Oh my, where do I begin. Firstly the music department was growing and Mr. Wiprud coordinated “The New England Conservatory at Walnut Hill” linking WHS with NEC. This collaboration grows and flourishes to this day. The Chorale Program was introduced to provide a place where “everyone can sing.” There was an increase in male enrollment – twenty one now – and the Grey house was now Faculty housing. A hurricane called “Gloria” hit New England in September and we were without power for two days and students were sent home or had alternate housing. Halley’s Comet flashed by and New Cottage became a boys dorm – all equally momentous. Having been used to having babysitters at hand and watching dress and shoe choosing for prom there was now laser tag and boom boxes, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, wet socks and sneakers. I wondered how I would cope. Benny was a pop star from Mexico – with his friend Eddie. Robert was a pianist who would practice constantly and forget to eat dinner. He would come back at 10pm and ask for any food that I would have. Douw, Richard, Charles and Nathan were classical musicians but Mr. Reid informs me that Douw liked Talking Heads. Adam and Dylan were our theater majors who were always performing – especially with ketchup and Tang. Jack was our dancer who could not stay put. Lee was our dorm president who could be ‘lost” in his room! Jeff was our practical joker – I remember the saran wrap and the brownies. Sullivan was our Ozzy fan with a sub-woofer. These were the days of boom boxes and stereo systems so Bach and Ozzy could be heard wafting through the air and the sonic waves would move our pictures to a 30 degree angle causing us to knock on doors. The response would be ‘Too loud?” the reply “Yes! Turn it down” It took about a month to come to an agreeable volume. When Halloween came we decided to join in and identify. “The Wild and Crazy Reid’s won first prize at the Halloween party as members of Heavy Metal Rock Band” 1986 Summit. Mr. Reid joined with some other faculty and “The Misterchords sing jazz at the Christmas Party” 1986 Summit. Music was in the heart of New Cottage and Sullivan and others organized a “Battle of The Bands” held in the Auditorium. It was an incredible evening. We appreciated the help and watchful eye of Mr. Lawler our patient and helpful Head of Maintenance. As it came to the end of the year we had our last dorm party and celebrated Lee and Douw graduating. I told the students “I did not really want boys but I really love you guys.” Music and love came together and I added the food. “If music be the food of love, play on.”
