LETTER from SAM GOODYEAR

Sam Goodyear Plans Tribute

To Chuck Schneider Saturday

To the Editor:

Along with countless members of our community, I was saddened to read of Chuck Schneider’s death. It stirred multiple memories, as I had the privilege of singing in several Glimmerglass operas and Orpheus Theatre musicals under his direction.

In every instance, seeing him in the pit made me feel safe and secure.

I felt that he was not only keeping his eye on the production as a whole, but me personally.

And then there were all those memorable Catskill Symphony Orchestra concerts. I remember
seeing whole families in attendance, parents and children, and thinking what a rich experience was being provided among us.

Working so hard under considerable pressure to navigate highly complex waters cannot have been easy, yet I never once, not one single time, saw Chuck lose his considerable cool. Always calm, always patient, always cordial, he maintained his cheerful and generous nature for the benefit of art.

From 1 to 5 Saturday afternoons, I host a classical music program called “Play It Again, Sam,” on WSKG Public Radio. It can be heard at 105.9 FM in Otsego County, and is streamed live on the internet at wskg.org (click Listen Live-WSKG Classical).

I will devote the 4 o’clock hour this coming Saturday, Oct. 24, in tribute to our maestro in thanks for the
inestimable pleasure and enrichment he brought to us all.

SAM GOODYEAR
Binghamton