Music Hall of Fame inducts three at spring concert
2004

   The Caledonia Mumford Music Hall of Fame inducted three additional members from the Cal-Mum community whose lives have exemplified the ideal that music is a lifelong avocation. Nominees and members of the Hall of Fame are those individuals who have made significant contributions, had great accomplishments, or have been lifelong music participants. The induction ceremony took place at the CMCS spring 2004 middle and high school choral concert that was performed before a standing room only audience and earned a standing ovation. CMCS MS/HS Choral Director Mr. Todd Walker conceived of the idea for a Music Hall of Fame. Last spring, in its inaugural year, the Hall of Fame inducted five members. Mr. Walker had the honor again this year of inducting these three individuals to the Hall of Fame.

   Inducted this year were Richard Wilkins, Maria Neale and in memoriam, Howard Smith. Wilkins is a 1956 graduate of Caledonia-Mumford High School. His senior yearbook quote was, "Without music, life would be a mistake." In high school, Richard participated in band and chorus but his first love was the piano. He went on to graduate from Potsdam State in 1960 and played with the United States Naval Academy Band from until 1965. He later went on to perform with the Glenn Miller and Buddy Morrow Orchestras. In 1965 Wilkins went on his own and has since been a free-lance musician. He has appeared at hotels and clubs all over the northeast and middle Atlantic region such as the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in New York City, Grossingers, and Windows on the World in the world trade center.

   The late Howard F. Smith graduated from Castile High School where he became involved in music and then later attended Cornell University where he sang with the Sage Chapel Choir. Music became his avocation. Smith was employed by Caledonia-Mumford Central School from 1952 to 1989, first as an agriculture teacher and then as a guidance counselor. As a student counselor, Smith was able to direct talented students to colleges that provided strong music programs. In 1954 he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church Choir. Later he joined the Genesee Harmonics at the Genesee Country Museum and performed for many years in the Cal-Mum Variety Show. No one can forget his memorable appearance as a Beach Boy in one of the shows. He entertained folks for years as a member of barbershop quartets and also as a soloist at many weddings. Upon his retirement from CMCS, he started a music scholarship in his name for students who are interested and capable in music.

   Maria Neale came to Caledonia-Mumford as an elementary vocal music teacher in 1976. She stayed for 21 years and during that time built an excellent elementary program. Neale graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. She went on to get her Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Study, Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport. In addition to teaching at Cal-Mum, Neale has served as organist and choir director at St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Church, keyboard player for "Just Playin’ Folks" and directed the community choir’s performances for many years. She has encouraged countless children to participate in music, both in and out of the classroom, in ensembles and in music theater productions. She has also served as the musical director for the Geneseo Community Players production of Titanic and plays saxophone in Kelley’s Heroes.

   Nominees for the Cal-Mum Music Hall of Fame can be submitted any time throughout the year by contacting Mr. Walker at the school, 538-6811.