updated: 04/05/02
It was brought to my attention that our old school project with
Mr. Hans
Fenger has made a remarkable revival. It was fun to be a part
of that. It
was my start in playing the guitar and singing. By the looks
of the picture
on the front cover, I was more focused on playing that "D"
chord than
singing.
In my college
years many of my peers urged me to pursue recording the songs
I had written, but fame and fortune have little attraction for
me. I do,
however, attribute those days at Glenwood to be the foundation
for the music
ministry I now have with the church. People request that I provide
for them
a CD of the songs I have written lately, but money for recording
is
swallowed up by mortgage and car payments and . . . you get the
picture.
Give Hans my
best regards and a belated thanks for all that he did to make
our education an enjoyable experience. And thanks to you guys
for doing
something more with the album than I would have ever imagined.
Jeff Betker
Aldergrove BC
Dear Hans,
I am sitting
here trying to make sense of this. I was part of the small
group of people from South Carvolth Elementary that was in the
choir. I
attended the recent reunion at Glenwood Elementary and was brought
to tears
many times that day. It was very nostaglic, and listening to
us sing
together again was amazing.
I still have
the original album (in the plastic wrap!) in my closet. My two
children go to South Carvolth; the eldest is in Grade 5 and he
is amazed
that his Mom is actually on a record album. The school wants
to do a story
about me and the recordings in their newsletter. I feel like
a star!
You were an
amazing teacher and friend to us, Hans, and I remember vividly
the many afternoons in the gym and performing for our families.
It was one
of the most memorable moments in my life, thanks to you and your
talent to
teach children.
Sincerely,
Brenda Beck (Brown)
Mr. Fenger,
I was really
surprised when I did a random web search on "Wix-Brown"
and
found the Langley Schools Music site. Way to go Wix-Brown! I
could not
believe the big deal over an album made by Langley students 25
years ago.
I must have slept through the local news coverage of the story
here in Victoria.
This brings
back warm-hearted memories.. Even though I was pretty much a
pain for you, it was great to have a teacher that involved the
students in
music in a big way. I remember the recording session and how
shy some of
the soloists were, and that some did their recordings separately
from the
rest. But getting us to participate was your goal, and you made
a mark in my
memory for all my time. I admired you and your method of teaching,
and
thought you were cool in your approach to music. I also want
to thank you
now for keeping me involved in the album, even though I was usually
serving
a sentence in the library printing off music sheets for songs
that were
going to be sung.
You were the
guitar-slinging, sandal-wearing, scarf-toting music teacher
that made the impossible possible. By the way -- where is that
multi-coloured scarf these days?
I used to joke
with my friends that while they struggled at getting
recorded, I'd already cut an album. I'm glad that so many people
are
enjoying what was simply a music project by school kids having
fun.
Thanks,
Elzear Chabot
Congratulations
Mr. Fenger!!! The Long and Winding Road takes on new meaning
as we experience how one person's choices and actions can affect
so many
peoples' lives, a ripple effect that chooses it's unique pace
and time. I
think you made the records for all the right reasons and now
are seeing the
rewards.
My singing
voice has never recovered from trying to be the loudest singer
of
the bunch; it has a fondness for cracking, yet it is still the
instrument I
most often use for making music. Music has continued to be one
of my
favourite things, even though I have never passed the beginner
stages of
learning any instruments and, because of this, still get put
in the
percussion section. My children have the benefit of watching
their father
and older brother play guitar quite well. I will take the credit
for
sparking their fondness for the Beatles, which you passed to
me. I am a
dancer at heart and am currently working my way up the ranks
of Highland
dance, the celtic theme being prominent as you can tell by my
married name.
For twenty-five
years I've carried with me the memories of you and all the
classmates; the good you did has never disappeared from my heart.
To me
this is one way a person eternalizes themselves. I've always
been proud of
being a part of that recording because it was a unique, fun experience
we
all shared together. Thank You
Loree Moffatt
(Mundeling) ( Wix-Brown )
Dear Mr.
Fenger,
Having recently
attended the reunion at Glenwood Elementary, I must say that
it was pleasure to see you after a quarter of a century! It was
also nice to
find that you still have that 'Kid at Heart' personality that
made you such
an inspiring teacher. The way you explained to us students exactly
what it
was that we were singing about helped to bring out the emotion
heard in the
recordings. You turned the songs from just words into deeper
thoughts and
concepts. For a boy of 12, it became a fascination that continues
to this
day.
One of my fondest
memories of your class was the concert at Uplands
Elementary School. By the end of the performance, both teachers
and
students were dancing at the back of the gym. You later commented
how "cool"
that was.
Reading the
liner notes, it is hard to imagine that while you were teaching
us, you were going through such turmoil in your private life.
You always put
forth a fun and positive persona during classes.
Thanks for
giving so many of us fond memories of younger days, and having
a
positive influence in the lives of those you have taught over
the years.
Sincerely,
Scott Nichols
Mr. Fenger,
It was good
seeing you at the recent VH-1 reunion. Congratulations, and
thanks for being brave enough to do what at the time, I'm sure,
was
considered a slightly more than crazy project. I'm a teacher
now, so I can
imagine some of what you may have gone through to get this done!
I was in Pat
Bickerton's class. My brother, Mark, sang on the Glenwood
recording (I was off in high school by that time). As you'll
remember, our
school, Lochiel Elementary, burned down and we invaded Uplands,
where we met
you. I don't remember Mr. Bickerton doing any music with us prior
to that,
although he used to bring his son's Beatles albums into school
and let us
listen in class. We knew he liked music, and when you came along,
he wasted
no time in hooking us up with you. Of course, none of us realized
just how
sick he was at the time (he died a matter of months after my
Grade 7
'graduation'), but I know now that the arrangement was certainly
beneficial
all around. To be honest, I have less than fond memories of singing
"Help Me
Rhonda," but I'm still not a huge fan of the Beach Boys,
much to my
husband's chagrin! However, I do have great memories of other
aspects of it
-- listening to Roberta harmonize with you was a first for me
-- and doing
it so well! We were all amazed.
I just wanted
to express my appreciation for what you were able to pull
together in spite of the (what I'm sure were many) nay-sayers
at the time.
It's been a great thing for all the students, for education during
these
difficult times (and music education in particular!), and for
Langley. I
hope it will continue to be a good thing for you. You seemed
to be taking it
all in stride when I saw you, but in retrospect, I guess that's
how you
always went about things.
Thanks for
the memories,
Lezah Williamson
Hello Mr.
Fenger;
I was one of
those voices on the album made at Wix-Brown Elementary (Grade
7). I found out about the album being re-released when I was
at Wix-Brown
(my two boys attend) and one of the other moms asked me if I
remembered the
album and was I singing on it. When I told her yes, she told
me about how
it was a big hit in the States. Wow!!
I have been
following every story in every newspaper and magazine across
the
country for over three months. It is still so hard to believe
this is
actually happening. My husband was so excited for me, that he
took my
original album and cover and had them matted and framed with
the caption
"Innocence and Despair, WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN?" and
gave it to me for
Christmas.
I still remember
the very first song you sang to our class when you started
at Wix... something about "not wanting a pickle... just
want to ride on my
motor-sickle." It's funny what things stick in your head!
Glad to hear
you're still teaching music. Let me know if there's to be a reunion????
(Hopefully not a singing one, ha!)
Sandra Brenner
(Kennedy)
I wasn't
a soloist like Sheila or Tina, in fact my kids tease me that
I
can't even sing "Happy Birthday." However, we all sang
our hearts out. I
remember how horrified my mom was at the appearance of Mr. Fenger
-- that
was part of his mystique for us kids. I remember that he genuinely
liked
kids and he would throw his whole body into his singing.
On my first
day at my new school, Wix-Brown, in grade five, I remember
Carmen telling me that the music teacher taught songs like the
ones on
14CFUN, and that he was really cool. On very rare occasions,
Mr. Fenger
would let us have a drama class instead of a music class. I couldn't
sing
but I thought I could act, so I really loved that.
I never went
on in music (obviously), nor did I act past high school. In
fact I am 'just' the wife of a chiropractor with 3 kids and a
dog. But if
you ask me what I remember about elementary school, I would say
"Mr.
Fenger." And you can tell Rob MacRae that I remember when
he had to do that
solo -- I felt so sorry for him! I think that's why I always
sang my heart
out. I certainly didn't want to do that.
Dawn-Marie
Clegg
Two weeks
ago, I drove down 240th Street and memory lane. Along the way
I
stopped at Wix-Brown for the first time since probably 1979 when
I
graduated. A few days later, I picked up some memorabilia from
my parent's
home to bring back with me to Los Angeles. Among them was a photo
album from
first grade at Wix-Brown: Division 6. I decided then that when
I got back
home, I would start to try to look up some people from Wix-Brown.
What a
surprise today when I found out about the "Langley Schools
Music Project."
It brought tears to my eyes to hear, through the online tributes,
voices
that I had not heard in years.
I think I drove
my family a little crazy today as I looked through the album
song list and realized that I still knew most of the words to
most of the
songs. Unfortunately, I cannot say that my singing has improved.
I remember
the spring concerts vividly. In particular, I remember that Mr.
Fenger entrusted me with reading out a dialog during a dramatic
portion of
the concert. I remember Mr. Fenger's unorthodox teaching style
and the heart
with which he taught. Even my wife knew of Mr. Fenger from reminiscences
prior to today.
Well, this
album's been quite a sleeper. What memories!
Peter Huang
(http://www.rhythm.com)
Principal Software Engineer, Rhythm & Hues Studios
Mr. Fenger
Holy smokes! What is happening here?
100 or so years
ago we made an album in an echo chamber of a gym to sell to
parents, grandparents and other relatives -- and now we are in
the top 10 on
Billboard across the USA. (Ok, maybe a bit of exaggeration there.)
It is quite
amazing being a rock star. I cannot believe the excitement
around this. I haven't looked at the record in over 20 years.
Wow! The
memory is faint, but I will never forget the mega-concerts we
put on and
the day we made the record. Great memories not many people would
(or could)
ever have.
I went to Wix
Brown. I remember you first starting and me thinking, "what
the heck is this?" From there it went. Great Big Stuff.
Lucky us. You even
assisted in me getting my first guitar. The regular ones wouldn't
work
because I had to play left. I still have that guitar. A keepsake
forever.
I'm sure we will see you soon,
Steve Swift
I had a
lump in my throat when I started reading the responses from former
classmates from Wix-Brown. It is inspiring to see what has become
of a
long-lost school project. I was overwhelmed at how much influence
you had on
many students, myself included. The lyrics "I don't want
no pickle, I just
want to ride on my motor-cickle .... and I don't want to die,
I just want to
ride on my motorcy....cle," still run through my head. It
was a song you
taught us when I was in the 3rd grade. I went on to race motorcycles
in my
teens, and at the beginning of each race, that song would go
through my
head. I'm sure it helped put trophies on my shelf. I sing it
to my
4-year-old daughter, and it makes her laugh.
At the time
of the recording, I tried to play guitar but my fingers were
too
small, so I was stood on a bench to sing under your watchful
eye. I was
known for sneaking in my own lyrics in class, frustrating you
no end. I
wasn't trying to be disrespectful -- I was just a little rambunctious
class
clown. I do have a love for music. I sing to myself and occasionally
pick up
a guitar. I also have written a few songs, but have never put
them together
with music ...... yet.
My sister Loree
was one of the dancers in gymnastic tights covered in
glitter and makeup that got on anything they touched. Memories
came flooding
back as I listened to the recordings. Ahh, the echoes of the
gymnasium, the
lights, Joe's petri dish -- and of course, you conducting while
playing
guitar with what seemed like magic fingers to an eight-year-old.
It's almost
haunting, and sometimes wish I could step back in time to experience
it all
again.
I am an aspiring
artist. I have had many influences, and you are part of
that, along with Mrs. Cheshire, Denny Ross, and Ms. Smith, who
brought me
back to Wix-Brown to teach an art class while I was in still
high school. I
am now doing custom paint and airbrushing, 2D digital imagery,
and 3D
animation. I am researching and writing a screenplay about our
interstellar
neighbors. If my project gets produced it would be a total thrill
to have
the Wix-Brown version of Space Oddity, Venus and Mars/Rock Show
and/or
Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft as part of the soundtrack.
Glad to see
everything and everybody come together like this. Quite
touching. Take care.
Jason Mundeling
Hans:
I was one of
your students at Wix-Brown Elementary. For years I told people
about the unique music program I had in elementary school. They
really
didn't understand until now.
What a music
program you provided! In Grade 5 we were singing "O Canada"
from a book. When you came in Grade 6, we were thrilled. It was
so much
fun in your classes. Those songs stuck with me, and today they
are the only
songs that I can remember the words to. At university, my ballroom
dance
teacher chose "Help Me Rhonda" as one of the songs
we would regularly jive
to. It brought back great memories of your music class. It is
beyond me
how you listened to those songs over and over again as we practiced,
but we
loved them.
I played one
of the Orff xylophones, and participated in the gymnastics
presentation. There are two pictures of me on the left, lower
corner of the
inside back cover of the CD. I am in my gymnastics leotard and
next to that
playing the xylophone. My sister, Carrie, is also pictured at
the top right
corner.
Unfortunately
I don't have the album any more. My parents moved this summer
and got rid of their old albums to a thrift store. After the
first article
came out, they drove from Chilliwack to the thrift store in Abbotsford.
But
they (mine and my sister's) were gone. I had always meant to
keep the album.
I am so pleased to have the CD now.
I too am a
teacher and know how important it is to make an impact on your
students. You definitely did that 25 years ago. You gave us an
experience
that I'll never forget. The fact that you didn't exclude people
because
they lacked ability says a lot about you as a teacher. I have
never been
praised for my musical ability, and so it is with great fun that
I show off
the CD that I am a part of. Thank you for that.
Heather (Greene)
Burns
I was a
student of Hans Fenger in Lochiel Elementary the year the album
was
recorded. I was not on the album but my sister Nona Blanchet
was. I was
disappointed as a ten-year-old when I was not chosen to sing
on the album. I
can still remember Mr. Fenger coming into class and telling us
who made the
cut. I always enjoyed his music classes and ended up becoming
a musician.
I've played drums for about 23 years and I think Hans Fenger
had a lot to do
with my love for music. His different approach to teaching music
to children
has had a life-long effect on me and I'm sure on many others
who were lucky
enough to have him as an instructor. He taught me my first percussion
instrument, a xylophone that I played when we sang "Yesterday"
by the
Beatles. I would like to congratulate Hans Fenger on the re-release
of the
album.
Tim Blanchet
I attended
Wix-Brown Elementary and was part of the recording project. When
my sister mentioned that the recording had garnered a lot of
press, I thought
she had it confused with something else, but I saw the news clip
on TV, and I
see she was right.
Along with
Frank Lodewykx, I was banging on the bongos, drums and maracas
in addition to singing on the project. I clearly remember the
recording
equipment being set up in an "equipment checkout room"
on the side of the
gym.
I was happy
to see one of my closest friends at that time, Rod McCrae, had
dropped you a note, along with other old friends like Eva Meyer-Obel.
I took the
music I learned from that great experience, and after travelling
around Europe, returned and got into radio. I spent 10 years
on the air, and
became Music Director of Z95.3 FM in Vancouver, for which I won
Canadian
Music Director of the year. I co-produced a couple of albums,
but now I can
say I performed on one. I then become Promotions/Marketing Rep
for
Polygram Records of Canada, and spent 4 years touring with bands,
and
handling press/publicity for the label. I'm currently a producer
at Radical
Entertainment in Vancouver, making video games for Playstation2,
Xbox
and Nintendo.
I've never
lost my love of music and still do freelance work on the side.
I vividly remember not only recording the album, but the far-out
petri
dish/overhead projector special effects that we did for the live
performances.
I've also got
a pretty dorky shot of me on the album cover.
Thanks for
the experience Hans,
I took it to
the bank.
Best Regards,
Joe Nickolls
My name
is Chris Whobrey. l'm the one on the front cover of the Langley
album playing the guitar and right beside me in the middle of
the album
cover is my sister Darla Whobrey. It's nice to see the interest
in a project
where we allowed our inspiration in music to fill the gym and
now the
airwaves. Both my sister and l have gone on to make careers in
music since
these recordings. Thanks for all you've done with this project.
Chris Whobrey
I got a
copy of Innocence and Despair today from A&B in Surrey. It
was
selling rather fast! I was surprised at how popular the CD has
become.
Listening to
it was like being back there in the gym at Glenwood. I
remembered that old steel guitar, and I can honestly say I have
not seen one
of those since! I really wish that I had kept my copy of the
'76 album just
so that I could look at the cover again. I wonder if I can find
someone that
has it and can scan it and email it to me.
In your reminiscences
you said, "I bet they remember every lyric of every
song." That brought a smile to my face cause I do remember
every word. And
now the songs are back, stuck in my head. I remember how much
we liked
singing "Help me Rhonda." I remember how I thought
the la-la in "You're So
Good To Me" would never end. I found it so hard to sing
that part and sound
out each one over and over again. My favorite song was "God
Only Knows," and
listening to it now it is still my favorite.
One thing that
I did not realize until this all happened was how much my
attitude towards music and my musical tastes were shaped by your
influences.
Funny isn't it, how we do not realize how much of us is Nature
and how much
is Nurture? Thank you for imparting such a love of music in me.
Thank you,
Lois Gueret
Hans Fenger
is your name to some people but to some of us kids at that time
it was Mr. "Cool." Who else had a teacher with long
hair that walked around
with a guitar in his hands?
I was twelve
years old when you put a guitar in my hands and gave me a
chance. You gave us all a chance when we made the record. We
had something
to hold onto and take home with us. Now 25 years later I still
have
something to hold onto and take home with me, only this time
it's a CD and
not a record.
25 years is
a long time. My parents still live in the house I grew up in
and
my brother nearby, but I moved away about fourteen years ago.
I now live
with my husband and young son in Israel. I continued to play
guitar all
these years and was happy to hear about "Innocence and Despair."
It brought
back a lot of good memories and a few laughs trying to explain
about the
record we made way back when. Who would of thought?
Janice Hock Arad
I received
a call on my cell the other day from my sister telling me that
the record we made as a school project way back when was getting
some press
and to check out the news hour that night. I watched and some
incredible
memories started to come back.
I still have my album tucked away somewhere. Your style of teaching
was not
the usual. You had long hair and if I remember correctly wore
sandals and
bare feet! Definitely not conventional for the times.
You taught music in a way that made it fun for the students.
We learned and
played music that was popular, not boring. I had my song sheets
for years
after that. I remember one trip to Disney Land with four girls
ages 8 to 12.
My mother had to listen to us singing all way with the sheets
I brought along.
I'm glad to learn that you are still teaching music. You made
a positive
impression for music to me in elementary school [and] I'm sure
for the
hundreds of kids you have taught over the years.
Wish you well.
Jodi Thompson
former Glenwood Elementary guitar player!
Wow...talk
about a blast from the past...!!! I am a former student of Hans
Fenger. I was a part of the album recorded at Wix-Brown School
in 1977. I
was not a featured soloist, but did have a solo (along with three
others) on
a cassette tape also recorded in Langley by Hans Fenger. I did
go on to make
singing my career and would love to share stories of the past.
I do have some
nice memories of my music experiences with Hans. It was he
who encouraged me to sing a solo, and when I was just too shy,
he made a
cassette tape of four of us -- Sheila Behman, Joy Jackson, Jody
Sullivan,
and myself -- just to make my wish come true without having to
face my fears
in a gymnasium full of students! He also used to ask the music
students,
"Who likes music?" Of course, they would all reply
"I do!" At that he would
turn to me and say, "There's another one for you, Miss Music!"
He had a very unique way of teaching and I only now appreciate
it as he was
indeed a "different" kind of teacher. Hans told me
the reason he came to
Wix-Brown in the first place, was largely due to Denny Ross,
who was the
principal and a unique individual himself. Mr. Ross let Hans
have the
freedom to do what he wanted and his support was overwhelming.
It would
have been a wonderful thing for Denny to see what has become
of this album.
Lurene Music
lurenemusic@hotmail.com
Dear Mr. Fenger:
I was one of the students on the album now being re-released;
I was in grade
5 or 6 at Glenwood elementary and played the drums with my friend
Remy
Tompkins (or Tomkins). I heard through circuitous routes about
how that
little album was suddenly out in the world and thought it would
be
interesting to get back into contact. I have long since lost
track of my
copy of the original LP, black and white jacket and all, but
I certainly
haven't forgotten the experience.
I am currently a physician and working for Mayo Health Systems
in Minnesota.
Carl Victor Janzen
My name is Rod McCrae and my sister Kathy and I were involved
with the
Wix-Brown recording.
I was not very
involved; you and I never "clicked" so to speak. Remember
making me sing in front of Miss Smith's entire grade 6 class
because I
wasn't singing loud enough? I am pretty sure all the grade 7
students were
there too. I sang one line and then stormed out. I wasn't involved
with the
project after that until recording day. You stuck me in the gym
so I didn't
miss out but I left after one or two songs.
No hard feelings
though, I think I've got a mug shot on the back of the
album cover. We (Mom, Kathy, and I) were looking at it last night
after the
news report; I'll have to hook up a turntable I guess.
I really should
have been involved with the technical end. I became quite a
good sound engineer at Aldergrove Secondary School on a 16 channel
board.
I am now 35
years old, married and have a very special 3 year old. We own
a
house in Aldergrove and are enjoying life.
After high
school, I attended DeVry Institute of Technology and graduated
with Honors with an Electronics Engineering Technician Diploma.
I worked in
satellite telecommunications for 5 years then did an Electrical
Apprenticeship in the construction industry. For the last 6 years
I have
been building custom Mega-Yachts for Crescent Custom Yachts and
am presently
Lead Hand, Electrical Engineering.
Where has life
taken you? Do you know how Sheila Behman is? I was at a
garage sale at her mom's about a month ago; we used to be neighbors.
Brad
Kehtler was in our neighborhood as well; he works with me in
the Electrical
Department. I know Joe Nichols went on to be a radio DJ. I also
hear from a
few others once in awhile. I would like to hear from you.
Regards,
Rod
Hello Mr. Fenger,
I was one of
your students who was part of this great album. Couldn't
believe it when I saw the Vancouver Sun, and almost fell off
my chair. Sure
brought back a lot of memories of how much fun it was making
that album and
having you as a teacher. You probably don't remember me but you
might
remember I was the one with plaid on my jeans trying to look
like a Bay City
Roller. I still have the album and I still can't believe it.
Take care and congratulations!!!
Nicola Belyk
Dear Irwin,
Hans Fenger
contacted my brother (Chris Whobrey) and I last July to let us
know about the project. I was so excited to hear about the reception
our
school project was having in New York. It's wonderful that you
have agreed
to re-release this album/CD and I would like to help in any way
I can to
make it a success.
Music was what
I looked forward to most in school. Mr. Fenger was one of two
teachers that have had a real positive impact on my life. It
was his belief
and constant support that inspired me to pursue my dreams as
a professional
singer. Since the age of fifteen I have been privileged to do
what I love
most of all - sing.
Feel free to
contact me anytime or visit my website.
Darla and Company - www.darlaandcompany.com
Bye for now.
Darla Kendrick
[ed. note:
On the CD front cover, Darla is the girl
pictured in the upper center clapping her hands]
Hey Mr. Fenger,
Eva Meyer-Obel here. This is sooo cool. All these years people
have laughed
at me for my bad tambourine playing and inability to sing! This
will teach
them. Now I have a record release! I have always been very proud
to own a
copy of this record and to have been a part of its production.
It is and was
an honor and pleasure to have been one of your students. I am
thrilled to
know that you are doing well and still teaching. I'm sure that
all of your
students have walked away with a little something extra in their
lives just
from knowing you. I will never forget you.
Thank-you,
Eva Meyer-Obel Gillam
I recently got an article e-mailed to me by a friend who knew
that I went to
Wix-Brown and was part of the recording of the album. I was surprised
and
delighted to find out that people other than our parents were
listening to
the album. I have grown up appreciating the music Hans Fenger
brought to my
early childhood life. As people would come into my life they
were surprised
that I knew those songs and were even more surprised to find
out that my
elementary choir teacher taught them to us.
Thank you for
the memories that came back after so many years of
a great teacher.
Jody Swenson
Hi there!
I don't know whether or not I'm actually ON this album or not,
but I was
there, belting out melodies (forget the harmonies) with all my
friends. I
still have fond memories of singing the songs I loved (and still
do love)
and of Mr. Fenger leading us along with his guitar.
This is so cool and I can't wait to hear it again!
I'm now a working actor whose biggest credit to date is playing
Uncle Fester
in the Fox Kids TV series The New Addams Family. I still sing
a bit, too. I
recorded a track on an album called The Lost Railroad Journal
by Daniel Ross
and the Jones Collective - http://www.thelastspike.com
Thanks for
the memories!
Michael Roberds
Langley, BC
[Mike Bickerton
is a teacher at Simon Cunningham Elementary School in
Surrey, a district near Langley. His late father, Pat Bickerton,
who was
Head Teacher in the Langley District, encouraged Hans Fenger's
attempts to
imbue music enthusiasm in his students. Pat passed away of cancer
in 1976,
and the first album of recordings by Fenger was dedicated to
him.]
To Irwin:
Congratulations
on the success of the Langley Schools Music Project. From
hearing an album you liked to getting it produced is a tremendous
accomplishment. I appreciate your keeping the LP dedication to
my father in
the CD liner notes. My 85-year-old mother was very pleased when
she read
about it in the November 23 National Post newspaper.
I can still
remember how much my father, in his late 50s, loved what Hans
was able to do with his students, and how much he encouraged
him, even
though Hans' approach was perhaps not embraced with open arms
by everyone.
Dad himself had a great voice and used to sing with the big bands
around
Vancouver in the 1930s.
Hans Fenger
is a very talented individual, and also an unaffected and nice
person. Hearing about him interviewed , and seeing the comments
about him
in the reviews, I'm sure it all is very exciting for him.
