NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

7/26/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -Things are just not the same in Richard Rose's office. His door isn't filled with cartoons and other clippings placed there by students and his office does not contain the many items has has accumulated over the past 33 years.

Rose, an associate professor of music at Northwestern State University, is scheduled to retire next month. He is serving as musical director and a musician for the NSU Summer Theatre production of "Cotton Patch Gospel" which opens July 31 and runs through Aug. 9. Tickets are $10.

"When I came here in 1968 at age 23, I thought I would stay two years. But here I am today and I have no regrets," said Rose. "Most young people think that way, but this has been a great place to work and a good town to raise kids in."

Rose has seen a number of changes in the students he has taught and he has changed as well.

"I've seen a great deal of growth here," said Rose. "The quality of students has always been good. Now we have more good quality students.

"Over the time, I have been here, I am more open minded about music than I was. I enjoy more folk, Celtic and jazz. And I enjoy it as much as I do classical music."

A gifted cellist, Rose was principal cellist for the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra and the Rapides Symphony. He was conductor of the Northwestern Chamber Orchestra, the Ruston Civic Symphony and the Natchitoches Parish Youth Orchestra. Rose has also served as a guest conductor with the Rapides Symphony.

In addition, Rose has also composed several works including "Essay for Wind Ensemble," "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" and "Requiem."

"I look forward to getting back to composing. When it goes well, it is the most rewarding thing I can do," said Rose. "It is hard work. I don't think most people realize how difficult it is to write good music."

Rose also says plans to "take time to decide what to do with the rest of my life." He plans to spend time with his family and "get to know the cello again."

Before he does that, he is looking forward to performing in "Cotton Patch Gospel." The Harry Chapin musical is set in Georgia and tells the story of Jesus using a more modern setting.

"I love the play, both musically and from a dramatically," said Rose. "The music is country-gospel and fits the play very well. It makes the gospel of Matthew very accessible."

Rose will play bass in the "Possum Valley Pickers." Other members of the band are Karen Townsend of Natchitoches on fiddle, Luke Brouillette of Natchitoches on guitar and Lane Dunn of Longview, Texas on keyboard.

"We have a good combo that will add a lot to the show," said Rose. "There are plenty of up tempo songs along with some moving emotional songs that will bring some tears."

Rose has been involved with the NSU Summer Theatre for eight years working on 12 shows.

"I had gotten interested in electronic music and in 1994, they needed some recorded music for 'Carousel.' I gave it a try and am still involved," said Rose. "I have always loved musical theatre since I was in ninth grade. There have been so many good shows that it is easy to be involved."

For the past two and a half years, Rose has also been a member of the Back Porch Band which also includes some colleagues on the Northwestern faculty.

"Getting involved with the Back Porch Band opened up a whole new world to me. It has been very rewarding," he said. "When I joined the group, we just did for fun and did a few jobs. I have noticed we are doing more jobs and may do a recording."

Rose has gradually cleaned out his office over the past six months finding some small treasures along the way.

"I have had so many memories as I have cleaned up. I don't think it will set in until the fall semester when things are in full swing," said Rose. "So many good things have happened.

"I just hope the students I have taught will remember that learning never stops and hopefully, I have made them curious enough to explore the world of music."

For ticket information on "Cotton Patch Gospel," call (318) 357-6891.

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