I’ve now performed under three generations of conductors who have mentored one another:
- John Oliver, conductor of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus
- Dr. William Cutter, John’s assistant conductor at MIT from 1990 to 1996 and currently his assistant conductor for the TFC
- Kelby Khan, graduate student in choral conducting studying with Bill
It’s fascinating to observe what’s been passed down from master to apprentice: gestures, rehearsal style, and even jokes! I’m not a conductor myself, but I recently led a church choir rehearsal and found myself saying, “Last time through. No mistakes.”
Maybe someday I’ll work with one of Kelby’s students.
