Anthony with music students in the Center for the Arts.
More than 200 friends, family, students, colleagues and former colleagues joined together to celebrate James Muse Anthony’s retirement from Towson University after 43 years in the Department of Music.
The musical celebration, coordinated by fellow music professor Carl Schmidt, featured instrumental and vocal music performed by faculty and students including a world premiere of Joy in Music (JIM) (Fanfare) written by Jonathan Leshnoff, also a music professor.
According to Schmidt, “When tonight’s concert was still only a dream, the thought of beginning with a celebratory fanfare in Dr. Anthony’s honor occurred. Professor Leshnoff, when approached, most graciously agreed to write one.”
The program included TU President Maravene Loeschke and theatre professor emeritus C. Richard Gillespie presenting an excerpt from The Merchant of Venice, Act V Scene I, by William Shakespeare, one of Anthony’s favorite operas. Additional tributes were offered by Susan Picinich, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Eileen Hayes, chair of the Department of Music, and Susanne Riveles, distinguished public servant and longtime friend of Anthony.
The retiree has taught more than 21 different courses at Towson since 1971, enlightening the minds of generations of Towson students in subjects such as music and history of literature. Trained as an organist, he also performs regularly at Towson, in Connecticut and at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Glyndon, where he is organist/choirmaster.
Anthony has lectured for various Baltimore performance organizations and presently serves as board chairman of the Maryland Boychoir and Pro Musica Rara. He has also been active in the Abell Improvement Association and is an active supporter of area opera performances and concerts.
Students and colleagues say they will always cherish the friendship and generosity of Anthony, who is considered by many to be the “heart and soul” of the Department of Music.
“Countless colleagues and friends attest that working with him has been one of the most gratifying professional experiences they have had,” says Hayes. “Jim’s mentoring and teaching has enriched the lives of hundreds of students who sing his praises, but they aren’t the only ones in the choir.”
Lisa Woznicki, a research and instruction librarian, put together a scrapbook for Anthony containing congratulations and best wishes from colleagues, administrators, students and former students. Luvanda Harrison, a former Towson student and now chair of the Department of Music at Stillman University in Alabama, writes “Of all my professors at Towson, I think most fondly of my time with Dr. Anthony. Please give him my warmest regards and appreciation.”
“My wife and I had the pleasure of enrolling in Dr. Anthony’s Music History classes while studying music at TU,” writes Stephen Holmes, artistic director of the Maryland State Boychoir.
“Not only did he make the history of music come to life, but he always took a sincere interest in each student—not just in their ability to perform in his class but in their welfare and personal well-being. Jim’s work as a board member has indeed confirmed that which I already knew—that Jim is, hands down, one of the most kind, gentle, generous and devoted people that you will ever meet. He has changed my life and I know full well that he has done the same for each of you.”
Event proceeds and donations went to the newly established Dr. James Muse Anthony Endowment for Music Enhancement Fund to benefit musical activities at Towson University for future generations.
