Maine Motif Issue 2, Vol. II (Winter, 2018) | Page 36

“Change wasn’t the issue for me; it was simply time for new energy and I had achieved
that which was most meaningful to me.”
By May 2002, the University of Massachusetts Amherst band program was nationally
recognized for excellence and beautifully poised for the future.
TL: “Describe your last years of teaching.”
MR: “My last years of teaching and performing were among my most enjoyable. The
fruits of my labors were now evident in the large number of musician-educators/
performers carrying on this important work with distinguished careers of their own.
Opportunity abounded during this time at the University of Massachusetts, with guest
composers, wind conducting workshops, graduate conducting students, recording,
guest ensembles, high school honor band, Youth Wind Ensemble, PRISM concerts,
Multiband Pops, serving as president of the New England College Band Directors
Association, president of CBDNA Eastern Division, member of CBDNA National Board
of Directors and elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
While I certainly am grateful for the support, encouragement and friendship of my wind
colleagues across the country, my career was was not about my achievements; rather, it
was the remarkable students that performed for me; their curiosity, talent, love of music
and commitment to excellence was steadfast. Together we were inspired by music of
high artistic merit in ensembles eager to study and perform music which deepens us as
people.”
Since retiring in 2002, Professor Rowell has enjoyed an active schedule of guest
conducting, rehearsal clinics, staff development workshops and mentoring. He is quick
to remark, “I retired from an institution not from life.”
“The blessing of ‘time’ has led me to reflect on various aspects of my life and career.
The irony of retirement is that it usually comes at a time when we are nearly at the top
of our game and just beginning to ‘figure it out.’ I have become a more effective teacher
in retirement. The gift of time allows me the opportunity to prepare in greater depth, to
be more patient with myself and others, and to honor the gift of each new ‘NOW.’”
Interestingly enough, Frank Battisti, wind ensemble conductor at New England
Conservatory, retired to Western MA in 2004 and lives just 15 minutes from Rowell’s
home. They have known each other for the past 56 years, Battisti teaching at Ithaca
High School and Rowell a freshman at Ithaca College. They enjoy frequent
conversation at a local coffee shop, while sharing their friendship and respect for one
another. Conversations often range from conducting to grandchildren. Rowell adds
that although he and Frank first met in 1961 and occasionally attended each others
performances, they were much too busy to cultivate a relationship beyond collegiality.