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Gerald Kemner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Kemner
Allen DeCamp
March 10, 2007
I, too, was one of the fortunates that were trained in music composition by Dr. Kemner but he taught me so much more than just music. He taught me how to rehearse an ensemble performing my music, how to get players to contribute that last "25% that's not on the page", the etiquette most becoming a composer and the gracious acceptance of praise from those who enjoyed my music. Then there were the music lessons themselves which are with me to this day. Suffice to say that as I continue in my artistic endeavors I have the unimaginable luxury of always being able to ask myself one simple question: "What would Kemner say?"
Virginia Shoberg
January 31, 2007
Dr. Kemner broadened my horizons musical with every weekly lesson. I always looked forward to those hour sessions and remember them fondly with a smile. Every word was important. Throw in that great sense of humor, and there was fun even with the most difficult music. Always practiced for hours because I never wanted to disappoint Dr. Kemner by not being prepared! Thank you thank you thank you
Karen Fremar
January 30, 2007
Gerald Kemner was one of the most astounding and incredible musicians ever at the Conservatory. I shall never forget his performances with Walter Cook of Bartok's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion. It was truly an honor to study composition with him and to perform his works. I could not compose music without having the knowledge that he shared. He was a most kind, generous, witty, and sensitive soul; and an always caring and supportive friend of all composers. I will miss him; but thankfully, through his works and his teachings he will always be with us.
Virginia Smith
January 29, 2007
Gerald and I were fellow music majors, graduating from KCU in 1953. Even then, he was, to me, a musical genius. I have followed his successful musical career with interest through the years. My condolances to his family.
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Linda Ferguson
January 29, 2007
In the late 60s/early 70s at the Conservatory, my ideas about music were formed in large part by Gerald Kemner. I've been a college music professor myself now for thirty years, during which time I've often drawn on lessons, ideas, and anecdotes from Dr. Kemner's theory classes, harpsichord lessons, and even from madrigal singers which he conducted for a while. There must be a lot of us who continue to strive to teach the best of what he taught us. What a wonderful musical mind and legacy. Kind regards and condolences to his family, and thanks to them for sharing his life with us at the Conservatory.
Jim Mobberley
January 29, 2007
Gerry, you were the perfect mentor for a young professor. Always supportive, always enthusiastic about anything I wanted to try. Never once did you say "no." Never. I know your students revere you to this day, and rightly so. As I say to anyone who'll listen, you know more about music than anyone I'll ever meet. We miss you.
Marita Abner
January 29, 2007
I have wonderful memories of times spent in collaboration with Gerald Kemner as Conservatory colleagues--performing, I as a new faculty member, in the Baroque Ensemble--a context in which I learned so much from Gerry--including how to figure out when he was serious and when he was plying us with his unique humor--hearing his keyboard performances and his compositions, etc. He was a rare and sensitive individual who brought talent, warmth, and wit to all of his music-making, and who was much appreciated by colleagues and students.
Jan Wiberg
January 29, 2007
My condolences to family and friends of Dr. Gerald Kemner. I am in my 31st year of college teaching and still have every note, test and paper I wrote in the many classes I took from Dr. Kemner in the late '60s and early '70s. They are a reminder of those golden years at the Conservatory when he awakened an intellectual curiosity about and a love for music that will never be extinguished. Studying with Dr. Kemner was never easy but was always worthwhile. When my students complain about too much work, I only have to show them my form and analysis assignments from the olden days. One of my finest musical memories is the first recital Dr. Kemner gave in the old Stover Auditorium in 1967 which featured the Op.90 Beethoven piano sonata. I never hear that sonata without being transported to that place and time. He has left a great legacy and we have all lost a great musician, mentor and friend.
John. W. (Bill) Thomson
January 29, 2007
My sincere condolences to the family of Jerry Kemner. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the faculty of the Conservatory at UMKC for several years. His subtle wit and dry humor were matched by his exceptional musicianship and creativity. It was a pleasure to be associated with him as a member of the string bass section of the Kansas City Community Orchestra. At that time Dr. Jay Decker was the director and a member of the faculty as well.
Jerry will be missed, as will his quick smile and sense of humor.
eph ehly
January 29, 2007
Gerald Kemner was a professional and personal friend. He was dear to me in many ways. He wrote inspirational music for the Heritage Chorale. He was one of the most talented musicians with whom I have had the pleasure of working. His unique sense of humor along with his incredibly creative theoretical mind is evidenced in his musical compositions which will continue to inspire, teach and entertain far into the distant future.
The Sweet Life at Rosehill
January 29, 2007
Gerald will truely be missed at The Sweet Life at Rosehill. Thank you for sharing Gerald with us.
Jason Bahr
January 29, 2007
Thank you, Dr. Kemner, for all you've taught me. I would not be who I am today without you. Everyday I use our lessons. You were a kind and talented man.
Mark Weston
January 29, 2007
Gerald Kemner is one of the reasons the Conservatory was such a special place during my time as a student there. I turned pages once for him during a recital he gave on the hisory of ragtime. It is one of my favorite musical memories. His love of things imaginative was contagious. He touched many lives with his extraodorinary music, his wit and his charm. His courage in these last years is an inspiration to us all. I will miss him.
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