Forrest Standley

I had an idea years ago to write a book on Forrest Standley.  I was very excited about it but never got it off the ground.  For him to have been the teacher of the great Dale Clevenger and the incredible Phil Myers, is reason enough.  They have each held the position of principal horn in two of America's greatest orchestras.

Digression:  I know the idea of the "Big Five" is either dead or at the very least, controversial but this is perhaps an appropriate place to use the label. The "Big Five" was once used when referring to the top 5 orchestras in the U.S.  Anyhow, when I was younger and this term was being thrown around, no one could ever agree on the order of the top 5, yet Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Cleveland were always included in the mix by most.  At any rate Myers, with the New York Philharmonic for over 30 years and Clevenger, with Chicago for over 40 years, are now a part of America's musical history, not only as individuals but as part of "the establishment" and that says quite a lot.

Anyhow, back to Forrest Standley.  While biographical information would be useful, thoughts on his teaching interest me the most.  However, there are numerous people that must be interviewed.  Gene Standley, Forrest Standley's son.  Brice Andrus, principal horn of the Atlanta Symphony.  Howard Wall 4th horn of New York.  I have a friend who studied with Standley...the list is long and the task is daunting when you consider who is on it. 

I spoke to Clevenger after a sneak peak performance he gave of the Bruce Braughton Sonata (Awesome piece!  I'm going to try to include a clip with this post!) at a horn workshop held at the University of Santa Barbara hosted by Dr. Steven Gross.  Unfortunately my thoughts were new and unorganized as now but I saw an opportunity.  After all, how often would I be in a casual atmosphere with Dale Clevenger?  That's the great thing about horn workshops...there's leeway when you hobnob with the featured artists, you can act like a groupie to some extent.  I wish I remembered our conversation better.  All I remember is being nervous and thinking oh my God I'm talking to Clevenger.  I had heard stories of his tremendous ego, a part of his formidable means to greatness and stories of his booming Texas accent undiminished by his Chicago years.  Needless to say, I simply nodded to all he had to say.  I did get the impression that he liked my idea.

I did have the chance to meet Phil Myers when taking a few lessons with Eric Ralske.  He was kind and a funny guy, something I could notice even within the few moments after being introduced to him.  In other words very approachable.  Well, if anyone reads this and knows of other players who studied with Forrest Standley and how to contact them please let me know.  I want to get this started!                                                                               



Keith's Classical Corner