Music is his life
The Clarion February 4, 1987 Page 3
by April Woods
For many people, hearing a piece of
music of their own composition performed
by a 150 member band would be the
answer to the dream of a lifetime.
However, at age 17, when a march he
composed two years earlier was perform
ed at summer camp at the University of
Alabama, Brevard College Professor of
Music, Dr. Larry Whatley was just getting
warmed up.
“Of the 35 to 40 pieces I have composed,
only three or four of them have not been
performed,” Whatley says.
Whatley’s one published piece, “A Hymn
for Brevard College” was composed in
1965. Alan Wallace wrote the text and
Whatley set it to music. The piece is to be
performed by the Brevard College Col
legiate Singers at spring convocation.
Behind almost every talented mind lies a
source of inspiration, and for Whatley, that
source is Carlton K. “The Colonel” Butler.
The Colonel (as Whatley affectionately
calls him) is “the one person who had
more influence than any other person on
my development as a composer,” says
Whatley.
The Colonel was the conductor of the
band at the University of Alabama where
Whatley earned his bachelor’s degree.
Whatley continued his education at In
diana University, earning his doctorate in
music theory while minoring in composi
tion.
Whatley, who has taught at Brevard
since 1963, feels that it is the performances
of his pieces which have aided him the
most in his compostition.
“The way to develop as a composer is
to hear what you have written. If you don’t
hear it, you’re not going to grow all that
much as a composer,” Whatley says.
Though Whatley’s main focus is not on
composing at this moment, he does plan on
doing more in the future. As for now, tie is
busy with other forms of writing.
Whatley’s latest interest is in com
puters. He is in the process of developing
computer software to help students drill
and review music for the Apple computers
recently installed in the music library.
Whatley is also working on an ear train
ing manual, parts of which are already in
use here at BC.
While his work here at the school is im
portant to him, nothing has had more im
pact on his life than music itself. In fact,
Whatley says, “I guess music has been my
life.”
Computer class offered
by Sandy Rogers
On February 17,18 and 19 from 7-8 p.m.,
Dave Wetmore will be offering a short non
credit course on how to write papers on the
computer.
“The course is designed,” said Wet-
more, “for a person who doesn’t know
computers, doesn’t take computers — but
would like to write papers.”
No experience is necessary as
Wetmore’s goal is to teach students how to
log on the computer, write a simple paper,
and then log off.
“Some students don’t want to take com-
puten. 101 or 103,” said Wetmore. “This
course will serve these students.”
If you are interested in taking this three
evening course, go by 233 MG and talk to
Wetmore by noon, Feb. 16.
Professor of Music at Brevard College, Dr. Larry Whatley composing at
the piano. (Eric Klingensmith photos)
Polynesian
dancer offers
dance class
by Mark Selkirk
Brevard College students and local
residents will have an opportunity next
month to re-define the word “BOOGIE.”
Lucy Tressler, a nationally known Polyne
sian dance instructor and performer, will
begin the first of two series of classes on
Feb. 2nd.
Emphasis will be on the Hawaiian Hula,
originally danced to bring about unity bet
ween humans and the cosmic forces.
Tressler will also demonstrate Tahitian,
Samoan, and Maori dance forms. The
classes will provide exercise and enjoy
ment for both the recreational dancer and
aspiring professional.
Register in Room 107, Beam Ad
ministration Building. The cost is $30.
Class 1, FOR THE YOUNG BODY, Mon
days, 7-8:30 p.m. — February 2 - April 13.
Class 2, FOR THE YOUNG OF SPIRIT,
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. — February 4 -
April 15.
W
It’S not a rain dance or a snow dance ... maybe the Polynesian Dance Class being taught by Kalue Tressler,
front, will bring out the spring. Student volunteers here give it a swing, left to right, Denyce Woodfin, Tammi
Jones, Eric Hansen, Russ Schlenker, April Woods, Bobby Payne and Natalie Harris. The classes start in
February as a part of the BC Continuing Education Program. (Eric Klingensmith photo)