Memories

As we receive your stories, we will post them in this section.  Please note that by submitting your testimonial, you are giving the Albert J. Neumeyer Project your express permission to use your submission, edited or in full, on social media platforms and in project presentations. 

Al Neumeyer was one of those people whom, if you’re lucky, you meet in life and happily take their impact with you forever. I can honestly say that my love for the entertainment industry was due in a large part to the nurture, inspiration, and support of this dynamic teacher and mentor. Under Al’s tutelage, hundreds of young, wide-eyed teenagers, like me, had their minds enriched by a vast array of opportunities that exposed us to a lifelong love for the arts – particularly in music and theatre. In my case, working with Al in EHS theater productions led me to a 35-year career in show-business - from hit Broadway shows to some of Hollywood’s most successful movies and television productions including The Lion King, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Star Wars: Episode One. 

I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to bestow on this great man than to create, in his honor, the Albert J. Neumeyer Center for the Performing Arts. I have deep roots in our community, and I am certain this gesture will be enthusiastically embraced by our citizens young and old. Al was the kind of driving force every educator should aspire to. It would make us all so proud to see his legacy live large as a beacon of success so others may follow in his footsteps. 

I met Mr. Neumeyer in the summer of '74 when he directed Carousel...he made theatre fun and included everyone...I caught the theater bug and continued participating in other plays from publicity to prompting , etc.. I was one of those introverted teens....never sure of where I fit in....but Mr. Neumeyer always had kind words of encouragement and support! In fact, he invited me to be the first female guitarist for the Emmaus High School Esquires (Jazz band). So, do you think that he gave me self esteem to overcome being shy and introverted?? You bet he did!! I will always be grateful and feel very fortunate for knowing this wonderful human being named, "AL" .

Al was blessed with a wonderfully bright and vibrant spirit, charismatic and charming. He was incredibly generous with his time and his many talents. But he was so much more than what you'd see in those public roles. Away from the crowd, he was a warm and compassionate human being, who genuinely cared about others, always ready to listen or help, however he could. I feel fortunate to have spent a few nights a week over several years, working together with him, Shirley and the rest of the crew, putting on our nightly production at the Falcon. I am happy to have called Al "friend”.

I was a senior in the band at EHS when Al Neumeyer arrived. Al’s predecessor Jack Long was big on Big 10 style knees-high marching. To our happy welcome, Al preferred drum corps style strides. Al allowed me much latitude as drum-major. He incorporated a show-routine for “McNamara’s Band” which I choreographed at summer camp. He also allowed me to carry my tall, white rabbit hat (“hated it”) when the band entered the stadium, encouraged some twirls and throws of my mace, and even allowed me to run onto the field in the style of the Michigan University drum major. I am most grateful that Al, the art cultured genius from Pittsburgh, invited this Pa Dutch kid to audition for Emmaus’ first school musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” I knew nothing about acting or singing but, thanks to Al, I got the lead part. I didn’t appreciate how young Al was at the time. He was already losing his youthful crown of hair. [...] Thirty years later, Al attended a funeral I conducted in Emmaus for my best friend’s mother. I referenced Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” as we mourned the pain and loss of Alzheimer’s, and lifted up the promise of the Holy One to never forget us. Afterward, Al offered the best compliment ever. “I always knew you’d end up in theater.”

I met Mr. Neumeyer in 1975 when I moved from Omaha, Nebraska to Macungie, Pennsylvania and started school at Emmaus High School as a junior. It seemed everyone I met that first day had grown up together. I was very quiet and extremely shy. But I was fortunate enough to meet a handful of people that summer that would carry me through my remaining two years of high school, and with whom I would forge life-long friendships.  And Mr. Neumeyer was one of them.

Over the next two years, I did my best for Al!  I worked hard and practiced. In my couple of years at Emmaus, the shows he and Mrs. Neumeyer put on were “Sugar” and "My Fair Lady". I played in the pit orchestra and learned so much.  He taught me to conduct and to read a score. 

As the end of my senior year approached, my folks started to have some issues.  I was lost and confused.  Al and Shirlee took me under their wings, and kept me there. 

We remained friends. We didn’t talk often and we didn’t keep up on all the details of each other’s lives, but I knew at some point I had to see them in person and tell them what they both meant to me.  I finally had the opportunity in 2017.

It was a wonderful visit. So fantastic to see them both, the highlight of many years. And I was able to do what I wanted – to tell them both, that I am who I am today, because they were who they were back then and now.

His kindness was my rock. They got me through. My gratitude and love knows no bounds. Albert J. Neumeyer, the hero of shy persons! 

I first met Albert J. Neumeyer as a young Junior High student. My older brother was a freshman at Emmaus High School and so I got a chance to experience this new teacher at an early age. He fascinated me with his directing technique and knew I wanted to be in that band. Al became friends with my parents and we discovered that he was a baseball standout with a stent that could have sent him down a different path. This man […] was now sitting in my home and was friendly, funny and social. I entered Emmaus High and Al gave me every opportunity to succeed in a musical career. As a sophomore, I began playing bass for Mr. Neumeyer in the pit orchestra and found a whole new world called theater. I wanted to experience and perform in everything that Al had available. By my junior year in high school, I wanted be Al. He gave me the desire to teach, lead, and promote music. I wanted to be a music teacher just like Al. 

Upon graduating from Emmaus High, I attended Mansfield State College (Mr. Neumeyer’s alma mater) and entered the music education program. Al helped me through several academic and personal problems and I was able to graduate as a music educator. I was a music teacher, just like Al.

Over the years, I would contact Al for insight and recommendations on various issues. The memories of how Mr. Neumeyer handled issues in education helped me with my music career. One of my fondest memories is when I hosted a county wide band festival and I had to enlist a conductor for the band. Without hesitation, I called Al and he graciously accepted the invitation. A proud moment in my music career was to watch my mentor, former director, and now friend, direct students that were the same age as I was when I first met Mr. Neumeyer.

It would be a true honor to have Albert J. Neumeyer’s name continue on as a legacy at Emmaus High School. To think of the thousands of students lives that he had touched over the years is astounding. It is because of him, the legacy continues in my life. The encouragement, life skills, and love of music he instilled in me I have been able to pass on to my students. He will never be forgotten.

I first met Al Neumeyer in 1968. He was replacing Jack Long who was retiring as the Emmaus High School band director. I was a sophomore saxophone player.He was young and energetic and liked marching bands.

We started practicing new, peppy music and then we went to the practice field and got a big surprise.  He not only expected the band to do traditional 9 to 5 marching with diagonals and pinwheels ( a challenge to some) but also to dance.

He had added a song called “Tiger Rag” to the repertoire and expected the band to move back and forth while crossing their legs to side step in the process. At the time, this was a major change for a local high school band. I’m not sure how much the band liked it but we persevered and delivered on his good ideas.

Then there were the halloween parades. I don’t know if they had them in NY where he came from but our first parade with him was in Allentown. At that time, the parade ran from the fairgrounds to around 5th and Hamilton, a pretty good distance. Al decided the band was going to play and dance several times per block. By the end of the parade, everyone including Al was exhausted. He showed a measured amount of moderation for the rest of the parade season.

Spring of that school year brought something else new, the musical “Bye Bye Birdie”. That was a whole new adventure as we had senior class plays and the summer Lions minstral but the musical was entirely new animal. Al’s energy was boundless. He got everyone for the student actors to the town excited about the show. He even managed to get around most of the objections about some of the content of the show. It was a success and I’d like to think that it set the groundwork for the spread of theater in the Lehigh Valley and the Freddies. 

Later, I was part of the small cast of the Fantastics. Al played El Gayo, the baritone lead. I played one of the kidnappers. This included a trip to NYC to see the show off broadway.

I was privileged to be a member of the cast of several shows from those early years and he did have me do more dancing. 

There is another part of putting on a musical where Al and I spent a lot of time. That was lighting. I did lighting design and setup for a number of his musicals. This involved me in the catwalks or on a ladder and Al on stage saying “left / right / different color gel” and so on. We then ran the show. I ran the lighting panel and did many of the curtain and flying scene changes while he was out front running the show. I leveraged what he taught me in lighting and stage design to spend over 30 years of trade show staging as part of my career. I sure hope Emmaus put a better theater facility in while he was still there because he and the people who loved and supported his theater projects deserved it.

I spend a lot of time with Al Neumeyer. Between the marching and concert bands, the Esquires dance band, the pep band, the theater, and numerous band and theater road trips, he was there.

I will miss him, all who interacted with him will miss him, all who knew him will remember him.

In the musical "The Music Man," the lead Harold Hill was characterized as a fast talking musical instrument salesman who promised results after the purchase of his product.  In various theatre venues, Al Neumeyer played the role of Harold Hill; but, in real life, he was the opposite of Harold Hill. Al, provided children with musical instruments and he taught them to play.  He formed bands and orchestras that made beautiful music.  He promoted friendships among his students.  When the bands participated in competitions, they always came home champions even if they didn't win first place. (Note: In most cases, they placed first.)

Al began the Summer Musical Theatre Program for the East Penn School District and invited the community to participate.  That program is how my family met Al.  All 6 family members performed in the summer musical "Li'l Abner."

My family and I are so proud to have known Al and enjoyed the Neumeyer musical experience.

Mr. Albert J. Neumeyer was the true "MUSIC MAN."

I graduated from EHS in 1975.  I was both a student of Al's in the band (all iterations except marching band).  I also played in the pit orchestra for shows as well as sang in the chorus for a few of the Broadway show productions.  I'm also the son of one of Al's colleagues.  My father was G. Wesley Sell.  He died on June 11, 2017.  Al handled all of the instrumental music groups along with producing/directing those shows.  My father handled all the vocal music groups

My "testimonial" would be about so many intersecting interactions and relationships - both in the early to mid-70's and then, years later having to get re-acquainted with Al and Shirley via their venture at The Inn of the Falcon.  This whole topic brings up so many fine and nostalgic memories of a really great time of life. […]

I was assigned to "homeroom" with Miss Shirlee Kovacs.  Seating charts being set-up in alphabetical order I started every day next to Anna W […] I liked her then as buddy who gave a warm start to every day.  […]  I've reconnected (just via social media with Anna) and have come to learn how she continued to thrive and how there was that strong Neumeyer influence.  

I was more an "observer"; had strong musical roots at home, ongoing private lessons with my French Horn so, Al didn't need to spend much time with me other than to be encouraging.  He was.  But, I also observed how he "clicked" with so many of my peers and fostered their enthusiasm.  He was infectious.   But, the "coolest" thing about Mister Neumeyer (Al, later on) was unquestionably his passion.  That's a great gift to pass on to others.  For those that take the time to ponder... there's a great deal of gratitude.  What a lovely and loving gift to give to others - that passion.  

Years later and just by happenstance I reconnected with Al and Shirlee when they opened The Inn of the Falcon.  I'd stop by on a regular basis and they even tried to help me with some personal interests.  That too was much appreciated.  Years after that we held the rehearsal dinner for my wedding party at The Inn.  So, there are many fond and recurring moments...

My deepest regret is not being able to attend Al's funeral.  For that I can only apologize to Shirlee.  Bittersweet as it may have been I also missed an opportunity to hear Anna sing.  

I absolutely endorse the honoring of Al in naming the auditorium.   Many have directed there but, I do believe he made it his.

Thanks for the memories,

Eric Sell  Class of 1975  

Al inspired so many of his students to pursue the performing arts. By creating many strong performance opportunities for the East Penn students, such as Concert Band, an award winning jazz band, and a competitive marching band. His musical theater productions were the pride of the community. 

My sister Sue was one of his earliest students. She performed in all of the musical theater productions during high school. On Al’s urging, she attended Mansfield State College for vocal music education, and became vocal music and theater director at Emmaus HS for many years. 

So many others were inspired in the same way and devoted their lives to the performing arts; Ric Stoneback, professional actor; Steve Bartosik, Broadway percussionist; Brian Bortz, jazz bassist extraordinaire to name but a few. I myself played drums professionally for a few years and still perform to this day as a direct result of my time in Al’s jazz band. 

I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor a man who devoted so much time and effort to promoting the arts and by doing so, helped so many young people find their passion and pathway in life.

Okay, so one afternoon, when I was setting up the dining room, as a waitress at the Inn of the Falcon, Al and I are chatting as always, —this time about singing. I said, “Al, what can be done about pitch—I don’t think I can find my pitch”. And as droll as ever, he smiled that broad smile, and simply said: “Oh,...(big pause) nothing.” My eyes are like plates, and I said, “for real?” By now he’s beaming finding this all hilarious. He simply repeated himself, “nope kiddo, sorry” And then we both absolutely howled! 

Long before I arrived at EHS in the fall of 1975, Albert J Neumeyer had fought to have his concert band and prized Esquires jazz ensemble structured as full-time/full-credit daily classes. I recall in junior high seeing the Esquires in concert and being blown away; I played trumpet but I was taken by the bassist, Barry Schreiter, who did some really cool things with it! When I got to EHS as a sophomore (my class was the first to spend 9th grade in junior high with the opening of Eyer that year), I played trumpet in concert band and Barry was a senior. So in the spring of that school year, Al announced during band class that he needed a bassist for the Esquires the following year and asked if anyone present played....after a moment I raised my hand and said "I do". A week later I went out and bought one....I had no idea really how to play it or what the notes on the neck were. Over the summer, with the help of Neil Wetzel, James Reichard, and a few others, I started learning. By the time school started I was competent enough that Al really never knew I had just started. But then his infectious enthusiasm and brilliant tutelage pushed me to grow rapidly, to the point that I was playing professionally within two years. 43 years later I still play and I've had the honor of traveling all over the US, Canada, Caribbean and Europe playing my bass. I've backed and opened for major stars. I even met my wife of 30+ years in Montreal while on tour. My life changed dramatically that afternoon in Al Neumeyer's concert band class - I owe it to him for the opportunity. But mostly it was his incredible optimism that set in my soul and has remained with me through the whole journey. I have many stories of incidents during my three years under his mentoring, and the many years that followed at the Inn of the Falcon, but I'll leave those for another day. I loved Al dearly and miss him deeply. And I fully support this movement to have the EHS auditorium named after this great man.If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

 Al Neumeyer arrived in the East Penn School District in 1968. I studied instrumental music with him beginning that year. As a fifth grader at Kings Highway School, I remember Al being the epitome of cool. In turtleneck, sport coat, corduroys, and a cabbie’s hat speedily fleeing the parking lot in his beloved Fiat Spyder convertible- He was The Man! Al was my teacher, mentor, and close friend for almost 50 years. Over the years I played in several bands under Al’s supervision, and in high school he cast me in musicals, which he directed. The summer before my senior year, he encouraged me to attend college to study to be an actor, a dream I had never seriously considered before that day. This year I celebrate my 41st anniversary as a professional actor working on Broadway, and in TV and film. Without Al, I never would have had the wealth of experiences I’ve enjoyed throughout my career. He gave me the confidence to succeed. His talent, encouragement, support, charisma, energy, charm, humor, and heart were boundless. And you couldn’t ask for a better friend. He was always there for me and literally countless others. Al created the theatre program at Emmaus High School, and widely expanded and updated the music program to include music theory classes, and he added both a string orchestra and a wind ensemble. He put EHS on the map when it came to music and theatre. In short order our musicals were widely renowned and our musicians were winning awards throughout the state. Today so many of his students, myself included, continue to work professionally in the arts. The continued success of EHS students in those arts today can be traced directly to the foundation created by Al Neumeyer beginning in 1968. His influence needs to be celebrated, and there would be no better way to do that than to name the EHS auditorium in his honor. Please help us continue his legacy of talent, inclusiveness, support, and passion for many generations to come.

The truest, most genuine tributes to the character of Al Neumeyer are the lives of those he inspired and encouraged that are being lived each day. We are musicians, actors, singers, teachers, professionals and family members who have all benefited from Al's vibrant and impactful example. Thank you Al. Our hearts will always hold you dear. The auditorium IS yours.

I met Al when I was in sixth grade.  The new band director at Emmaus High School, to me he was larger than life!  I admit, I found him scary.  But in a few years when I got to high school I began to see a different Mr. Neumeyer.  Daily interaction allowed me to see the real person.  Allowed me to see the genuine concern he had for the many activities of our music department and the students in his charge.
Al opened a number of musical doors for me.  Orchestra, jazz, and most profoundly musical theater.  I remember the first show I saw sitting the auditorium at EHS, Mame.  I was in awe, and this began what has become a lifelong passion with theater.  Two years later he had me on that stage as a junior and then again as a senior.  Plus both those summers with Al's East Penn Summer Theater. 
In my senior year at Emmaus I was spending half of my day with Al Neumeyer.  Concert band, wind ensemble, theater, and music theory.  Add in the extracurricular activities like marching band and the musicals and it was evident I was seeing him more than others.  But I certainly was learning, and enjoying.  And now looking back I realize how much of an effect Al had on my life.  I see so many things that Al had a positive and enduring influence on. 
Al Neumeyer was many things, teacher, director, mentor and friend.  But to me he was most importantly, a life changer.  

When I first heard that there was a grass roots movement underway to attach the name Albert J. Neumeyer to the auditorium in Emmaus High School, I thought that no one is more deserving of such a high honor as he was the total embodiment of the performing arts. 

His talents had no boundaries - whether it be directing award winning jazz bands, concert bands and wind ensembles; producing, directing, set design and building, conducting and stage managing the musicals (literally all at the same time); acting and singing in his own summer shows or with other local productions; teaching a wide variety of music and theatre classes; performing on his saxophone and clarinet. He would approach each project with unbridled enthusiasm, commitment, intensity and bring along his radiant smile and infectious laugh. He was an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have had him as a teacher and mentor; there is no question that because of his encouragement and guidance many of his former students went on to be accomplished educators, musicians, actors and artisans.

I sincerely hope this project can be accomplished, and the future generations of students that set foot in that auditorium will somehow get to know Al Neumeyer.

He truly was the wind beneath OUR wings.

 Like so many others who were fortunate enough to have been students of Al Neumeyer, his impact on me was life changing.  Our association began my junior year at EHS as member of the marching, concert and jazz bands.  It continued as he saw fit to cast me in several Neumeyer/COPA/East Penn Summer Theatre/Mansfield University productions (Music Man, Carousel, Promises-Promises, Sweet Charity).  Al Neumeyer had a gift for unlocking talents that I’m sure many of us didn’t know we had!  Admittedly, I was bit puzzled when one day in the fall of my senior year, he informed me that the senior class play needed “guys” and that I had an audition later that week with the director, Mr. Balfe.  (Evidently it was a severe shortage of males as I ended up being cast in the play!).   Undoubtedly, many of us were inspired by Al’s passion, energy and expertise in all of the various musical endeavors that he taught, conducted, or directed—so much so that several of us (Susan K/S; Don S., Fred M., Doug B.) from the late 60’s-early 1970’s “generation” all went on to obtain music education degrees and become part of the Neumeyer Legacy.  Each of us has had the opportunity to extend the lineage of Al’s guidance and encouragement to our own students—what a honor to be able to say that we had a small part in continuing his legacy!  (See, he was even casting us in roles in the musical of life!)

He continued to mentor and foster my own professional and personal growth by letting me shadow him as he taught lessons at an elementary school and inviting me to conduct rehearsals with the EHS Wind Ensemble when I was home on breaks.  Al brought the Esquires to the high school where I began my teaching career. It was their performance that finally convinced my students that maybe a jazz band was something that they could “do”!  Several years later, I had the opportunity to repay Al by inviting him to conduct the symphonic band at Millersville University…and it was no surprise that he chose “Mannin Veen”. My students were so impressed with his musical expertise, energy and passion and the occasion allowed me to acknowledge Al and provided a chance for my family to spend time with Al and Shirlee . 

Without Al’s mentorship and support, I very likely would have pursued a different career and life path.  I must admit that having had Albert J. Neumeyer as a teacher, mentor and friend was perhaps one of the most significant blessing of my life.  Thank you, AJN, for showing us how to pay it forward.

I was a color guard in the Emmaus High School Marching Band from 1968 to 1972, and the color guard captain for the from 1971 to 1972.  Al Neumeyer was the band director so I worked very closely with him during that time.  It was such a wonderful experience to participate in the marching band parades and football games!  Such exciting times for those of us who were fortunate enough to be directed by Mr. Neumeyer!!  

Al was not only a talented musician, he was also a kind, nurturing teacher.  His patience with his students was admirable.  High school students can be very trying at times and I never once heard him raise his voice.  In fact, I can recall his fine sense of humor during some practices!

I believe his wonderful contributions and positive influence on so many during his teaching years, should be rewarded by naming the EHS auditorium after him.  It would be 'music to his ears' and to the rest of us who had so much respect for such a fine man and teacher!

I would like to offer my testimonial for Al Neumeyer and the naming of the auditorium for him.  He was a transformative figure in my youth.  Finding my way thru HS from 1972-1976 Al was a natural leader and mentor whom I gravitated to for the Arts. 

I eventually became a designer and architect but thru theatre, marching band or orchestra, he was a singular presence.  I would wholeheartedly endorse the memory of his name to be embraced for this special honor.

He was a one of a kind master of persuasion and pursuit.  The cycle of my life has been intrinsically changed because of him.   

I don’t think that I am alone when I say that Albert J Neumeyer altered the trajectory of my life in incalculable ways. His guidance, passion for music, and educational gifts have forever changed my life and set me on a path to become a performer and educator. Today, I pass down the many things he taught me onto other generations of music students.

As a student at Emmaus High School from 1975-1978, I participated in the Green Hornet Marching Band, Concert Band, Esquires Jazz Band, Hobo Band, and the pit orchestras for school productions. I held leadership positions in these organizations, and was mentored and guided by “Mr. Neumeyer.”

Al was also very generous; when my own student-model Buescher alto saxophone became a hinderance to my progress, Al graciously let me use his own, personal, beloved, gold plated, “Martin” alto saxophone. When I think back, I am amazed at the trust he placed in me to use his own, professional model, instrument.

Al also coached me on improvising in jazz—providing private lessons beyond his teaching load while helping me hone my improvising skills. He introduced me to important classical saxophone repertoire (Jacques Ibert’s Concertino de Camera), drilling me on the piece that I successfully played for my college auditions.

As a high school senior, I shadowed Al for a day accompanying him through his daily schedule of lessons and rehearsals. It was so cool! I got to ride with him to other schools in the district in his hot little red convertible sports car! 

Every day of my career as a college music professor, I use the things Al taught me in high school:

· Music Theory Skills

· Conducting

· Coaching 

· Mentoring Music Students

· Saxophone Performance Skills

Every task I undertake in my current job as Chair of the Music Department at Moravian College draws on skills and information I learned under Al’s tutelage and guidance.

But the amazing thing is that I was just one of the thousands of students that Al came in contact with, guided, and influenced. His career at Emmaus lasted about 20-25 years. He eventually went on to other institutions, working with students at Muhlenberg College, Lehigh University, and Saucon Valley School District. It is amazing that he began teaching over fifty years ago (he was my twin brothers’—Tom and Don, EHS class of 1969—band director) and finally retired only a few years ago! This longevity is a testament to Al’s energy and passion for music and music education!

His educational influence, and his musical legacy lives on in thousands across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Many have chosen careers as music teachers, college music professors, and performers (actors, singers, and musicians), but his real contribution was providing aesthetic education to many fortunate students. Arts education makes us human and research has shown that studying music changes the brain forever in positive ways.

Al Neumeyer certainly did that! He changed us all for the better—thank you, AL! 

IT WAS ALBERT J. NEUMEYER WHO IGNITED MY EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY.  Freshman year at Emmaus High School, for me, began with marching band, in the flute section. But I was looking for more variety; Mr. Neumeyer suggested I take up alto saxophone. So that year, I borrowed an alto sax from a friend and taught myself sax over the next few months. That next year, I joined the alto sax section of the marching band and loved it. Mr. Neumeyer was encouraging, entertaining, disciplined and knowledgeable.  He created an energetic 'can do' atmosphere for learning.

Also in freshman year, I auditioned for and was cast in the spring musical, MAME (by Jerry Herman), for which Mr. Neumeyer prepared the cast by first watching the film musical version in the EHS Auditorium (to be in the musical, I had to give up my position as a diver on the EHS Swim Team). To be cast in MAME was a time of ignition, and I was hooked on musicals. I was in every annual musical after that (DAMN YANKEES, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, GUYS AND DOLLS), where we prepared by watching the film musical version, then rehearsed and performed in the EHS Auditorium. There were summer musicals too (PROMISES PROMISES, LI’L ABNER) that became learning grounds as well, and it was through Shirlee Neumeyer that I discovered I could dance!  The EHS stage was home to me, a very comfortable and safe place, a place of challenge, artistic learning, and performance success. I attribute my confidence in front of a group or audience to this day, to that time of intellectual and artistic growth on the EHS stage, under Albert Neumeyer’s supervision.

I heard The Esquires (the EHS jazz band, a hot-shot group of improvisationally-minded big band high schoolers) perform and was driven to earn a place with the ensemble. Al Neumeyer introduced me to Bob Arnold (former pianist and arranger with The Glenn Miller Orchestra) with whom I studied piano for several years, and Bob Arnold taught me music theory, how to read jazz charts, using chord structure and inversion improvisation, all while enhancing my piano technique. My senior year at EHS (1974/1975) I triumphed and became the jazz pianist for The Esquires (earned awards that year from competitions in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, as well as Duquesne University in Pittsburgh). Life changing.

At college, in Music/Theatre, I was able to skip courses because of Al Neumeyer’s training. After graduating and studying at the Aspen Music Festival, I performed professionally in musical theatre and opera productions across the country, and even came back to sing with the Bethlehem Bach Festival Choir (Al was in the tenor section, I was in the soprano section) for a few seasons. Oh, that was grand, hanging out with Al and Shirlee after Bach Choir rehearsals, at The Inn of the Falcon!

My Master’s thesis entitled “American Lyricist E. Y. Harburg: Origins and Evolution of Russian and Yiddish Influences” led me to continue actively researching and writing book chapters such as “Twentieth-Century Women Choreographers: Refining and Redefining the Showgirl Image” in Women in American Musical Theatre: Essays on Composers, Lyricists, Librettists, Arrangers, Choreographers, Designers, Directors, Producers and Performance Artists.  Al Neumeyer’s early influence guided me, and I kept in touch with him and Shirlee, as I furthered my intellectual curiosity and gained a reputation as a musical theatre historian (with topics such as “Women of the Great American Songbook,” “Vladimir Dukelsky [Vernon Duke]: Russian Undertones with American Overtones,” and “WWII Patriotism or Propaganda?: The American Romanticization of Communism by Means of Penning Pro-Soviet Songs”). I have performed concert lectures at New York’s Lincoln Center, the University of Colorado, Hofstra University, Elon University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Regis University, as well as at the Moscow P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music, RU. I now teach at Arizona State University, where my courses—"Survey of American Musical Theatre,” “American Film Musicals,” "Popular Music: Elvis," and “Controversy in Theatre and Film”—have enriched students in communications, 20th Century history, humanities, music, theatre and the arts. My hope is to stir some intellectual curiosity in my students, just as Al Neumeyer did for me.

All this is to say, I am in TOTAL SUPPORT OF NAMING the Emmaus High School Auditorium the ALBERT J. NEUMEYER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS. Those high school years with Mr. Neumeyer's superior teaching and guidance, ignited in me a lifelong passion to perform and learn about American musical theatre, jazz and the arts (on stage and on film). I enthusiastically grew a career path, where Mr. Neumeyer planted the seeds.