. In 1952, I was chosen to play in the All Southern California High School Band and "Serenata" was on that program. Since then it has been my favorite!

Pat and Joe Chapman
Yachats, Oregon
November 29, 2006


My first exposure to Leroy Anderson was with the most famous SLEIGHRIDE on the Andy William Christmas Album. From that time forward I was exposed to the wonder tunes of Maestro Anderson in many different ways. I experienced THE TYPEWRITER in the Jerry Lewis movie WHO'S MINDING THE STORE. I played Viola to PLINK, PLANK, PLUNK as a member of the all-city Jr. High Orchestra. I moved up to performing the works of Maestro Anderson in High School and College and eventually conducting and arranging some of my favorite works for smaller groups of instruments.

While searching for music from the 50's for an upcoming theatre project and looking for replacement tracks for the now scratched Andy Williams Christmas Album, I happened across some of my old favorites that I had not heard in almost 32 years.

BRAVO MAESTRO! You are not missed as we continue to play your music even today.

Jerry A. Blackburn, President
LEDJER Film & Theatrre Services
November 28, 2006


I just realized that Leroy Anderson wrote the soundtrack to my early childhood. His music is a time machine. It makes the past the present again, just like the madeleine transported Marcel Proust back to his early years.

Linda Nilson
Anderson, SC
November 26, 2006


I am delighted to find your website! As a child growing up in England in the 50's, Leroy Andersons' music was played on the BBCs' Light Service daily.

It became a treasured part of my childhood, as one of the commentators in your biography stated, it was part of the ether. Everytime I hear any of Leroys' pieces it takes me back. As a child I did not know who the composer was, I just knew I loved this music. It was many years later that I heard it again. I think I was in my forties, about twelve years ago, when driving my car listening to "Disk Drive" on CBC Radio 2, that I heard one of Leroys' tunes. It was like being transported back in time, and I was so excited both to hear it again and to finally find out who the composer is. The first opportunity I went out and bought a CD of Leroys' music, all the popular pieces which I know and love. When I got home I played them to my twelve year old daughter and to my delight( but not surprise) she fell in love with them. She had never heard them before. I look forward to the celebrations of Leroys' centennial.

Ken Oakes
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
November 12, 2006


It is wonderful that there is a website to commemorate one of the greatest composers of all time. Leroy Anderson's wonderful music will live for ever.

Neil Clark
England
November 4, 2006


I am a children's librarian in the District of Columbia Public Library system. My father loved Leory Anderson's works. I listened to them as a child. Now I conduct a Music and Movement program on Saturdays. I have introduced many of Anderson's pieces to new a generation of children and parents. They all love his music. Anderson's music is fresh and vibrant and is American classical music at its best. Thank you.

Carroll L. Johnson
October 2, 2006


Dear Anderson Family,

There is nothing to add to the comments given prior to my entry, but I must tell you that Leroy Anderson has been a most fabulous composer for me to enjoy through the years, and this new CD compilation of Jelani Eddington's has added to my enjoyment immensely. I now request that "Easter Song" be published and made available to all organists for use in the years to come. It is a marvelously crafted organ composition and thrilling to listen to -- I intend to share it with all my organ friends.....I am 77 years old and have been an AGO menber since age 14. Please allow the Woodbury firm to publish the Eddington-based arrangement for all of us to enjoy. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Robert P. Rapp, M.D.
Austin, Texas
July 21, 2006


My Father (Theodore L. Sendak, '40, dec'd 1999) led quite a few of Mr. Anderson's songs when he was drum major at Harvard in 1939. I have always enjoyed listening to his music, always with genuine melody and clever lyrics.

Respectfully,

Timothy Sendak
Crown Point, Indiana
July 18, 2006


To The Anderson Family,

I just wanted to take a moment to express my admiration for Mr. Leroy Anderson's contribution to American light classical music. Most especially, I wish to tell you that I find his Concerto in C for Piano and Orchestra to be a wonderful composition. I am so grateful that you authorized its posthumous release in 1988. I cannot get enough of Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's sumptuous recording of this rare find.

Whatever Mr. Anderson's qualms as to the quality of this piece, I am here to tell you that I find it to be absolutely perfect. I very much hope that I will be able to find a local orchestra in the Los Angeles area that will perform it. It would be quite an experience to see it performed live.

Sincerely,

William Padilla
North Hollywood, California
July 14, 2006


To Whom It May Concern,

I shall always love Leroy Anderson's music, especially the Blue Tango. It brings back memories. I'm glad you included these sound bites for everyone to enjoy.

Rich Myers
July 13, 2006


Leroy Anderson was, without doubt, the most polished, suave and totally musical composer of my recall.

All these years since he died, I am still being pleasantly surprised at the man's multitudinous output of melodies that I recall from those wonderful days when music meant music. Quite certainly Leroy Anderson was the very best and the very last of his breed. Did he ever write a dud? I doubt it very much.

Manny Curtis
June 22, 2006


I have such wonderful memories of many Christmas seasons spent in the corner of my parents' living room with my ear pressed up against the side of the Magnavox console stereo listening to the stack of vinyl records... eagerly anticipating the Boston Pops album and "Sleigh Ride." God forbid that my mother should ever play the other side of the album! I still get giddy every time I hear it - and I must confess a preference for the original instrumental version, although as a choral director and singer, I am grateful that lyrics exist that give me the opportunity to perform it. Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for such joy!

Harry Garland
Los Altos Hills, California
June 6, 2006


Hi - my name is Unamae Cahill and I am thirteen years old and live in Dublin Ireland and I love your music. I play some of the pieces in the Dublin Youth Orchestra. I play violin and piano.

Unamae Cahill
Dublin, Ireland
May 22, 2006


As I end my 31st year as a band director I have looked back at the programs which have included the works of Leroy Anderson. We frequently included one of his many compositions on our concerts. In fact, in late May we will perform one of his lesser known works "The Girl I Left Behind Me". To consider his compositions as merely light classics is to do great disservice to the craft of this great American composer.

To be sure some of his compositions did include lighter subject material but even these were composed with great craft and attention to detail. Many imitators of his style have come and gone. In my considered opinion, his music will stand the test of time!

Don Reynolds
Band Director
Callahan, Florida
May 19, 2006


I just discovered the Leroy Anderson website and reading the comments of the many admirers of Leroy's music I was filled with many happy, nostalgic memories of growing up in post war Netherlands in the 1950's.

His music was very unique and universal, it appealed to millions of people who, after the ravages of World War II had lost many of their dreams and hopes.

The two Dutch national radio stations played his beautiful music daily and as part of the postwar generation. It became part of our collective memories. His music made my life richer. Thank you!

Nico Vonstein
Amherst, Massachusetts
May 12, 2006


I have been a fan of Leroy Anderson's music for years. Since I was a kid I enjoyed such pieces as "Sleigh Ride" and "The Typewriter". Long may his music reign.

Allan Osborne
May 11, 2006


Thank you...What lovely music and what great memoirs I have when I listen to Leroy Anderson music as a little boy..one of the best tunes for me is A Trumpeter's Lullaby..this tune was played many times in the 1950s on a Saturday afternoon radio band stand..I just wish that there was a VIDEO/DVD so that I could see the great Mr. Leroy Anderson with full orchestra playing his great music. Thank you and Thank you Mr. Leroy Anderson for lovely music.

Mr. G.E.Mountain
York, England
May 2, 2006


I am so glad that I happened on Leroy Anderson's web site and became re-acquainted with his music. All through High School, college, and the Air Force, his music was my main stay.

Robert Isaac
Norton, Virginia
April 26, 2006


Every time I went to the Disneyland Resort in Paris, I wondered who made the great song that makes us so happy when we hear it. Now my family and I know. I am 35 - my children are 10, 8 and 3 and we all appreciate through his music so much the genius that Mr. Leroy Anderson was.

I found two days ago your fantastic website and you can't imagine how much we have felt this emotional feeling melting with joy, smiling and laughing. Many, many thanks. I will make my friends discover the fantastic Leroy Anderson. And I'll even try to play it on my violin.

When I listen to "Sleigh Ride", it's like I'm a little girl and all my dreams will be coming true. I am so happy now ! Many thanks again. (Would you like to excuse me if I made mistakes in English...)

Congratulations !

Marie-Laure Boinon
Le Sautange
69610 Meys - FRANCE
April 18, 2006


How can one put into words the amount of joy and pleasure Leroy Anderson's music has given?

Thank you, to the family, for sharing his musical legacy, and thank you for working with Jelani Eddington on his theatre pipe organ dual-CD release. The 5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer was marvelously used to support the music. Mr. Eddington's transcriptions are fabulous. These two CDs are my favorites and have displaced my Frederick Fennell recordings -- and we know how wonderful those were.

I had never heard of the piano concerto prior to the release of the CDs: it is a fine piece of music; it is definitely of American origin and feel and should be part of the mainstream repertoire alongside Gershwin and Copland. I�d like a copy of the music so I could play the piano part against Jelani�s theatre organ!

Thanks, for everything, and especially honoring a musician and human being whom I put in the group with Berlin, Kern, Gershwin, Arlen, Rodgers, and Hamlisch. Goldilocks should have succeeded! What do critics know?

Dave Luttinen
Seattle, Washington
February 17, 2006


Thank you, Mr. Anderson for the music of my childhood. Thank you, Anderson family for the website where I discovered the music again.

Cheryl Butler
Woodville, Florida
February 15, 2006


I grew up with Leroy Anderson's music -- I was all of six years old when Blue Tango hit the charts -- and I can truthfully say that his exquisitely crafted compositions are one of the few childhood memories that have never dimmed or altered. The older I get, in fact, the more aware I am of Mr. Anderson's inventiveness and gift for melody, and the more I appreciate the wit and joy with his music overflows.

I feel sure that in a century or so, when compact discs are nothing more than museum curiosities, Mr. Anderson's music will still hold sway in whatever medium is then in vogue, delighting those far-off generations as much as it did mine.

I recall that when Mr. Anderson died in 1975, Time Magazine, in noting his passing, referred to his music as relentlessly bouncy." I was infuriated to think that in an obituary, no less, these dazzling sophisticates would dismiss a man's life work with one sneering phrase. Though I am not a professional musician, I believe I perceive correctly that Mr. Anderson's music was not only completely sui generis, but that each of his compositions was as beautifully made, and as resistant to dismemberment, as a finely-crafted watch. Even then the comparison falters, for watches only tell time, but a Leroy Anderson tune fills one's time with joy and beauty.

I wish the Anderson family well, and I hope you find satisfaction in my belief that Mr. Anderson's admirers are legion, and always will be.

Sincerely,

Kevin Beuret
Howe, Indiana
February 6, 2006


This is true nostalgia. I grew up in the 50's in Israel. During that time KOL Israel, the only radio channel, played this delightful music. It brings up the memories. This was part of our culture too. These were also difficult times, since there was post war austerity, there was not too much entertainment, but we were happy. We eagerly listened to the radio, searching for the "little man in the radio box" behind the voices.

Pagiel Shechter
Los Angeles, California
January 20, 2006


We played "Plink Plank Plunk" for a concert last year and I just loved playing it. It was a really fun piece to play. Mr. Anderson has a good ear for harmonies and tempos. Thanks for the website.

Zachary Nelson
Independence, Missouri
January 14, 2006


I've just discovered your website.

It's a lovely tribute to this brilliant composer and arranger of sweet little pop tunes.

I grew up listening to Mr. Anderson's music in school. My music teacher introduced my assembly to the music "Fiddle Faddle", "Blue Tango", and "Plink Plank Plunk". I first heard "Sleigh Ride" when my teacher Mrs. Lyman and I attended a children's concert at NYC's Carnegie Hall.

The tune that Mr. Anderson created which I will always remember is "The Syncopated Clock!" mainly because it was the theme music of WCBS TV Ch.2 NYC's "Late Show" (WCBS TV Ch.2 NYC's old movie program, not the late night tv talk show hosted by Mr. Letterman).

Thank you for creating this website that honors this talented, creative and gentle man.

Kevin S. Butler
January 5, 2006


What music! What a composer!

Arthur Alexander
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
January 5, 2006