First of all, my deepest condolences to Arlene’s family.
Even though I did not concentrate in music, I probably spent more time at Orwig and the practice rooms (especially those basement cubicles) than anywhere else on campus.
Arlene had a way of making you feel welcome and like part of a big family. However nervous I’d be going into her office for a jury, I’d leave laughing and with some chocolates from the bowl on her desk. Sometimes we would drop in to just chat about her dogs (and also to eat some chocolates). What I especially loved about Arlene was her irreverence. Enough time has passed that I don’t remember if I heard this from a friend or directly, but she once recommended listening to Debussy’s The Sunken Cathedral while lying submerged in a bathtub.
Arlene and the applied music programme transformed my relationship with music. She and my wonderful teachers Lisa Romanul and Karen Nelson taught me how to connect with a piece on a deeper level and gave me the confidence to learn and perform. Even though I don’t spend nearly as much time at the piano now, when I play I feel free. This is entirely thanks to Arlene, Lisa, and Karen.
Arlene knew how to throw a party. The post-recital receptions at Grant were undoubtedly among the best on campus – so good that I invited myself to the grad recital at my fifth year reunion in 2017, which was when I last saw Arlene.
Arlene – Thank you for accepting this half-baked pianist into AMP, which was such an important part of my Brown years. Thank you for doing your work with the utmost joy and care. You were simply the best. Rest in peace.
Love from SIngapore,
Candice Low ’12
