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No, that's not the King of the North. It's just me giving an update on the making of the upcoming book of audition stories.
I can more clearly see it now. As I move through the wind-swept snow, in the distance there is a book filled with your unique and unforgettable experiences. In addition to delighting at the already received stories, I'm reviewing an assortment of eye-catching book covers and seeking the title that will best represent the book.
Making your way up the slippery slope of submitting your audition story is easier than making snow angels. Just follow the instructions below:
Also:
1. State the year of your graduating class. 2. State your exact name that will be posted with the story. 3. If applicable, state your maiden or former name when you attended M&A. This is needed to verify your existence when you attended our school. 4. Your yearbook photograph will be used with your story. If you wish for another photograph to be used, please forward it to: [email protected]. 
Now that you've done your heart-throbbing overview, email your story to:
[email protected]. 
Regardless of the in climate weather, we've always gotten a lot more done when we work together. Join the in-crowd and share your vivid memories, which in book form, will become precious gems to be shared with family and friends.
Once again, send your stories to [email protected]
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 The collecting and sharing of audition stories from alumni of the High School of Music and Art has been both surprising and gratifying. I’m so happy that others still reflect as I do about our time at The Castle, as if it were yesterday. These shared memories, help to show just how similar we all are.
 Auditorium January 1950
I would also be appreciative of any related additional experiences or photographs that you may wish to add. If you wish for your story to be part of the upcoming book, please email it to me at: (Leaving your story on Facebook will be entertaining for those that have access to the site but there is no guarantee that your experience will be published).
Prior to publication, you will have a chance to review your story and picture(s) so you can give your final okay before it’s placed in the book.  1978 I'm looking forward to adding your heart-warming story as a cornerstone of this even growing and shared project. M&A4EVER. Lloyd A. Green Founder of MyCastleTreasures.com And EndlessPerceptions.com
It’s a new year. My life is so different. High school seems like a dream from long ago but pleasant memories of those few years easily bring me back. I promised myself I'd make it back to the school for a reunion and this year I've finally done it.
It's difficult not to be drawn to the auditorium. How many others have ridden through free time (and classes) on the sturdy wooden soldiers? I’m in awe as I reflect how most of the seats are so much older than any of its previous riders.
The elevators seem mystical to me. Back in the day, I watched as noisy blurs hurriedly moved in and out of the magical boxes. In the three years that I stepped from basement to upper levels, I never used the elevators. I walked pass them. The convenience of the wired carriages couldn’t compete with the shyness of my anxious youth as I escaped to the close by stairways.
The hallways pull away from me as an imaginary class bell rings. Almost bumping into others in the corridor became a daily occurrence as everyone honored their personal space. I realize that folks in the distance are familiar. As my step quickens, I smile. No time for that lonely feeling when there are so many friends close by.
Life is so different but so many things remain the same. A world-wind of emotions suddenly take me back. I remember how unusual a school like Music and Art really was. M&A will always be part of my soul because of the blessings bestowed upon me by being there. I'm glad I decided to come back.
You've climbed about 100 steps through St. Nicholas Park and you're not even a little tired. Usually you'd run up the remaining boundary to the Castle but something is holding you back. You decide to take a moment to appreciate your surroundings.
As you look back at your climb, you notice how others are blindly moving in unison. You shake your head and smile. They're not paying attention to the lust greenery surrounding them or the cheerful chirping from the nearby treetops.
You glance over your shoulder to your left. Proudly standing there is your favorite tree, which you and your friends have spent numerous lunchtimes running your mouths.
You suddenly hear your name being called. You can see your friends impatiently standing at the top landing so you wave back in anticipation.
But the same feeling that caused you to take a moment out from your busy day, instead moves you to the right of the ascending stairs. You search for a shortcut but find only the steep stone barrier. You chuckle to yourself as you admit that there's no way to climb up on this side.
A warm breeze moves you closer to the lengthy stone wall. You can't help but enjoy the splendor and majesty that the Castle presents to you as it shines through the afternoon sky.
Okay, enough fantasizing. The bell will ring soon and you still have to make it all the way to the east tower in the next five minutes.
Before you take those last long strides to your favorite haven, you're certain that these warm feelings will follow you throughout the day. They'll be added to the wonderful memories you've already gathered. Your steps are light and they give you the feeling of walking on air. Today will be one of the best and you're happy that you decided to take a moment.
All photographs were taken by Lloyd A. Green
During a visit to the Castle in 2016, I noticed a room that looked like a small gymnasium/dance hall. I graduated in 1971 but I don't remember seeing this brightly lit area before. Could others please enlighten me. What was it used for?
The years that I attended M&A, I didn't know there was a courtyard so close by. It wasn't until many years later that I saw photographs of the unknown area and I was truly shocked.
 After conversations with other alumni, I discovered that there were many others who attended the school for three or four years and didn't know that the area existed. It was secretly tucked into the lap of the EL-shaped building. It quietly sat between the northwest side of the structure and the then basketball court (now it's a parking lot).
In the long run, I can only imagine the warm thoughts that would have been evoked by the calming influence of this peaceful section. Difficult to miss what I never experienced but I'm sure it would have been serene and relaxing on a warm spring day.  Photographer: Celia Bressack (Spring '71)  Photographer: Janet Gulotta
However, I was bored with the ”good ’ol standards" and decided that if I was going to audition, and do it well, then I needed to play music that spoke to me. I entered the room on the fifth floor and met Dr. Chernoff, who greeted me with an open hand and a long beard. To my right was a grungy blackboard with the musical staff, a piano in the middle of the room, and spread all over the place in what I suppose was a neat chaos, was a bunch of chairs. To me it was just chaos. And at the same time, that chaos said to me ”it might be o.k. to take risks”. I set my music on the piano (there was no music stand) and began to present myself: ”Hi, my name is Kristen Snyder and I have been playing flute for four years. I want to go to M&A because of its focus on the arts and its belief in diversity. And if it’s o.k. with you, I would like to perform Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik on flute (reading off a piano score of course).” And so I began to play and smiled as the melody came out of my flute and my soul. I was so glad I chose to play something that made me happy and decided if they didn’t like it, then it wasn’t a school for me. Apparently they liked my choice and my playing. I had four fantastic years at M&A graduating in 1982 with experiences in senior band and orchestra as well as the musicals. It pays to take chances and follow your heart!  More examples of stories at: http://mycastletreasures.com/ma-audition-stories.html Starting in the early 1940's, a unique hood ornament was seen throughout the school. Using the school yearbooks as a reference, it was difficult to miss the senior hat that was proudly wore in M&A for almost three decades.
 Senior hats were even wore in the upstairs cafeteria in the spring of 1951  In the classroom during winter 1951  You had to wear your hat when you sang the school song in the spring of 1952  Looking forward to wearing their hats during a wonderful lunch in the spring of 1953  Possibly the first selfie with the hat in the spring of 1953
 Two out of four students wore hats in 1964 while surrounding the piano.  Two girlfriends to every guy who wore a hat in 1964.  And finally, the man with the microphone in 1967 By the time 1970 rolled around, the proud wearing of the senior hat had all but disappeared. On the humorous side, my theory is that the three guys below might be the reason that seniors gave up wearing their hats. From the Classes of 1965, 1968 & 1969 On the serious side, I'm interested in any facts about how the hats got started and/or why they stopped being popular.
This contrast is seen through the change in musical tempo and use of calm still photos, as compared to fast-paced video footage. Hope you enjoy this short video as much as I enjoyed producing it. "It takes a lot of work but dreams do come true." 
My Junior High School Music Teacher Anne-Marie Hudley rehearsed me for the entire week leading up to the audition date; she seemed just as anxious as me! After tackling the 200+ steps up the hill, I finally reached my destination and I just stood there for a moment looking at the building. Once inside, a feeling of "home" and a total sense of peace flooded my entire body and I knew that's where I belonged! I was auditioned by Mrs. Edith DelValle and she said I had a beautiful instrument and she enjoyed my audition. She said she was impressed at how prepared I was! I said thank you and that it would be an honor for me to learn and grow at this school! The rest is history! I was in Solo Voice Class, I was in the Movie "FAME" and I was honored to be selected to sing the National Anthem at our Class of 1981 graduation! Nothing but wonderful times at M&A and life-long Friends!  More examples of stories at: http://mycastletreasures.com/ma-audition-stories.html |
Lloyd A. GreenM&A was a blessing, which is difficult to forget. Let's talk about the good times. 
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