When in 2006, I had the good fortune of teaching four young organ students, I decided to write pieces for each of them. Using a system used by other composers, I spelled out each of their first names in musical notes, using the following system, in which the top line represents a musical note and the remaining lines indicate alphabet equivalents.
ÒTimothyÕs TuneÓ was written for twelve year old Timothy Davis
ÒMary KateÕs MelodyÓ was written for sixteen year old Mary-Katherine Kraeger.
ÒFŸr AnneliseÓ was written for fourteen year old Annelise Driscoll
ÒCodyÕs CarillonÓ was written for fourteen year old Cody Engstrom.
Each piece is playable by the student for whom it was written, giving ample testimony to the
talent and dedication of this wonderful group of young musicians. Alternate titles have been provided for performers who prefer to use a title which is less personal.
Stephen Best, Utica, New York
January 2007