Dr. Ralph Woodward

Polly, this is to let you know that our families thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

I am so thankful to have been able to sing, along with many BYU A'Cappella alumni for Dr. Woodward before his passing. He was a pivotal person in my early life. I only spent one semester in his choir, but for that time I was also his voice student. Those experiences I will always treasure. His grace and dignity will always be the "gold standard" for me as a person and as a performer. Thank you Dr. Woodward.

In the spring of 1971 I went with Dolores Brown into Dr. Woodward's office to accompany for her to audition for acappella choir. I was very embarrassed when Dr. and Sister Woodward insisted I turn around and sing Dolores' song while she accompanied me. Having the opportunity to sing in BYU acappella choir changed my life. I felt so honored to be among so many fine, polished musicians.

One day I ran into Chip in a SLC music store and, having heard about his new Children's Choir,...

In about 1980, I began studying with Margaret Woodward. When I graduated from high school in 1982, she suggested that I was ready to audition for A Cappella, but I was far too intimidated and refused repeatedly. During a subsequent lesson, she said she had something to show me and took me unawares to Ralph's office. There she announced that I was about to audition for the choir!

Although I still freely admit that I was not worthy to be in such a fine, talented group, it was truly...

Dr. Woodward shaped my musical life - the year that I spent in A Cappella Choir (which was his final year at BYU) was one of the most memorable overall experiences I have ever had as a musician and a person. My deepest sympathies on the loss of this great man.

Dear Chip, Bruce and Polly:

I am sorry that we couldn't be to uncle Ralph's funeral but we are thinking of you. Reading the obituary brings back memories. I remember Grannie and Grandpa Woodward when they lived in the house where Roi and Olive lived and there popped into my mind "Beware, take care, of the green eyed dragon with the 14 taies. That is pretty good, I was younger than 5 at the time. I would to have liked to seen Polly. It has been a long time. I do see Chip and...

Our family sends our deepest sympathy at the passing of a great man. Four of my children, Jared, Joshua, Joseph and Lindsay, have been in the SL Children's Choir with Mr. Woodward and Lindsay was able to sing Onward Ye People with Dr. Woodward last spring. We are grateful for your family and what they have done to further music in our community for so many years.

I count my time in the A Cappella Choir as some of the most spiritual, fun, musically challenging, and unifying experiences in my life. Dr. Woodward provided a much-needed boost in my confidence when I auditioned (as an incoming senior) by saying, "Where have you been for three years?" And beyond that, he created an atmosphere of fun and discipline and love and expectation and inclusion and sensitivity to the Spirit that I've rarely seen, but often tried to emulate. Although many miles are...

I was privileged to sing in the first BYU Children's Chorus under Margaret Woodward, then in the BYU A Cappella under Ralph, eventually in the Ralph Woodward Chorale, and finally, after 8 years of being away from Utah, in the Tabernacle Choir when Ralph was a guest conductor. The strongest impression left with me was the graceful, almost dance-like, flow of Ralph's hands. I hadn't realized how much I had missed watching and responding to the direction they gave. The grace of his hands is...