Congratulations! Commemorative Book for Honorary Doctorate March 18, 2016
Congratulations! David McElroy Grad Year: 1972 I not only had the benefit of having Flo as my voice teacher, I also got to act with her in A FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in 1971 at Lyric Theatre. I have been a professional actor for over 45 years, and have used her advice for many of those years. So happy that she is getting this honorary degree.
Steve Hargrove Grad Year: 1983 Congratulations to the most influential person in my life! I constantly hear her voice in my head saying, “If you are going to sell ribbon at TG&Y, then be the best ribbon seller there is.” I can’t imagine where I would be today if I hadn’t studied with Florence Birdwell for both my bachelors and masters of music. Although I don’t use my music degree daily, the lessons that I learned about life reach far beyond the study of voice.
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Congratulations! Amanda Bonner Church Grad Year: 2005 She was the toughest teacher I have ever faced, but it was all because she saw a potential in me for so much more than I was doing. She pushed...I cried. She snapped...I cried. And in the end she made me a smarter and more sensitive musician. Thank you Mrs. Birdwell for opening my performance to be filled with my soul and especially for being tough on me! I am forever grateful!
Dr. Barbara (Fox) DeMaio Grad Year: 1978 Florence, darling Florence, literally saved my life. When my father died in my sophomore year, and I went to a very dark place of depression, she took me into her studio when no one else would. Through her I learned to be the singer and performer I am today. La Scala, Verona, Caracalla; I would have never sung in those theatres without Florence to set me on the path. Congratulations, wonderful teacher and mentor, on this well-deserved honor!
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Congratulations! Brad Duren Grad Year: 1990 What can one say about the one, the only, Florence Birdwell? Talented? Check. A master teacher? Check. A living legend? Double check. Ms. Birdwell is truly an embodiment of what has long made the School of Music at OCU one of the top programs in the nation. Her hard work, dedication, and love for her students is evident not only in their professional success, but also in the tremendous amounts of character and class that they demonstrate in all aspects of their lives. Even though I did not study voice with her, all of my dealings with Birdwell while a music major at OCU were both memorable and productive. I am honored that I had the opportunity to learn from her as I did. She is a true ambassador of OCU and is beyond deserving of this tremendous honor. God save the Flo! :-) Christin Byrdsong Grad Year: 2013 Florence Birdwell saved me. When I arrived at OKCU I was broken. I was trying to find myself after being lost in so much pain before college. She showed me who I am. She broke me down further and taught me the importance of honesty in words and support from the lowest part of my body. My first lesson with her, I walked in and said “Hello, I’m Christin Byrdsong!” She said, “Byrdsong! BirdWELL!” And laughed in that fabulously infectious laugh that she has. That was followed by her saying “okay, here’s everything you’re doing wrong.” From that moment on she saw the fire in me and pushed me to let it grow. Now she’s not only my teacher, but my friend. Words cannot express what Pro. Birdwell means to me. Thank you for teaching me how to sing. In doing so, you taught me how to live. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Brian Hamilton Grad Year: 2008 I first knew Florence Birdwell was destined to be a doctor the night we exited Iguana Lounge, and a woman stopped her and carried on for a bit like they were the best of friends. When we got outside, Florence stopped and said, “People always stop me and say, ‘Hello, Florence.’ And I think, ‘I remember those teeth, but I do NOT remember that woman.’” Congrats on your honorary doctorate—not in dentistry—but in being a doctor of voice. I wouldn’t just call Florence the doctor of my insanely high larynx. I would also call her my doctor of passion and my doctor of how to THINK. She was a master at teaching me how to hold my brain accountable. Someone once said to me about my own teaching, “The days of the iron fist are over.” Fortunately, Florence started at a time when the iron fist was appreciated. Even if you’re of my generation and those following, if you take a break from all the machines and really listen to her, you find the heart of gold, the most vulnerable soul, and the brain of a GENIUS are what make her iron fist the greatest gift you could ever receive. Passion is endless with Florence. Even if it was my first time singing a song, she never accepted my being “boring as toothpicks.” And it isn’t just with music. We had a standing date at Il Trattoria for pizza (“the best I’ve ever had,” she’d say) and martinis every Friday…after her standing hair appointment with Robert, of course. She would tell stories to the entire bar section, and every waiter and bartender fell in love with her. Many of her stories would be about her Bob—and her true love for him. And so many stories were told on her garden patio with her BEAMING while she spoke of Robin, Brian, and Todd. Not all of us can love our family, our job, our students, our friends, our struggles, our accomplishments, and ourselves as much as Florence has the capacity to. I am so thankful to have spent so much time with you, DOCTOR Florence. You are my sage, my friend, and my inspiration every day as I teach. You will forever be one of my true loves in this life.
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Congratulations! Clint Moore Your impact on me has been far greater than you will ever know. You are the village elder I look to with the highest respect I have to give. I still look forward to hearing your approach to my office and your amazing voice as it rings out “hello friend”! I miss you every day but still feel your presence in this wonderful place. I see you in the faces of the students who study here and wish with all my heart they knew you personally. I see you in the faces of your colleagues who carry on the valuable work that you have done for so many years. I also see you in the occasional tear that runs down the cheek of a student that has just finished a vocal lesson with a tough and caring teacher. Your mark and your wonderful presence will always be cherished. OCU and the Bass School of Music are a better place because of you. I am a better person for having met you here and will always be thankful to the University for allowing me to work here and in turn come to know and love you. Colin Anderson Grad Year: 2013 Congratulations to you Mrs. Birdwell. This honor is so well deserved and obvious to everyone who knows you and your incredible legacy of sharing your gifts with others. I am eternally grateful for laying flat on the ground and lifting a piano while singing. I am extremely indebted for the tears, blunt criticism and all of the therapy and wisdom. Thank you for THE WORDS. I love you forever.
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Congratulations! Debbie Musick Florence, congratulations! You know my favorite story is about Robert Lee & a huge bouquet of roses!!
Dana Lynn Young Grad Year: (Was a voice student of hers 1975-76) There is so much I could say about her embracing and dedicated to way of welcoming a young student of 20. Each time I entered her studio, she greeted me with excitement to begin and see what I could show her. I looked forward to that sense of belonging and genuine interest that never wavered throughout my experience with her at OCU. One memory stands out, a lesson beyond the lesson that stayed with me a lifetime: she had me audition with the Oklahoma City Opera. After coming from slapstick skits and folk songs with guitar, this was a bold step. But I did it for her. It resulted in an experience to remember. Florence told me she wanted me to know I could do it, do anything. I loved her for that....still do at 62. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Diane Roberts-Balogh Grad Year: 1988 When I transferred to OCU to major in Musical Theatre all I heard was that I had to study with Florence Birdwell. When I arrived on campus and began putting my schedule together I went to her studio and knocked on the door. She opened the door and wore a long flowing shawl around her shoulders. I stated why I was there and she said in perfect diction - I’m sorry - my studio is full and as she started to close the door - I quickly said “wait Gene Lorey sent me all the way from Texas just to study with you” she paused and smiled and said, “Come in, my child.” I learned more about certainly singing but about life and never giving up through Mrs. Birdwell. I visited her this past summer and brought my three boys to meet her. They have always heard me tell stories from college and understood about her impact in my life after meeting her. I am a Theatre teacher now in Texas and I want to leave a lasting positive impact on my students like she left on me and so many others. I love you dearly Florence Birdwell and I’m so grateful you made room for the little girl from Ft. Worth Texas. Congratulations Dr. Birdwell!!!
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Congratulations! Duke Anderson Grad Year: 2011 After the first master class I ever had with Mrs. Birdwell, she pulled me aside – cornered me almost – and said with a kind of intense directness that only the wisest among us possess, “I hope to change your life.” I thought, “My god, what have I gotten myself into?” Little did I know then how sincere that hope - that hidden promise - was for me. Needless to say, she did change my life, as well as the lives of all those she encounters everyday; her students, colleagues, family, and friends. In both her studio and the professional world, Mrs. Birdwell has always been my harshest critic and my most devoted fan – simultaneously. She gave me a voice that not only has the ability to make beautiful sounds, but also can communicate truth and honesty in a way that is uniquely mine. Her words of encouragement, critique, knowledge, and empathy have permeated my life on every level, and the world and I are better for having heard them. Congratulations on your well-deserved day, Dr. Florence Birdwell. Gratefully yours, Duke Anderson HOW NOW BROWN COW!
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Congratulations! Erin McCracken Grad Year: 2007 Florence Birdwell is so many things to so many people. How can I possibly put in to words what she means to me? To me, she is my teacher, my best (and worst) critic, my friend, my strength, my voice. Not only did she teach me how to sing but in that she taught me how to act, she taught me how to live truthfully, she taught me about life. I know for a fact that I am able to be an actor every day because of Florence Birdwell, and for that I am forever grateful. I love you.
Frank Ragsdale My dearest Florence, I cannot tell you what you’ve meant to me. Your encouragement and love has made me a better teacher and person. The way you live your life with integrity, passion and abandonment are continually an inspiration to me and my teaching!
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Congratulations! James Bruce What can one say about the personal commitment to vocal excellence represented by the years of Florence Birdwell’s focus on teaching vocal art to students of OCU’s Music School? Her commitment to prepare young people in the vocal arts is beyond compare. Her lifelong work has simply been incomparable and her mark on her students -- and indeed on our University -- will be something each person undoubtedly will cherish for their lifetime. What a marvelous legacy Florence has achieved! This Honorary Degree is well deserved!
Jason Poorboy Grad Year: 2008 My life can be described in two parts, before I met Florence Birdwell and after. I say that because I’m not the same person since studying with her. She gave me so much more than music. Florence Birdwell gave me words, w-o-r-d-s. For that I’m more than grateful, I’m indebted. Words are how we communicate with the world. They quite literally define who you are. Even the smallest word means something. Birdwell was able to reach in and find my voice. She gave me vowels and consonants, that I string together and try to share as honestly as I can every single day. There has not a been word created, that can adequately thank Birdwell for the gifts she gave me. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Jane Jayroe Gamble Grad Year: 1969 Florence, Thank you for all the voices taught, all the lives changed, all the people encouraged. You have always been a gift to others. It has been an honor to be your friend and witness your joy and strength up close. I love you.
Kristin Chenoweth Grad Year: 1991, 1993 Florence, you are my special person and I am so happy to call you Dr. Birdwell. We share so much history. When we were working together, I remember how you talked to me with your hands, and your thumbs in particular and fingers, and I saw your hand come at me so many times. You had such a love and energy that came from your hand — it sounds really funny to say — I could tell if you were happy, mad, or if you were furious with how I was singing, or enthralled. Most of all I remember how you always just exuded love. And realness, realness. What I always got from you was the truth, whether I liked it or not. I still get it, in fact, and I still want it from you. As I’ve said many times, I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and that’s why you were the right teacher for me. I love you. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Jo Rowan Florence brightened my Wednesday mornings with her savvy vocal classes and her vivid personality. She was my dear Buddy and Teacher. Her approach to singing was so similar to my approach to dancing …that, for a while we toyed with the idea of collaborating on a book for Music Theater singer/dancers. She produced such satisfaction when she nudged me into “feeling how to use my voice”, rather than “listening to myself ”, …… and such frustration when I attempted to become a “coke bottle”, but couldn’t produce the right sound. Thank goodness, I finally got it. Coke bottle Jo Rowan …Florence’s dancing Buddy
Kathryn Stefanic Grad Year: 2001 Congratulations! You are a cornerstone in my life. Thank you for not only teaching me how to sing correctly, but how to communicate. You are forever engrained in my heart and soul! Much love to you, my dear Mrs. Birdwell. xoxo
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Congratulations! John Sawyer Grad Year: 1993 How...Now...Brown...Cow...what the hell? Those were my first thoughts upon starting day one with the woman who would eventually change the course of my life and more importantly, how I live my life. I remember like it was yesterday. Standing in front of the large wooden door to her studio next to the Orial Room and waiting for her to answer. “Come in!” She bellowed from inside. I cranked the iron handle and heard that wonderful sound of the gears shifting and the lock releasing... and as I pushed the door open there she was... Florence Birdwell. She was so pleasant and so kind and sort of warm. I thought “Oh she is so sweet this will be fun!” Together we decided on a day for my lessons to begin and she sent me on my way. I remember thinking “I wonder what she is going to teach me?” Florence is a nice lady. Florence is a lot of things. Florence is primarily a force of nature plain and simple. She is passion. She is joy. She is intent. She is driven. She is curious. She is in the moment. She is electric. She is funny. She is fury. She is warm. She is cold. She is loud. She is soft. She is whatever she needs to be to get the singer out of the way of the song. You see, that was always my problem. Not the high notes...me...I was always in the way of myself. She taught me how to get out of my own way and to focus on the words. The words are everything. I grew to become a very dear friend to Florence. We have traveled together many times, shared memories, laughs, cooking dinner parties for friends and family, late night talks that go until 2am, (our favorite kind), and the one thing I know deep down in my heart for sure is that Florence Gillam Birdwell loves me from the bottom of her heart. She wants what is best for me. She has always given me so much of herself. When I was younger I don’t think I realized how unique that was for someone to be that intent on their student understanding a role. She would have me over to the house on St. Clair and we would sit and talk about whichever character I was playing at F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! the time. This was usually the day before we opened after she had seen a dress rehearsal and had some “notes” for me. I can remember feeling pretty good about my performance and then going to Florence’s house and leaving convinced it was going to be the worst performance of my career if I didn’t make the changes she allowed me to realize I should make. See that was the thing. She never TOLD me what to do...she asked me questions and in turn I asked myself questions and eventually I figured out the route I should take. Florence has had a huge impact on my life. I love her deeply. The lessons I learned from Florence have helped me to live a more intent life as an adult. I came to Florence to learn how to sing. I left learning how to live a life rich in complexity, clarity, and passion.
Kelli O’Hara Naughton Grad Year: 1998 Florence Birdwell is my mentor, my friend and a partner in this journey I have taken. She is with me everyday, no matter the miles between us. I decided when I was 5 years old that I would learn to sing from “the Bird Lady.” I had no idea that singing would only be a piece of it. I love her. Always have. Always will.
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Congratulations! Kinnie Dye Grad Year: 2003 I will forever cherish the time I’ve spent with you. Thank you for your fiery passion for words. Thank you for your intolerance of mediocracy and always pushing me to my fullest potential. I will carry your lessons with me always. Congratulations!!!!
Lisa Love There’s so much I can say about Florence Birdwell’s influence on my life. Her honesty and guidance helped walk me through this journey of life with all its ups and downs. I’ve always felt like she somehow had a hold of my hand… every step of the way.
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Congratulations! Leah Jennings Grad Year: 2001 From the moment I walked into Mrs. Birdwell’s studio my freshman year, I knew that I was extremely fortunate to have her as my voice teacher. During my first lesson I told her that I was an alto, and proudly showed her my big book of Broadway belter songs. She just laughed said, “Oh little one...you look like a soprano, and by God I’m going to make you one!” Early on it was made clear to me that I had no clue what I was doing as far as singing was concerned. Though I was eager to learn, the first couple of years did not go smoothly. Lessons were tough, lots of tears were shed, and I struggled with what to do with my life. At the end of my sophomore year she told me, “either learn my technique, or leave my studio.” I was crushed, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. The next year I came back stronger and finally grasped her technique. Every semester my voice continued to grow and improve with her guidance. She instilled in me such confidence and a deep appreciation for music. Her gifts are immense. She strives to make every student the best that he or she can be, and loves to see them truly shine! Florence is so much more than a voice teacher. She is my life teacher, mentor, and forever friend. Congratulations dearest Florence on this well deserved, high honor for your lifetime of dedication to your students and for sharing your love of music with the world. Thank you for giving me the incredible gift of communication through music, and for encouraging me to follow my heart. I am forever grateful! Love, Leah Jennings
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Congratulations! Lois Buesser Grad Year: 1984 Mrs. Florence Birdwell deeply impacted my life, by teaching me how to sing and how to live. As a Voice Minor and Piano Major, I was allowed one half-hour lesson per week with her. Since I continued my undergraduate program for five years, I was blessed to sing in her studio for many wonderful lessons. And as an Accompanist for numerous students, I was REALLY lucky to reside there for countless hours. Hot dog! Her positive energy, her challenges to me physically, mentally, spiritually and musically changed me forever. I simply cannot imagine myself in college without the warm embrace of her windowless studio surrounding me, knowing always that the ROCK named Mrs. Birdwell was ever accessible to me. Congratulations on this Honorary Degree, Florence! I love you!
Linda Rosser Grad Year: 2007 Congratulations, Flo! I’m proud just to KNOW you though never having the pleasure or privilege of studying with you. I can only imagine what a sense of joy and amazement for you to share in the success of so many talented students. You’re a sparkling wonder!!
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Congratulations! Melissa McKamie Grad Year: 2004 Congratulations, Dr. Florence Birdwell! Sending much love and wishing you well!
Molly Cason Johnson Grad Year: 1983 Dearest Florence, I am grateful beyond words for all you invested in me as a vocal performance major at OCU. Your determination, passion, and unwavering dedication to the art of singing were and are incredible. Thank you for challenging us week in and week out to be our best at music and and life. You laid an amazing foundation; I use my Birdwell training every day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Love always.
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Congratulations! Michael Decker Grad Years: 1975, 1978 The Birdwell family was a part of my family life from the time of my earliest recollections. My parents, Yvonne and Melvin Decker, were close college friends of Bob and Florence, and once each couple had children, the experiences of the two families would sometimes interconnect. Florence and my mother were sorority sisters in Beta Alpha Phi, the local sorority that eventually became Gamma Phi Beta. They remained dear friends for the remainder of my mother’s life. My sister and I will always be indebted to Florence for her act of kindness shown our mother, when in early February 2009, Yvonne lay in intensive care in a coma following a heart stoppage. Florence came to our mother’s bedside and remained for an entire afternoon, demonstrating love and attention to her friend who was in such grave condition. Our mother passed away shortly thereafter. This act of kindness is just one example of what a remarkable person Florence Birdwell is in a multitude of ways. Although my sister, Melinda Fitzgerald, and I have drifted away from the close ties we once had with Robyn and Brian, the Birdwells remain dear to our hearts and will always be part of our family memories. I just want to join with her many friends and colleagues in expressing congratulations and enthusiastic support for this latest achievement. Oklahoma City University has been greatly enriched by Florence’s contributions of time and talent, so it is very fitting that the university should honor her in this manner. Congratulations Florence!
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Congratulations! Jennifer Peters Birdwell is one of the greatest loves of my life. She can bring beauty to anyone’s voice. Even if they are singing “Come to Jesus in whole notes”!
Marsha Brewer Massey If my husband, Jim, was still here, he’d be the first in line to thank you for the great influence you had on his vocal growth. Thank you from both of us.
Jessica (Nixon) Kirby Grad Years: 1995, 1997 Mrs. Birdwell, You taught me more than just how to sing. You showed me how to be tough, how to laugh and how to follow my heart. You broke me down, yet you gave me confidence. You pushed me to my limit. For that I am grateful. You even took time out of your schedule to invite my family into your home to discuss my future. You cared. You believed. I am changed because of you. Congratulations on your doctorate. You deserve it! May God bless you richly! In Him, Jessica (Nixon) Kirby F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Meredith Pyle Grad Year: 2011 Ms. Birdwell changed my life. That I can honestly say. When I first came to OCU, I had no idea who I’d be studying with for my Master’s Degree. I remember asking a fellow student before my first lesson, “Who is Florence Birdwell?” to which they quickly corrected my ignorance with “a living legend, that’s who!” And it didn’t take long to discover that truth for myself! Lessons with Ms. Birdwell were always a roller coaster: the occasional laugh, the common tear, but ALWAYS a life lesson that went so much deeper than just singing. I spent my first semester getting rid of my “pretty voice” and connecting truthfully to THE WORDS. And that became my mantra through the rest of my time at OCU, a lesson that continues to be with my own students and me today. I don’t think I ever would have been interested in teaching voice if it wasn’t for Ms. Birdwell and witnessing her impact on not just my own life but nearly EVERY student she encounters. She had such an inescapable presence in her teaching. You couldn’t hide from her. She had this way of seeing you. Seeing each of her students for their uniqueness and what they offer to the world. Also, her students are different than in other studios. Our connection to her continues as a through-line for the rest of our life. Birdwell students have an unwritten, understood connection that goes deeper than normal relationships. Because she changed us when she came into each of our lives and we can never go back to the singers or the people we were before her. I am so deeply grateful for the time I had with Ms. Birdwell and that I can call myself one of her students. The journey we went on together during my time at OCU only evolves as I continue to rediscover all that I learned from her now that I apply it to my own teaching. Her truths, her lessons, her mantras cannot be separated from her. They are her. And I will forever remember her as having the greatest impact on my life. She changed me. And I can only hope that as a teacher and singer, I continue to honor her great legacy. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Michael Tracy Smith Grad Year: 1972 I have such wonderful memories of Flo Birdwell ... She was a very cherished part of my time at OCU. I was a drama student from Huntington, NY when I arrived in the Fall of 1968. Although I admit I sometimes felt as if I, personally, had brought bell-bottoms to Oklahoma, I never felt like a fish-out-of-water because in those years, there was a very large number of students from New York and New Jersey attending OCU. I loved being around Flo, she had such joie de vivre, and such unflagging optimism. She was someone with whom I always enjoyed talking. Of all the memories, I’ll pick out three; The first was being in Fiddler on the Roof with her at Lyric theatre in 1971; she played Golde, I played Fyedka. But we did get to be onstage together during the show because I was also the guy who got to carry Fruma Sarah on his shoulders during the “Teyve’s Dream” number. Dancing with a woman on my shoulders while trying to see through several layers of semi-sheer fabric was not easy, but I still remember watching Flo’s face during the number. It still makes me smile. The second memory also comes from Lyric Theatre. In 1972, I was the understudy of the great John Robinson who played Fagin in “Oliver”. After opening night, I got a call from Lyle Dye, the director, who told me John was sick, and did I think I could go on ... I said “Sure”, but I was panicking, as it had never occurred to me that John might ever actually miss a performance. He was like Ethel Merman, for chrissake, he would go on with a 106 degree fever, two broken legs and an arrow sticking out of his heart. I spent the morning rehearsing Fagin’s numbers with the kids, and Flo was there to give me moral support. On breaks, I drank hot tea with lemon and she ran lines with me. During the show, she was there when I came offstage to give me pep talks and hold my hand. The performance went very well ... So well, that Mr. Robinson never missed another performance. I’ll never forget how Flo helped me get through it. My third memory is more personal. Now, I was never a real singer. I was an actor that could sort-of sing well enough for Musicals. One day, Flo called me and asked if I would do her a favor. She had been asked to perform at a luncheon at a women’s club in Oklahoma City and wondered if I would join her. We had been talking about the score of a recent Broadway musical based on Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona, with music by Galt McDermot, F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! the man who wrote the music for Hair. One of the songs in the show was “Who is Sylvia?” which used Shakespeare’s original lyrics. Flo suggested we do a mash-up of that song with another version by Franz Schubert, which also used Shakespeare’s lyrics. We did the performance, and the songs worked beautifully in counterpoint. I felt so honored to be singing with her. And, looking back, it was wonderful for me to feel so validated by her. The years since my leaving Oklahoma and moving to New York City have brought many changes and surprises. In spite of my dreams and Flo’s encouragement and support, I never became a star on Broadway or otherwise. Instead, I have spent over 30 years dealing with a chronic debilitating disease known as Ankylosing Spondylitis. My neck and spine have been totally fused since 1989, yet I continue to work full-time and do a weekly blog. Like Flo, I discovered how to re-invent myself. If I couldn’t act, I could write plays. If I couldn’t write plays, I could write haiku. Thank you, Flo, for giving me a road map for adversity in addition to a road map to stardom. Michael Tracy Smith P.S. The photo of me was taken in the mid-1970’s. I haven’t changed a bit. ;-)
Jessica Salley Grad Year: 2008 I think about Mrs. Birdwell often not just for what she taught me about singing but what she taught me about bravery. She cut through everyone’s artifice and ego and I feel like I don’t even know who I’d be if I hadn’t gotten to study with her for five insane and intense years.
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Congratulations! Michelle Cardinal Dolan Grad Year: 1995 Dear Mrs. Birdwell, I think of you at least twice a day and now that I have the opportunity to put all of my thoughts down, I can’t choose which one!!! You made me feel so important and worthy of my work and time with you. I know that my words and thoughts are being echoed by all of your students. As I’m teaching, I find myself regurgitating the exact words that you said to me. I think how absolutely blessed I was to have studied with you and to have been around such passion for singing and passion in expression of the WORDS and character. To add to that, you are a lovely, dear soul! Thank you for your work and your sincere honestly. Rebecca McCord Grad Year: 1974 Dear Flo, I send my heartiest congratulations to you! Certainly no one in the School of Music has been more influential or more supportive to generations of students than you and I am so glad that you are to receive an honorary doctorate from OCU. You were such a enthusiastic and supportive mentor to me in my voice lessons, allowing me to crossover from classical to musical theatre to popular music. Though I received my doctorate in piano from the Eastman School of Music, I fondly remember the vocal techniques that you taught me and how much fun we had in the process. Dear friend, I was so glad to visit you last summer and look forward to seeing you again when next I am in Oklahoma City. F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! Renee Anderson Grad Years: 2000, 2006 I have so many wonderful stories about Florence, but my most memorable is one that took place during my first year of graduate school. (It is also one that is still talked about by those that were witness and it gets a good laugh when I reenact it.) I was singing in Master Class one afternoon and I happened to be wearing a strapless top. Now, this top may have been strapless, but it had a considerable amount of length to it. It was not super short, but it did not fall to my knees and I believe I was wearing it with capri pants. I threw myself emotionally into the acting and performed this gut-wrenching ballad, and afterwards, Florence’s hand shot up in the air from the back row of the Petree auditorium. Florence (in her famous, serious Florence manner): “May I ask you a question?” Renee (still standing on stage and confused, yet curious): “Sure!” Florence (as serious as a heart attack, referring to my top ): “Do you ever wear that without pants?” Renee (stunned and REALLY confused): “No?.......” Florence: “Just thought I’d ask. (Florence laughter) Beautiful job.” Needless to say, I was wearing that top at a party somewhere later that semester and wore it without pants in her honor, lol. Long Live Florence!
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Congratulations! Rick Johnson Grad Years: 1998, 2001 Congratulations Mrs. Birdwell! Thank you for being one of the most influential people in my life. I use the knowledge that you taught me every day of my life - on and off stage. Your marvelous teaching techniques and life lessons are passed on to the next generation of singers as I teach my students. I owe my successful career as a performer and teacher to you. THANK YOU!
Angela Polk Congrats Dr. Florence Birdwell! I love you more than words can say and I’m so grateful to call you my friend and mentor. We’ve shared some incredible times over the past few years and I’m so glad that my move back to Oklahoma has allowed me so many memories with you. I would not be who I am now if it hadn’t been for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything and congrats! Love, Angela (AKA The first pancake!)
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Congratulations! Scott Guthrie Grad Years: 2001, 2006 My favorite memory of Florence is before I was her student. I was playing Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and we had just opened. After the show, people would come downstairs to the dressing rooms to meet. I was getting wonderful compliments from people, when I saw this little woman shuffling across the hall to talk to me. I knew exactly who she was from stories I had heard about her from other voice students, but had never actually spoken to her. She came up to me and said, “My dear, you were wonderful!...until you opened your mouth to sing.” And then she walked away. I knew in that moment, I HAD to work with this brutally honest artist. We had three years together and I cherish every second I have spent with Florence ever since. She is the most genuine, passionate artist I’ve ever worked with. She has influenced me beyond ways of comprehension. I always think of a Peter Allen lyric when I think of Florence; “Quiet please, there’s a lady on stage. She may not be the latest craze, but she’s singing, and she means it. And she deserves a little silence.” Congratulations, Florence. You deserve it!
Sara (Miller) Clary Grad Year: 1971 Because of you, Mrs. B, I fell in love with performing again. Thank you for your patient tutoring and extreme encouraging! Your enthusiasm was...and is... contagious!!! Thank you!
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Congratulations! Terry Zinn Grad Year: 1971 Florence, as the song sings, “Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a love can be??” Florence, you and I go back to our close association to when I was an undergraduate taking voice lessons from you back in the late 1960’s- early ‘70s. You were a pioneer in having drama kids take voice lessons to round out their performing arts skills. Soon after my graduation you expanded your singing and reading “programs” to clubs and societies, where I was your driver and confidant. In 1979 you and one of your many accompanists, James Followell, decide to put on a formal one woman show in the Burg thrust theater. You drafted me to be your stage manager and coach, as who could ever really “direct” you, although when you asked I was pleased to offer my opinions, having achieved a Master’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati in Theatre/Playwriting/Directing. That concert is legendary as the Burg was overflowing with students and others packed into the aisles, which in later years that kind of seating was banned by the fire Marshall. It was such a critical and popular success that it continued in expanded form for 10 years, where I continued to offer my assistance. My talents lay not in performance but in capturing through black and white film photography your performance nuance and charm. You once graciously said that it was after viewing my photographs from your first concert that you were encouraged to continue the yearly concerts, where you practiced what you were teaching. While those years were at times a challenge in patience and energy, I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to document those fleeting theatrical moments, gaining insights into performance art and of course you.
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Congratulations! Through the years, as you know, I was invited to be a week long guest speaker at several of your Musical Theater Seminar classes where I offered insights into the work of Stephen Sondheim, and eventually took on as instructor of the class. My close association with you, during your creative prime, was for decades. In that time, I have seen the many sides of Florence, including your passion for instruction, your dedication to your student’s professional and personal lives, and your innate drive and generosity in giving. I have personally seen students literally sit at your feet, looking up eager to soak up your knowledge. And yes, you were infamous for “making” your students cry during lessons, but that is because you cared so much about their personal growth which they would take away in their lives after graduation from OCU. During my undergraduate years we all called you affectionately, “the Bird Lady,” a term which continued, I understand, for many years. The successful professional performing students that can be attributed to your instruction over the years is lengthy. And all of your students, rejoiced in their professional successes. It is so life affirming that in recent years you have been given many well deserved awards and accolades, to a life well lived. This honorary doctorate degree no doubt, is the epitome of recognition of your life long dedication to excellence. Congratulations, Florence, and my appreciation to OCU, for this recognition.
Will Mann Grad Year: 2006 This woman shaped most all I know about singing. And no matter how many years have passed after graduating, whenever I see her she makes me better.
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Congratulations! Tiffan Borelli Grad Years: 2004, 2006 It is fitting that Mrs. Birdwell will, after today, be referred to as Dr. Birdwell because this is the title my father, Mike Borelli, generously gave her during the 1st year I studied with her. I was still in high school and for the first few lessons, I was too young to drive myself. Upon picking me up from high school and driving me to my lessons he would bring me a dress to change into on the way because he thought I should look my best. After all, it was a tremendous honor to be a high school student studying with “Dr. Birdwell”. He knew that, and boy, did I! Little did I know that would be the beginning 16 years of lessons, with equal attention to voice and life. Half a lifetime ago for me. Almost to the day. The first song we worked on was a song called ‘The Portrait”. It was for my high school production of “A My Name is Alice”. I sang it once for her. “Wouldn’t it be, wonderful, if you could really mean those words?” she asked me. I digested that statement in silence for sometime. “Really mean those words...?” I asked myself. ‘Really mean those words...? I repeated in a whisper out loud.The concept seemed so simple and so complex. “Let me, try again,” I said. The next thing I knew I was at the end of the lesson, in tears, on the floor of her 2nd story studio, and in that instant, my soul felt about 20 years older. “Good girl.” Mrs. Birdwell said. “The Portrait” is the song I will always most remember working on with her. It’s symbolic for me but more so, is the real life portrait of my mentor, teacher and friend, Florence Birdwell. The portrait of a woman who is wearing her ‘colored glasses’ reciting the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, or Shakespeare, and dares me to say the words of the National Anthem and not cry. “Oh, say...can you SEE?!!” The portrait of a scarf wearing, Volkswagen-driving woman who loves F L O R E N C E B I R D W E L L H O N O R A R Y D O C T O R AT E - M A R C H 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 - O K L A H O M A C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y
Congratulations! potato chips and says those two words like I have never heard them before. “PoTAtoe CHIPS!” “HAMburgers!”--A woman who stayed in Wimberly Hall until midnight with Will Mann and myself helping us mean the words of Shakespeare for KISS ME KATE, the portrait of a woman who kept a delicate white orchid in bloom for as long as I have known her, the portrait of a woman who, when I stayed the night with her to drive her to the airport at 6am awoke ME at 4a.m. with the sounds of an exercise bike. She was of course on it, excited for life that day, smiling at me in her night shirt. “Good morning, LOVE!”. The portrait of a woman who is the reason I ask myself “Are you going you mean it?” every time, I step foot on a stage or in front of the camera. Yes. Yes, I am. There is no other way. Not for me. Never for Dr. Birdwell...
Traci Bair Grad Year: 2008 Mrs. Birdwell taught me why to sing long before she taught me how. She instilled in me that singing with just a ‘pretty sound’ is so boring! We must communicate with the audience using our words, we must make them understand the story. I have taken this valuable truth with me in many shows all over the country and world. I am so thankful to you Mrs. Birdwell, my teacher, my voice.
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