The Schroeder Hall inside the Don and Maureen Green Music Center, situated on the campus of Sonoma State University, provided the backdrop for the launch of Don Green’s memoir, Defining Moments.
As the recognized “Father of Telecom Valley,” Don took the stage, said a few words of welcome, and briefly talked about connections and community, “Today is a defining moment. At 83, I decided to write a memoir, to look back to look forward.”
Don added, “What is the connection? We’re all shaped by defining moments. At every stage of life there are defining moments.”
As he did during his illustrious career, Don gave way to others who spoke for him about his life and achievements and some of those important defining moments.
Don added, “What is the connection? We’re all shaped by defining moments. At every stage of life there are defining moments.”
As he did during his illustrious career, Don gave way to others who spoke for him about his life and achievements and some of those important defining moments.
Robert (Bob) Worth, Professor Emeritus, Sonoma State University, performed the role of master of ceremonies. Inscribed inside the book are Bob’s words of praise, “Don is a hero and a visionary in so many ways, and he has given so much to our local community.”
Bob arranged for excerpts of Defining Moments to be read by a local actor, alternating humorous stories with wonderful musical selections offered up by an a cappella group in the form of a madrigal [1]; a number of orchestral selections performed by members of The Santa Rosa Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring woodwinds (a Bach in C major, as I recall) in one segment, and horns in another; and lastly, a powerful pipe organ presentation [2].
Bob arranged for excerpts of Defining Moments to be read by a local actor, alternating humorous stories with wonderful musical selections offered up by an a cappella group in the form of a madrigal [1]; a number of orchestral selections performed by members of The Santa Rosa Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring woodwinds (a Bach in C major, as I recall) in one segment, and horns in another; and lastly, a powerful pipe organ presentation [2].
At the conclusion of the formal presentation, a meet-and-greet with Don was well attended. The accompanying drinks and hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed as supporters purchased books to raise funds for the aforementioned youth orchestra. Don and Maureen continue their legacy of investing in their beloved Sonoma County community.
For me, the afternoon was a walk down memory lane. I chatted with Don for a few seconds and took the opportunity to mug for a photo with Don, together with former Cerent colleague, Martin Fornage. I said hello to Mike Hatfield, Cerent co-founder, who remained coy about his future plans vis-à-vis initiating one more startup company. A brief engagement with our former Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey produced a laugh, when I suggested it took two men to replace her in her former sixth congressional district, redefined by redistricting. Lynn contributed praise for Don’s life story too, “. . . His story, written with honesty, humility, and his sense of humor, is a great read. It teaches through example that it is possible to reach success without losing self.”
It was a day to remember as we all came together at Don’s beloved music center, forming a diverse community of technocrats and artists, to support Don and his love of music in another defining moment . . .
[1] The term “a cappella” is a form of musical presentation featuring choral music without instrument accompaniment. The word originates in Italy and literally means “in chapel style.” The six voices that sang during the book launch presentation were able to “tune” with one another and the music hall, as they offered up a beautiful madrigal, composed by Englishman John Wilbye, in 1601 AD. A madrigal was the most important non-religious form of music during the 15th and 16th centuries. This form of music gave way to opera (arias) in the 17th century.
[2] The pipe organ was transferred from Toledo, Ohio, and is a permanent fixture of Schroeder Hall’s stage-end wall. This rare instrument, housed in the custom-built organ balcony, is a 1,248-pipe Brombaugh Opus 9. “Built of red oak with accents of rare woods, the organ’s metal pipes range in size from 16 feet long to some smaller than a pencil,” according to an SSU website. “With 19 stops and 29 ranks on two manual divisions and pedal, the organ sounds both forceful and sweet.” Everyone should hear Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring on this pipe organ in the acoustically “perfect” Schroeder Hall.
It was a day to remember as we all came together at Don’s beloved music center, forming a diverse community of technocrats and artists, to support Don and his love of music in another defining moment . . .
[1] The term “a cappella” is a form of musical presentation featuring choral music without instrument accompaniment. The word originates in Italy and literally means “in chapel style.” The six voices that sang during the book launch presentation were able to “tune” with one another and the music hall, as they offered up a beautiful madrigal, composed by Englishman John Wilbye, in 1601 AD. A madrigal was the most important non-religious form of music during the 15th and 16th centuries. This form of music gave way to opera (arias) in the 17th century.
[2] The pipe organ was transferred from Toledo, Ohio, and is a permanent fixture of Schroeder Hall’s stage-end wall. This rare instrument, housed in the custom-built organ balcony, is a 1,248-pipe Brombaugh Opus 9. “Built of red oak with accents of rare woods, the organ’s metal pipes range in size from 16 feet long to some smaller than a pencil,” according to an SSU website. “With 19 stops and 29 ranks on two manual divisions and pedal, the organ sounds both forceful and sweet.” Everyone should hear Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring on this pipe organ in the acoustically “perfect” Schroeder Hall.