Kenneth C. Roberts, Jr.

 

 

 

[Citation read at ceremony of retirement, Williams College, Office of the President]

“You gave this College the joyful and profound gift of music. You performed for decades with the Williams Trio and Music in the Round, as an accompanist and as organist at major College events. You transformed the College Glee Club into the Choral Society and Chamber Singers with a repertoire of major, serious music. You introduced and developed our traditional Service of Lessons and Carols. You built the College’s enviable collection of music books, scores, and recordings. At the podium and in the classroom, you challenged students to meet the highest possible standards. You introduced many of them to new worlds, from the orchestral cultures of major American cities to the concert halls of Europe. You have shared your gifts as well outside the College. You conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Choir, contributed to the New Grove Dictionary of Music, and advised orchestras in this country and abroad on new American music and conductors. All this and more you have done with burning intensity, causing our hearts repeatedly to soar, and converting countless students into lifelong lovers and supporters of music.

I hereby declare you A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Music, Emeritus, entitled to all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto.”

June 2, 2002