BOOKS BY JOY DOUGLASS
Calvin excels in chemistry and competes for a statewide research award. But when he responds to teachers and classmates who urge him to conduct the chorus, he loves it. His high school years are packed with challenges - trying to understand his long time special friendship with Lucy, pursuing chemistry experiments, tutoring math in a precarious situation, losing his mother's attention as she considers a second marriage, and enjoying his love of music as he is introduced to conducting choirs and playing the organ. Calvin develops a method for thinking through problems and learns to respond by listening to and supporting his friends. Calvin enters college focused on STEM courses, yet is soon confronted with other choices.
Scan or click to listen to "WHERE THE MUSIC COMES FROM" by Lee Hoiby, performed by Peter Stewart, baritone: accompanied by the composer.
From Songs by Lee Hoiby: Continual Conversation with a Silent Man, New World Records #NWCR686. â„— & © 1994 Composers Recordings, Inc. © 2007 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc. Used by permission. Sheet music for “Where the Music Comes From,” is available from G. Schirmer, Inc.
Calvin loved to go to school on Thursdays---that's when they had music. On many days however, he was faced with bullies on the playground---one in particular. Sensing Calvin's uncanny ear for music, his third-grade music teacher suggested he audition for a boy choir school in Philadelphia. He was accepted and by the time he graduated from eighth grade, Calvin had been on tours in the United States and Europe, sung in famous concert halls under major symphonic conductors, and one year, performed daily in the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, dancing with the Rockettes. At the school he developed a love of chemistry and languages, and even learned to like soccer. Calvin had developed poise and social skills and was ready to return to his local public high school. Yet, there was a nagging feeling. Was that bully from third grade still around?
Follow the adventures of a Berkshire guest house owner…a saga of forty years, sharing details of a variety of guests and even some Tanglewood tales. There are a few inside stories that include names like Seiji Ozawa, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Leonard Bernstein. Learn about local residents…carpenters, plumbers, electricians, lawn and garden experts, and linen delivery services…all who are needed and revered in the guest house business. There are stories of hard work, mostly about the daily change-over of the guest rooms, and more than you need to know about shared bathrooms. You will hear about morning baking…even get a few recipes, family weddings, and lasting friendships that developed…and the thrill of learning to row on Stockbridge Bowl. Lastly, it answers the question, “Would we do it all over again?”​
PRAISE FOR "CALVIN"
"This is an insightful book - a journey of a boy's odyssey through an epic musical immersion. The reader will learn from Calvin's incredible adventure, the illuminations only available through music"
VAN DYKE PARKS
Composer/Arranger
"Calvin is a coming-of-age novel where music binds together cultures, traditions, generations, places, and, especially people. Douglass deftly weaves these into a story about human relationships, aspirations, and transformation. Prepare to learn, laugh, journey, and bond with Calvin and the unforgettable characters in his life and world."
KAREN ELLIS
Principal of MMS Education
"Reading "Calvin" brought back the reason(s) for becoming a classical singer and choral conductor. My high school days in Mt. Vernon, singing under the direction of Joy Anthony, brought to me a great love of music and singing"
LARRY HOENIG
Choral conductor, Tenor soloist, and former Chair of Music at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia
MEET JOY
Joy Douglass has been a public school music teacher at the high school, middle and elementary school levels. She is a graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and holds a masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University as well as a PhD in Music Education from The University of Michigan.
Joy is a life-long member of NAfME, ACDA,and has served on the Board of Chorus America. She is the author of two previous books, The Hum and the Buzz and CALVIN.