The Brooklyn Music School introduced the Dr. Leon Gunther Legacy Award this year at our New heartBEATS Fundraising Gala. Dr. Leon Gunther is a former Brooklyn Music School student, the author of The Physics of Music and Color: Sound and Light, and a Tufts University physics professor emeritus. Dr. Gunther attended the Brooklyn Music School nearly seventy years ago at the age of eight. Below he describes BMS's impact as an institution as a young child.
Brian Adamczyk + Dr. Leon Gunther
Photo Credit: Collis Torrington
“Entering the building on St. Felix St. each Saturday morning warmed by body and soul - I was awed by the woodwork that caressed the spaces. I could hear advanced students playing from distant rooms and hoped that someday I might play as well as they. BMS’s children orchestra was the very first orchestra I played in - I recall our playing an arrangement of the theme from the last movement of Brahms’ Symphony no. 1 that I adore so much.
While I am a theoretical physicist, I am also an amateur musician, thanks to the Brooklyn Music School. Music fills my life, as I am sure that attending the BMS will help make it so for you too, whatever will be your profession.
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Dr. Leon Gunther
Photo Credit: Collis Torrington
This year, we honor Dr. Leon Gunther for inspiring the Brooklyn Music School community. The Legacy Award aims to recognize members of the Brooklyn Music School community who go above and beyond to commit themselves to the BMS mission.
Hope Kelly
Photo Credit: Collis Torrington
This year’s recipient is Hope Kelly. Thank you Hope for all that you do and thank you Dr. Gunter for your legacy and dedication toward our community!