Gilda Barston

December 19, 1924 – September 6, 2010
Presented at the Memorial Service by Gilda Barston

My first encounter with Nellie Robin Novak was in 1973. I had met her husband, Kal, at an informal chamber music gathering, and we discussed the emergence of Suzuki cello. I was interested in the method, as was Nell, and in the fall of 1974 we began to team-teach a Suzuki cello group class at the Skokie School in Winnetka. This was the beginning of a long friendship and teaching collaboration.

Nell was active in the Suzuki movement from 1973 through her association…

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The Creating Learning Community awards are designed to celebrate significant contributions by individuals or groups who have contributed to the support of Dr. Suzuki’s ideas and the Suzuki community. Judi Bagnato, a Music Education and Suzuki Editor at Alfred Music Publishing, definitely fits that description. She is the person who unfailingly supports the dissemination of Dr. Suzuki’s ideas and serves the Suzuki community through the publication of the Suzuki Core Materials (books and recordings) and Suzuki-related materials. She is the person behind the books.

Judi Gowe was hired by Warner…

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When I rejoined the board seven years ago, I had no idea that my tenure would last so long, nor that I would be elected Chair. I merely expected to serve a three-year term and offer what skills I had to the organization. At the time, the Board had commenced training in policy governance and in leadership skills. I was skeptical that either was necessary, but determined to give it a try. I had no idea that the skills I would gain would prove so useful in so many areas of my life.

The first meeting was in San Juan, PR.…

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