your question

02/12/2020 Rob Wall

Taking one general ed music class at HSU exposed me to professor Eugene Novotney. I have never met a person so passionate about music. I believe you may have taken some courses from him. Along with your EHS music teachers, would you also consider him an early influence? If so, how did he?
Rob Wall, Fortuna, CA

my answer

Eugene is great. Super positive, encouraging force. I played fretless (!!) bass in the HSU Steel Band in the late ‘80s. I believe that was the first time I had ever heard Calypso music. He was super open about me barely knowing what I was doing but trusting me enough to give me the role and giving me tips on the feel and time of that super upbeat music.