Posted by Steve Lindstedt
I was saddened and dismayed at the news of Janet's passing. She, along with Mahlon Read, was a favorite teacher in high school. As you know, I really sucked at anything "academic" in school, thus, I exelled in the 'Artsy-Fartsy' subjects, such as choir and the arts. I had a lot of respect for her in my high school years, but I really got to know her after high school. She spent time as choir director at Westminster Presbyterian Church, when my folks and Bob and Winnie Mercer got to know her on a personal basis, as they were in the choir. During these years every Christmas, the Mercers would host a party involving Christmas caroling around the neighborhood of NE 34th and Klickitat, right across from the 'Klickitat mansion.'
After the caroling was over, The Mercers would throw a huge holiday party where Winnie would preside at the Steinway, and many luminaries from the Oregon Symphonic Choir would attend, including soprano Bonnie Hensley, organist Eskil Randolf, the alto Francis Arnold. Also in attendance were Addie Bobkins, who went to Lewis And Clark college with my folks and the Mercers. At these parties, Winnie would be on piano, and Janet Howland would direct an ersatz choir, kind of a choral jam session. The sheet music would be passed out and some serious vocals would be performed. Several movements from Handel and Bach, The choral part from Beethoven's ninth symphony, Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria", and, of course, Handel's "Halleluia Chorus". All the while, Janet is directing this make-shift choir with relish, enjoying her White Zinfandel.
The music was stunning! ...and she was in heaven! This is when I really got to know Janet Howland, visiting with her out of the school environment.
I think she might be directing God's choir about now, whaddya think??
-Steve Lindstedt
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