Alfred John Neumann Tribute

Al took the time and energy to meet young people where they were and advance and challenge them to be better. At retreats there would be not just great music, but church and music history. I was in Takoma Park Junior High when he asked me to play a clarinet obligatto for a choir anthem. I believe that memories of him during that time have served to shape my life, for I am now a church organist and community college instructor. There has always been one piece that has haunted me since being at Christ Congregational; The Chichester Psalms mvt II. I remember Al rehearsing that beautiful melody, and I never heard it again until this semester when the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay started rehearsals. Every time I would play it by ear I would think back to my musical beginnings and how kind and patient he was. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,where sorrow and pain are no more,neither sighing, but life everlasting. Alleluia ~ Thank you Al. Robert Winslow