Dr. Bruce Browne, former conductor of the Portland Symphonic Choir and a longtime professor of music at Portland State University, died on Tuesday, November 24th. I sang under his direction in the PSC for many years and have many fond memories of rehearsals and concerts. I was often amazed how he could pick out an incorrect tone when 100 singers were singing together. A Facebook page has been started in his memory here:
I was in his choirs in the 80s. He was a good conductor. VERY emotional and sometimes hard to deal with in rehearsals. I actually managed to get an "f" from him when I agreed to be in his madrigal group all the while telling him I couldn't commit to weekend performances because I needed to do gigs in my paying performance groups in order to PAY for college. He said "No problem" and then when I couldn't attend his gigs, I got dinged and earned an "f". It was actually a great talking point in job interviews when various employers would ask "How did you get an "f" in choir? LOL!!! But I still will acknowledge his great and passionate conducting skills. Rest In Peace Bruce Browne.
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