Today we gather in celebration of a wonderful gift given to the Department of Music in conjunction with the Special Collections Library. Mr. Michael and Mrs. Wilma Salzman have donated 42 cartons of piano scores which once belonged to Michael’s former piano teacher, Mr. Claude Herndon Jr. We are here to inaugurate this collection in Claude Herndon’s name and give respect to the man who touched so many lives here in El Paso.

We have all had what is called a “Master Teacher.” You know that person—the one who pushes for excellence, stimulates ideas and growth you never knew you possessed, encourages when you are weak and catches you when you fail. We are here today to celebrate the life of one such person. If you look around, you see the Maestro’s influence—on this stage, in the audience, throughout our city. Mr. Claude Herndon was indeed a Master Teacher and the representation of something so very special found in the study of piano: a historical legacy.

Most of us as pianists begin studying at an early age in life—at a time where curiosity and a sense of achievement mean more than words can say. From this tender moment until the anticipated day when we branch out on our own, we are paired with mentors. These people are role models as well as educators. Besides learning how to rotate that wrist in just the right fashion to execute a smooth, flawless Alberti Bass Pattern, special relationships are formed. The constant weekly lessons over years of time can not help but be the inevitable setting for some sort of exchange—strong impressions that usually last a lifetime.

These impressions find themselves becoming evident at insignificant moments. For not every lesson is to be learned in 60 minutes. Some lessons take a lifetime to learn. To really learn one’s craft, (and I mean really learn…) one seems to have to absorb oneself in it,

To really learn one’s craft, one seems to have to absorb oneself in it.

And once you become absorbed, the information comes. How and when, especially in piano studies, is a mystery. To some point. There are those who have figured it out.

One of the great aspects about Claude Herndon, is this incredible, historically-referenced, music information that he gained. And he didn’t keep it all for himself, but through his teaching and performing, gave it to so many others.

He studied with the famous British piano pedagogue, Tobais Matthay, who is perhaps the most well-known piano teacher during the turn to the 20^th century, especially for us Americans. Along with being associated with developing the piano techniques such as employing relaxation, rotation of the wrist and the use of arm weight, one can see Matthay’s concern for detail, his intense desire to be of help, and his patience in explaining—time and time again, often in different words—the principals in which he believed. I have heard similar references when people speak about Claude Herndon.

There definitely seems to be a common thread, which continues today. Musicians of these times brought methods to their students, and current piano pedagogy practices have at their core, some of these very thoughts and philosophies as deep, underlying roots. Ideas have been altered and developed individually—for teachers’ and students’ uses. But one can not dismiss that they are fundamentally important and still exist. What one learns from a Master Teacher, one passes on to the next generation. We see that here today in El Paso.

The University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Music gains a lot today. We greatly expand our collection of piano music scores with this generous donation from the Salzmans. These scores benefit not only the piano students but anyone in the community hungry for the absorption of music knowledge. The comprehensive representation of piano works found in this special collection will benefit those working on dissertation projects, as well as serving anyone curious to learn, for example, more about that piece they just heard at the last fantastic piano recital. I remember during my own piano studies, visiting the music library innumerable times, leafing through scores, taking them to a piano, trying out this piece, analyzing that piece…This gift provides our university, our community, our teachers and our students the opportunity for a higher level of competitiveness and academic excellence, in addition to being yet another resource available for those who wish to make great strides in their development of music education and performance abilities. We are truly fortunate to obtain such a large collection.

But we also gain a sense of community this day. The impact that Claude Herndon has made and continues to make, today brings together former piano students of this Master Teacher with current piano students searching for a sense of identity and historical understanding. I myself feel fortunate to be amongst all of you who clearly have absorbed yourselves in the promotion of music education and performance within and beyond the El Paso area. It is truly an exciting time for me, the Piano Area, the Department of Music, and the University of Texas at El Paso.

Thank you, Michael and Wilma,

Thank you for all who attended today, and

I also thank the Maestro, Mr. Claude Herndon.