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News from Band and Orchestra Parents Organization
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2004
For more information contact: Susie Kaeser, 932-5110
Dr. Mayer Honored for Contribution to Heights Instrumental Music
When it comes to music and high school students, Dr. Fred Mayer is a force. During his 12 years as conductor of the Heights High Symphony and Instrumental Music director he has added depth and breadth to Cleveland Heights High School’s acclaimed instrumental music program. On June 3 the Heights High Band and Orchestra Parent Organization will host “Fred Fest” to honor Dr. Mayer’s contributions to the community and its students and to bid farewell to the retiring music educator.
In 1992, shortly after earning his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Mayer arrived at Heights High and set into motion several new initiatives. Using grant funds he launched a chamber music program that draws on the wealth of music talent that resides in Cleveland Heights and University Heights to provide coaching to student chamber groups. Chamber groups are now a regular part of the school program. This year 75 students performed in 18 small ensembles.
Dr. Mayer expanded the African American music course by adding a drum circle. Students built the drums as part of an interdisciplinary project with the art department. He also added computer technology to music education, started the AP Music Theory class, and brought numerous guest musicians including a master drummer to work with students. Under his guidance the music department now does in-house recording and production of concerts.
Drawing on his experience integrating all aspects of the performing arts, Dr. Mayer helped bring musicals back to Heights High’s Dina Rees Evans Performing Arts Center. He led a collaborative art, music, drama, and dance production of The Wiz, Guys and Dolls, Night on Bald Mountain, and most recently, Peter and the Wolf.
In order to maintain a high level of participation in the district’s instrumental music program, Dr. Mayer initiated an annual “Kiddie Konzert” tour taking high school musicians to visit the eight elementary
2-2-2
schools to perform and promote their instruments. He worked closely with Reaching Heights to prepare a
Student and Parent Guide to Music Education that informs families about how to take full advantage of the many music opportunities in the Heights schools and initiated a parent information night about music. He has organized his students to perform in hundreds of community events including Reaching Musical Heights, a concert at Severance Hall, and spearheaded a successful $15,000 fund drive to replace the high school’s 70 year old harp.
In 2001, a brief, but life threatening medical condition caused the fast moving music director to reconsider his life and the 12 hour work day that characterized his teaching. He and his wife Linda will move to Pine Island in Florida at the end of this school year to begin a quieter approach to making a difference, promoting peace, and as Dr. Mayer describes it, “raising the positive vibrations.”
Fred Fest will be held at Coventry Elementary School in Cleveland Heights from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. on June 3. Admission is $5 or $10 for families. It’s an opportunity to share good stories, express appreciation and give the Mayers a warm send off.
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