Columbia’s choral arts exploded in 1969. Where once there had been a rather small group of participants…

Madison Short went out and “recruited” (shanghaied) many more. He built several choruses, including the fabled Men’s Chorus, mostly with young men and women who hadn’t learned to read notes.

Mr. Short had developed an innovative method of teaching voice to people who could not read sheet music or tell you the difference between a high C and a low D (outside of the definitions used to grade papers and tests, that is).

Madison Short worked hard with those who worked with him, regardless of their ability before they entered his demesne. It was an honor to learn from him, to be trusted by him.

We lose track of people with the passing of time. I was particularly saddened to learn that Mr. Short had passed away a few years ago. I understand that he finally published his book that described his programme for teaching vocal skills. I trust that there are many former members of his choruses who remember their time under his tutelage fondly.