ROSEMARY’S BABY

Alright all you old-timers. I know what you’re thinking. This message can’t possibly be about the 1968 horror movie by the same title, starring Mia Farrow. Don’t worry…it’s not. (For you youngsters, don’t bother to look it up.) No, this message is about a much more interesting Rosemary – Rosemary Mathews, the Choir Director at Mountain View High School in Orem. Her baby, of course, is the best choir program in the state and one of the best in the whole country.

Mrs. Mathews was a professional opera singer in her early career, including performances in notable operas, such as the Marriage of Figaro. Later, she taught at the University of Nevada, Reno and BYU. In 1996, Mrs. Mathews answered the call to work with students in the public schools and within a short time had built up a remarkable program with a whole series of choirs, needed to accommodate the large number of students who wanted to participate…including my own high-school-junior daughter (Betty).

On Friday, February 11, our family went to the school auditorium for the annual Valentine’s concert. This one, like some others, was a fundraiser for an upcoming student tour. The tickets were $10 each…and the place was packed (on Saturday too!). The theme this year was a tribute to the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber, with memorable tunes from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream-coat, Cats and Phantom of the Opera. But this wasn’t just a concert – it was an entire performance, with elegant costumes and elaborate choreography. Just to make sure that the evening was unforgettable, Mrs. Mathews had the choirs from the two feeder junior high schools, Lakeridge and Orem, participate as well. The opening number included a cast of 400 student performers. The performance of Cats included, well…lots of cats – in the form of senior and junior high school students with feline costumes, teased hair and face makeup. You could really tell these kids were having a blast! The performance from Phantom, was simply over the top. Elegant formal costumes in dance and rich young voices filled the hall, accompanied by a real organ (unseen by the audience until the last few numbers, when the backstage curtain lifted to reveal that the Phantom – in full costume – had been the accompanist all along!).

Oh, as an aside, this production was so well planned that Mrs. Matthews sat in the audience enjoying the performance along with everyone else.

Now, it might occur to any of us that this sounds like a lot more than we would be willing to do. All those evening and Saturday rehearsals probably aren’t in Mrs. Mathew’s job description. She was exceeding expectations by a long shot. Why? Because she loves what she does and loves the students. As you might suspect, they love her too. When she invited choir alumni to come up on stage to join in singing the Hallelujah Chorus at the Christmas Concert, there was barely room to stand. It is clear that Rosemary Mathews is an outstanding example of “Legendary Service and Value” – our BYU administrative vision. So are many of you. You do more, just because you want to. Just because you love it so much.

Have a great week!

Brian

FWD from:Dee Bevan
Dixie, I just felt you needed to see this! It's so glowing and true! My daughter Collette works at BYU and this was sent to her by one of the VP's. (boss?) as an inspiration to the staff. We are all so proud of Rosie. I don't know if she will see this, so forward it on to her. (I don't have her e-mail.) Love you guys! Dee

FWD from: Dixie Clifford
Rosemary, Left you a message as we got back into town last night. Had this message waiting early this morning on email from Dee Bevan. See how the creme of the crop rises and gets credit and attention from unexpected sources. I don't know the last name of the BYU VP who wrote it, but he was intent on expressing himself. Dee asked me to send it along to you. YOU ARE THE VERY, VERY BEST OF THE BEST ! ! xoxoxo doc