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A Fabulous Brush Alumni Summer Weekend

Original Release: 12/12/2022

By: Deb DiLillo Betz '76, Editor, Brush Alumni Association Email Newsletter Charles F. Brush Alumni Association

If you have ever questioned whether ARC Pride really exists, it was evident throughout the community during the first weekend of July. ARC Pride is most profound and meaningful when displayed by our alumni.

On Friday, July 1, the first-ever Brush Choir Reunion was celebrated in the Brush cafeteria. Approximately 175 alumni from the classes of 1967 through 1978 gathered to socialize, reminisce, laugh and cry over shared memories of 50 years ago. Many things made the event special. Unlike a typical class reunion, members of this group were brought together now, and then, by of a shared love of music. The event centered around the classes from 1967-1978 because during that time the director of the vocal music department was Mr. Lindley Hall.

Mr. Hall left Brush in 1976 and moved to California, where he continued his career. This weekend was the first time he has been back to Brush and it was an honor and privilege to host him. To his students, Mr. Hall was “that teacher”. He was a man who, through music, taught us about life. We learned teamwork and cooperation. We learned to be early was to be on time and to be on time was to be late. We learned how to accept disappointment when we didn't get a solo or didn't get a part or didn't get a job. He did it by being kind and gentle, but extremely tough. He raised the bar. He expected perfection.

Also in attendance were Ms. Candy Clemson and Mrs. Sheila Murphy Crawford. These two beloved teachers worked with Mr. Hall on sets, costumes, choreography and a multitude of other elements that came together to make the music department at Brush one of the most respected high school music departments in the State of Ohio. Mrs. Rose Lapick, vocal music director at Greenview during those years, was also in attendance, celebrating her 96th birthday!

In 1972, several choir students attended a Sha Na Na concert at Blossom Music Center. Enjoying that genre of music, they put together a little ensemble and asked Mr. Hall if they could perform in the Fall Pops Concert. Of course Mr. Hall made them audition! They auditioned, Mr. Hall smiled, and a phenomenon was born.

Between high school and 2005, The Fabulous Blue Moons performed often. However, as these seventeen year olds found themselves turning fifty life led them to different parts of the country and it became more and more difficult for the group to coordinate schedules to accommodate rehearsals and performances. So, in 2005, they took their final bow in a blowout bash at Normandy Party Center, proceeds of which were donated to the Brush Music Department. It was their final performance. Until this weekend!

On Saturday, July 2, the group gathered again for a reunion concert at Legacy Village. That night, the Fabulous Blue Moons shot for, and landed, one more time, on the moon! In attendance were several hundred Brush alumni and other community members. The lawn was too crowded, the patio tables were too full…and no one cared. The parking was difficult, the evening was hot…and no one cared. All anyone cared about was being together and celebrating their shared history. On Saturday night, the Class of 1972 also gathered for their 50th class reunion. An amazing and full Brush Alumni weekend! The gatherings were summed up by an attendee who said "I was overwhelmed by the feeling of love this weekend."

Although life has weathered our voices, with little rehearsal, the years melted away as a newly assembled alumni choir focused on our director. Mr. Hall stood behind the music stand and led us in an encore of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the song that we all sang on the stage of Blossom Music Center at our graduations. Those in attendance showed grace and were generous with their critique as they enjoyed many wrong notes from these aging throats!

And so, through the tears and tributes that reunions and endings bring, we were all grateful to be a part of another amazing Brush Alumni weekend... one last time... one final show. We are now, and will forever be, BRUSH ARCS!