Memories of Ithaca College and lessons with Jack Covert were revived this past December at a weekend honoring Jack for his almost thirty years of teaching horn. Jack had given so much to his students that they cancelled gigs and travelled hundreds of miles to return to Ithaca and say thanks on the occasion of his retirement.
Gail Williams, Jon Menkis, Rick Menaul, Richard Graef, and John Fairfield gave stunning performances at a recital tribute as they played their hearts out for their teacher. Jack, true to his character, would not take all the glory. He credited his teacher, Milan Yancich, who was also present, for teaching him all he knew about professionalism and integrity.
A highlight of the recital was Gail and Mary Ann Covert (Jack's wife, recently retired from teaching piano at Ithaca) in the US premiere of Dana Wilson's Deep Remembering, a tour de force for horn and piano that left us breathless and on the edge of our seats. Kudos also to Rick and Jon for the Kuhlau Sonata in F. Their technique and musicianship were flawless, and for an encore they repeated the last movement on hand horns!
A tape of the concert, with some of the most exciting live horn playing I have ever heard, will be available from Ithaca College.
Kathleen is a graduate of Ithaca College and student of Jack's. She works at the master controls at TV stations and gives clinics on music and stress reduction.