Robert Rooks was ABSOLUTELY instrumental in giving us Madrigals from '69-'72 a lifelong love of music, of performing music, of perfection of pitch, of the pure joy of singing. He provided so many opportunities for us including being the first student performance ever in what was then the New Concert Hall at the recently opened Kennedy Center. I hope more of my Mad buds from those years post that truth here. My late twin Peter, who trained at Julliard and was an opera singer and I always agreed how much Rooks gave to us. from those Mads I've stayed in touch with, we all remember much of our harmonies to the modern, classical and Renaissance repertoire he gave us. 1 of a kind HS teacher!
Having Mr. Rooks for choral director for 4 years was such a gift! I credit his influence and the experience of being in Girls' Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Madrigals with my love of music. He was amazing - the way he introduced us to major works, piece by piece, was genius. And Spring Tour was an amazing experience. I am still amazed that we performed the pieces we did, including Carmina Burana, The Chichester Psalms (thanks, Bruce Cohen for teaching us how to pronounce Hebrew words), and many other musicals and pieces. Among the other memorable pieces are The Road Not Taken and Old Irish Blessing. Thank you Lisa Silber Mauck for amazing accompaniment during many performances.›
John Clegg (1972)
Robert Rooks was ABSOLUTELY instrumental in giving us Madrigals from '69-'72 a lifelong love of music, of performing music, of perfection of pitch, of the pure joy of singing. He provided so many opportunities for us including being the first student performance ever in what was then the New Concert Hall at the recently opened Kennedy Center. I hope more of my Mad buds from those years post that truth here. My late twin Peter, who trained at Julliard and was an opera singer and I always agreed how much Rooks gave to us. from those Mads I've stayed in touch with, we all remember much of our harmonies to the modern, classical and Renaissance repertoire he gave us. 1 of a kind HS teacher!
Katherine Couper (1979)
Having Mr. Rooks for choral director for 4 years was such a gift! I credit his influence and the experience of being in Girls' Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Madrigals with my love of music. He was amazing - the way he introduced us to major works, piece by piece, was genius. And Spring Tour was an amazing experience. I am still amazed that we performed the pieces we did, including Carmina Burana, The Chichester Psalms (thanks, Bruce Cohen for teaching us how to pronounce Hebrew words), and many other musicals and pieces. Among the other memorable pieces are The Road Not Taken and Old Irish Blessing. Thank you Lisa Silber Mauck for amazing accompaniment during many performances.›