Dorothy Ornest UMASS-Amherst Music Department Voice 1963-1997

Dorothy Ornest (1920-2003) was born in Utica, New York.

Dorothy Ornest received a B.M. from the Eastman School of Music in 1942 and an M.M. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1944.

Prior to becoming a member of the UMASS-Amherst Music Department, Dorothy Ornest performed as soprano soloist, singing leading roles in operas and oratorios in New England, as well as in New York City, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Rochester, New York.

Professor Dorothy Ornest was a distinguished member member of the UMASS-Amherst Music Faculty from 1963-1997.

Prior to becoming a member of the UMASS-Amherst Music Faculty in 1963, Dorothy Ornest performed as a soprano soloist, singing leading roles in operas and oratorios in New England, as well as in New York City, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Rochester, New York.

The Author of this essay, was an instrumental performance major as well as instrumental

music education major at UMASS-Amherst between 1967 and 1972. And, between 1967 and 1972, no vocal oriented curriculum or participation in the UMASS Choir were requirements for a BA degree in either instrumental performance or instrumental music education majors at UMASS-Amherst

Other than socially, or supporting a vocal musical faculty member in a faculty recital as member of the UMASS Orchestra, the Author of this essay had very little contact with Music Faculty members or student music majors that were associated with ‘vocal’ related curriculum.

Professor Ornest is one of only a handful of UMASS-Amherst Music Faculty members that this Author has no recollection of ever speaking to or engaging with on a social basis between 1967-1972.

However, this Author does remember the appearance of Dorothy Ornest and recalls attending UMASS-Amherst Music Department Faculty Recitals where Professor Ornest performed. And, it is quite probable that this Author performed in an orchestral ensemble at UMASS under the Direction of Professor Ronald Steele that accompanied at least one Professor Dorothy Ornest soprano vocal performance.

For more info on Dorothy Ornest see this Article.
and
http://confessionalpoe.blogspot.com/2003/07/mother-of-us-all-as-some-of-you-may.html