Loss of Two Members

Our chapter mourns the loss of two fine musicians and dear friends; both played in the Dallas Symphony. Katherine was a charter member, President in 1932-33 and again in 1940-41. Kay Newman mentioned that she had taught with Katherine as a beginning music teacher at Reinhardt School in 1944. Dundee Dillard was able to attend meetings occasionally until just recently. We will miss both of them.

Dallas Morning News December 7, 2005 

KATHARINE HARRIS RIDDLE

A long-time violin teacher, performer and supporter of chamber music in Dallas was born on Twelfth Street in Oak Cliff on May 18, 1904. She graduated as valedictorian from Oak Cliff High School in the class of January, 1921. She became a member of the Dallas Symphony when she was thirteen and always remembered how her father took her on the streetcar to attend symphony rehearsals held at the old Watkins Piano Company on Elm Street. She later took a degree in violin from Southern Methodist University where she was also a member of Delta Delta Delta and later a founding member of the SMU chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, an international, professional music organization.

Katharine often laughed about the time which she spent commuting from Oak Cliff to SMU in her family's 1914 Dodge touring car which she would drive at the top speed of thirty-five miles per hour, roaring up to the front steps of Dallas Hall looking for a place to park.

After her marriage to Dr. Penn Riddle in 1927 Katharine continued to play in the Dallas Symphony while teaching violin in several Oak Cliff elementary schools. She also taught privately and remained active in Mu Phi Epsilon, Pro Musica, Musical Arts and the Dallas Music Teachers' Association. Part of her music club work involved promoting and finding performers for the Elmer Scott Chamber Music Series, a forerunner of the current Dallas Chamber Music Society programs. She also scheduled young soloists from area colleges to appear with a local WPA orchestra on a free concert series offered in the old Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. This series, still sponsored today by Mu Phi Epsilon, continues to offer free public chamber music concerts on Sunday afternoons now held in the auditorium of the Dallas Public Library.

Katharine Riddle was an active member of Kessler Park United Methodist Church where she taught various classes until she became a retired Sunday school teacher at the age of 95. Church members as well as former violin students will always remember Katharine's warm sense of humor as well as her dedication to her work. One former student who now teaches and plays professionally in Connecticut wrote in a recent card, "I often find myself trying to be the type of teacher that you were for me." She then closed by saying that her own daughter was majoring in violin and would graduate in another year. This is the mark of a teacher whose work lives on.

Katharine Harris Riddle is survived by two daughters, four grandsons, and five great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Kessler Park United Methodist church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kessler Park United Methodist Church or to Grace Presbyterian Village in Oak Cliff.

Top

**********

The Dallas Morning News, December 11, 2005

Violinist formed bond with Oak Cliff pupils

BY JON NIELSEN

Staff Writer

Katharine Harris Riddle was an accomplished musician in her own right, but sharing her passion with others, especially children, brought her the most joy.

"She was a very warm person, and she was able to make others know that she was genuinely interested in them as people," said Mrs. Riddle's daughter Celia Riddle Millemon of Dallas. "I think that warmth, that genuine, honest interest in them as people, forged an attachment that was possibly deeper than music."

Mrs. Riddle died Dec. 2 at Grace Presbyterian Village in East Oak Cliff. She was 101. Services were Saturday at Kessler Park United Methodist Church.

From the time she was a teen-ager until she was about 80, Mrs. Riddle was a private teacher to students in Oak Cliff. She also spent time teaching at elementary schools in Oak Cliff. During that time, she helped some become professional musicians.

"Whether they became a professional or not was not her goal. It was not so important that she turn out the virtuoso violinist," Mrs. Millemon said. "I continue to receive cards and letters from her students saying how much they enjoyed studying with her and how often they think about her when they're attending concerts."

Mrs. Riddle was turned on to music as a child by her mother. By 13, Mrs. Riddle was a member of the Dallas Symphony.

"She had a warmth of expression with the violin that was very attractive," said Arvel E. Haley, a friend and fellow symphony member.

Mrs. Riddle graduated as valedictorian from Oak Cliff High School in 1921. It helped earn her a scholarship to Southern Methodist University, where she studied violin and earned a degree in 1925.

While at the university, Mrs. Riddle was one of the founding members of the SMU chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, the music fraternity.

Mrs. Riddle married Dr. Penn Riddle in 1927 and continued to play in the symphony while she taught at several Oak Cliff elementary schools during the 1930s and 1940s, her daughter said.

She remained active in a number of musical organizations, including Pro Musica, Musical Arts and the Dallas Music Teachers Association. Her work included promoting and finding performers for the Elmer Scott Chamber Music Series. She also scheduled soloists from area colleges to appear with a local Works Progress Administration orchestra during its concert series.

In addition to her time in the public music scene, she remained an active member of Kessler Park United Methodist Church. She taught a variety of classes there until she was 95.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Riddle is survived by another daughter, Rosalind Riddle Beaird of Dallas; four grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Kessler Park United Methodist Church's Organ Fund or to Grace Presbyterian Village.

Dallas Morning News: Monday, January 30, 2006 

DUNDEE SHEEKS DILLARD

Was born August 25, 1913, in Beaumont, Texas to Charles and Verna Sheeks, passed away on January 28, 2006, in Dallas. Dundee graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1935 with her BA in Music and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and many music related organizations. She married Robert L. Dillard, Jr. on January 30, 1937. He preceded her in death in 2000.

She played the viola in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for 41 years and was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church for 75 years. She was active in the A.Y.A. Sunday School Class. Dundee was a resident at C.C. Young Retirement Center where she enjoyed many activities and meeting new friends.

Survived by her son, Rob Dillard and daughter-in-law, Susan Dillard of Dallas, TX; daughters, Diane More and son-in-law, Patrick More of Vernon, TX and Deborah Cullen and son-in-law, Rev. John B. "Chick" Cullen of Houston, TX; thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jo Dillard and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Cox Chapel. Private interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or to A.Y.A. Scholarship Fund at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.

MEETINGS

We look forward to our remaining meetings for the year. Remember that if you are listed as a co-hostess and cannot serve on that day, please change with someone else at a later meeting.

Monday, February 20 at 7:30 pm

First United Methodist Church

1928 Ross Ave.  

Program: Claudia Jameson, Soprano; Debby Ragsdale, Flute; SAIs

Hosts: SAI

Monday, March 13 at 2 pm    

Home of Martha Peak 

Dallas Alumni chapter’s 75th birthday

Program: Mary Williams and Kay Newman, narrators and slides “Vienna, Home of Composers”

Hostesses: Sandra McMillen, Becky Corley, Sharon Kraus, Sue Johnson

Tuesday, April 10 at 7:30 pm

Clubhouse of Mary Williams

Chimneyhill Clubhouse  

9223 Emberglow (not 8223 as in the yearbook)

Program: Collegiates from SMU - flute and harp; Cherie Bell, soprano; Barbara Hill-Moore, SMU Voice Professor

Hostesses: Joann Turrentine, Cherie Bell, Fran Pearson

Saturday May 13 at 11 am

Home of Edie Pfautsch

All Members Potluck

Program:  Les Amis Ensemble; Biography by Sylvia Lerch; Billy Lawley, music therapy demonstration; Leslie King, soprano

Hostesses: Everyone bring your favorite salad, casserole or dessert.

Top

CHAPTER NEWS

By-laws

The chapter approved all of the bylaw changes proposed by International that were presented at the previous meeting. One change of special interest to us was that recent college graduates will get their first year’s membership free in an Alumni chapter.

Mu Chi Chapter Event

Sandra McMillen has renewed efforts to reactivate the Mu Chi chapter that fell in inactive status this past year, due to a series of unfortuitous events. Sandra arranged with Dr. Holland at SMU to have an open house to publicize the fraternity to academically eligible music students. It was held on January 30 hosted by Sandra.  

Thanks to our chapter members who attended this function bearing food: Mary Williams, Susan Poelchau, Edie Pfautsch, Sadie Rowe, Phyllis Wilson and to those who sent food: Pat Suitt, Sylvia Taylor Lerch and Cynthia Wadley.  Thirty students signed in to receive information. Many thanks to Sandra for her hard work and perseverance

Susan Poelchau, an SMU student and Sandra McMillen

Students enjoying a snack. Food is always good!

Meghan Gomen and Kaleena Loard helping to get the chapter going again

Top

Newsletter

Thank you for sending your news for our newsletter and website. The deadline for the April newsletter will be March 20. Please send your news to Mary Williams at txtravel@flash.net.

Increasing Membership

One of the major goals of the Fraternity is to increase our membership.  The Alumni chapters who have added the most new members will be given 50 extra points each (in addition to 10 points per member).  Let's bring in those new members!

SUSAN’S SONG

Dear Mu Phis,

Ars longa, vita brevis

At the music department at Texas Tech, where I graduated, the official motto which appeared on the bottom of every program was “Ars longa, vita brevis”. This phrase is usually translated as “Art is long, life is short,” but I like to turn it around to say that life may be short, but art lives on; a truth which can give us vision and comfort even when we are saddened by loss. 

I was reminded of this motto again Monday evening, January 30 as I attended our Open House at SMU. The goal was to provide a forum for disseminating information about Mu Phi Epsilon, in the hopes of revitalizing the Mu Chi chapter at SMU in which our recently deceased members Katharine Riddle and Dundee Dillard played such a large part.  We are enormously saddened by the loss of Katharine and Dundee, but at the same time we can be encouraged to see the good start that was made at the Open House. Thirty young musicians from several countries dropped by our table, feasted on snacks, picked up information sheets and signed a list so that they can be contacted when the chapter attempts to form again and begin regular meetings.  If at least a small core group can be formed out of those 30 young men and women, then there is hope for the chapter for the future. 

I'm happy to report that Meghan Gomen and Kaleena Loard, who played for us at Martha Peak's last year while they were still Mu Chi members, have graduated and are willing to act as alumnae advisors for the Mu Chi chapter along with Megan Chiavetta.  They will also be joining Dallas Alumni Chapter, taking advantage of National’s new offer to waive national dues for the first year out of college, and plan to appear on our March program.

Meghan was so grateful for our support, and said that it meant a great deal for them to see, through our presence at this event, that Mu Phi is not just another "college club" but an organization which can be meaningful for many years.  This is a sentiment which certainly was shared by Katherine and Dundee!  Many thanks go to Sandra McMillen for her efforts in organizing this event and supporting the chapter, to the five alumni who were able to attend, and those who contributed goodies although they could not come in person. 

I am looking forward to our February joint meeting with SAI.  Please contact a member who lives in your area if you would like to carpool downtown.  Vice President Mary Ann Taylor will be presiding over the March meeting at the home of Martha Peak.  My husband and I are flying to Boulder to hear our daughter Julie sing "Obediencia" in a program of Hildegard von Bingen songs presented by her choir, Ars Nova - we just couldn't pass up this opportunity!  See you in February and April!

Susan Poelchau, President

MEMBER NEWS

Please contact Susan for a change of address/phone for Cherie Bell.

Add E-mail for Anne Stone: annejstone@yahoo.com

Tena Hehn’s husband Greg was hospitalized for heart problems; he had a heart catheterization (which Tena herself has had recently) and has had a defibrillator installed to keep his heart rhythm steady. Tena says, “Please know that I'm pretty calm with this – not angry, dismayed, upset or even too worried; maybe the correct word is resignation. Apparently, we are going to have more problems and incidents like this, more so than problems with the diabetes; his congestive heart failure is an on-going process which will not get better. Keep us in your thoughts and I'll keep you posted.”

FALL MEETINGS

November

At our 2005 Founders Day event, awards were given to vintage members: 50 year member – Mary Williams, 

60 year member – Sadie Rowe, and also to 80 year member – Katherine Riddle, who was in a nursing home at the time.

An award was given to our chapter for SERVice hours to the community – displayed by President Susan Poelchau. Mary Williams also was given a certificate for our chapter’s first place website.

Performers for the evening were MaryAnn Taylor, flute and her husband Jerry at the piano. They played a “faux” concerto by Von Weber, a Beethoven Romance and some Mozart.

Soprano Adele Wilson visited us once again, accompanied by Tara Emerson. She delighted us with songs by Mozart, Schubert, Debussy and Quilter.

The Founders Day ceremony was ably performed by Kay Newman, Mary Ann Taylor and Susan Poelchau.

A number of visitors joined us to hear our excellent program. Thanks to our hostess Sylvia Lerch and co-hostesses Priscilla Long, Frances Estes and Karen Glosserman.

Top

December

Several visiting husbands joined us for our holiday celebration at Kay Newman’s house on December 12th. Don Lipsett, in-better-health Dan Wadley and Harald Poelchau added a male touch to our meeting.  Thanks to our hostess Kay Newman and co-hostesses Anne Stone, Phyllis Wilson, Melanie Priest and Judy Dardaganian.

For our program, Harald and Susan Poelchau played two Bicinia by Giovanni Giancarlo Gastoldi for soprano and alto recorder, and the first movement of Op 1, No. 2 Sonata for two alto recorders by Johann Mattheson (who was mentored by Handel).

Wynona Lipsett and Phyllis Wilson played some favorite carols as a piano duo.

Phyllis then became our song director for a performance of more carols played on (handbell) chimes by everyone present.

Sunday Concert Series Resumes

Our concert series resumes on February 5 and we have some wonderful events coming up (See Sunday Concert Series). Vitas of performers are posted on our website along with the programs they are playing, as they become available. Also any changes, should they occur. So you can check the website to see who is performing and what they are performing. Please support these series. Call Claudia Jameson to volunteer to introduce a program if you possibly can. Cherie Bell and Claudia Jameson are carrying most of this load.

Electronic mail

President/ General Information - Patricia HIll  pattylou915@yahoo.com

Mary Williams: txtravel@flash.net