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St. Cloud State University
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Father gets musical gift
By Diana Matusewic
Published:
Monday, October 21, 2002
Media Credit: scott theisen
Jean Adler plays “A Scottish Tribute” by Linda Spebacek during her clarinet recital last Friday. Adler’s “Music Inspired by and Dedicated to” took place in the Ruth Gant Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center. Adler also advises and directs the clarinet ensemble at SCSU.
SCSU graduate Jean Adler, SCSU music professor Tim Wells and Linda Kothman performed nine instrumental pieces Friday as a birthday present for Tom Adler, Jean Adler’s father.
Adler played clarinet, accompanied by Wells on bassoon and Kothman on piano.
“Each (song) has a story as to why it was selected and each one is dedicated to a specific person,” Adler said.
Most of the dedications were towards musical inspirations in Adler’s life.
“I’ve Got a Crush on You,” by George and Ira Gershwin, was dedicated to a famous band leader from the 30’s and 40’s, Artie Shaw.
“(He was) probably one of the best clarinetists of the 20th century,” Adler said, who had a chance to meet and interview him last summer.
“How long has this been going on?” by George and Ira Gershwin, was also performed.
“(It was performed) in honor to my good friend, Dale Peterson, and small town gossip,” Adler said.
Adler’s mom and dad were musical inspirations as well.
“I think it’s a kind of a thank you to my parents for supporting me through my musical endeavors,” Adler said.
Her father, Tom Adler, was a clarinet player in the military from 1953-1955. When Jean was a child she would beg him to play the clarinet for her.
The song she dedicated to him was, “I left my heart in San Fran cisco,” by Douglas Cross and George Cory. She had the audience sing as she played.
“There’s no business like show business,” by Irving Berlin, was dedicated to her mom, Janet Adler, who used to make her practice her clarinet after supper.
“Lullaby,” by Koly Okumura, was dedicated to Ric Hansen, director of bands at SCSU; “Allegro” from Duetto 3 for bassoon and clarinet, by Karl Andreas Gopfert, was dedicated to Tim Wells and “Prelude,” by Gerald Finzi, was dedicated to Mike Whitmore, professor of clarinet at Minot State University.
Other tributes were to Adler’s son, Duncan Thomas McGonagle-“A Scottish Tribute,” by Linda Spebacek and her husband, Todd McGonagle- and “My funny Valentine,” by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers.
Wells liked the opportunity to play a different style of music other than classical.
“It’s nice to hear some songs of the 40’s and 50’s,” Wells said. “It’s always fun to play for a wide variety of audiences. “
Wells gives bassoon lessons, teaches music theory and ear training and is part of the NorthWind trio. He and Adler had played together in the St. Cloud Symphony.
Linda Kothman is a professional pianist in the St. Cloud area and plays for Cathedral High School. She and Adler had done pit music together in the past.
“I love the style of this show. It’s pure Jean Adler,” Kothman said.
Jean’s father, who is a retired farmer and a building contractor, loved the present she gave him,
“The fact that it was my daughter was really great and to have it on my birthday made it even more special,” he said.
