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As a newcomer to The Juilliard School supporters' base, I am truly awed by the September issue of The Juilliard Journal. As a rather jaded world traveler and former Navy fighter pilot (and current classical violinist), I am moved by the inspiring stories in The Journal. No easy words can adequately describe the professional order and quality of the writing and the tenor of the stories themselves. There was not a single story in this issue that did not capture and keep my focus. Candor: President Joseph W. Polisi's "Perspective on the Middle East" was so candid and insightful that it should be required reading at the U.N. and elsewhere, like the U.S. State Department. It has been too long since this reader has read such an astute and insightful piece. President Polisi should be a guest columnist with the New York Times and then, might be, we could all learn from him and do better. Inspiration: "Taste of Life Outside the United States," and specifically the article describing the Juilliard Dance Ensemble's wonderful work in Peru. Having worked the Central and South American "beat" in the military, I fully understand the huge gap between our country and those in that region. What these fine Juilliard men and women accomplished far outweighs what others have attempted to do to bridge the difficult culture gaps in the region. The sound of Juilliard music beats the sound of gunfire every time and place. Wisdom: "Examining the Score: A Talk With Joseph W. Polisi" was a wonderful piece with so many nuggets of truth and wisdom. It has been too long since most of us have been exposed to just straight talk. As I read this interview, I felt as though I was sitting in the same room with Jane Rubinsky and President Polisi. The questions were sometimes tough and personal, but the answers were always straight on. Humanity: The reports of the sad loss of Juilliard student Sarah Fox and Juilliard graduate Scott Parkinson were done with deep respect and dignity. It touched this warrior's heart to know there are still good folks out there who truly value one another. And not superficially. I am deeply moved by the caring way in which Juilliard misses and pays tribute to its own. It speaks to the true character of the School. And character does matter. Thank you all at The Juilliard School and The Juilliard Journal for recently including me in your family. I feel privileged to be able to learn of the wonderful and hard work you all are doing. With each day and with each graduating student, domestic or international, you send forward a living, breathing force for all that is good and decent in this tricky and dangerous world.
Jerry K. Loeb
Palm Desert, Calif.
I have for some time been a reader of The Juilliard Journal, which is always well done. But I was so impressed by the September issue that I feel compelled to write and tell you so. It is a collector's item in many wonderful ways. And I enjoyed the triple entendre of the lead headline on Page 1! Congratulations.
Gordon D. Henderson
Rye, N.Y. The Juilliard Journal welcomes letters to the editor. Please send letters to: Senior Editor, Publications, The Juilliard School, Room 442A, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. Or e-mail your letter to journal@juilliard.edu; write "letters" in the subject heading. Letters may be edited for content or length.
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