Talk:Richard Proulx

Richard Proulx & Fantasy On "Veni Creator Spiritus"
A couple of points concerning Richard Proulx. First, though considered a Roman Catholic composer and arranger Mr. Proulx wrote the music for 10 pieces in the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church. He also wrote a setting called FANTASY ON "VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS" for organ and Alto Sax. I have the music for this setting which was copyrighted 2004. This is a very free to "improv" setting that truly brings out the sounds of an Alto Sax when performed in a "live" acoustical venue.

I played saxes and other horns forty years ago and took them up again upon retirement. When I first attempted this piece I found it way over my skill set at the time. In some manner I was able to obtain the e-mail address of Mr. Proulx. I e-mailed my problems to him and he replied where I would find a recorded Alto Sax and Organ performance on CD. After I got the CD he and I had an ongoing discussion for about three years as to my progress, the average Sunday attendance at my church, & several other topics. He even twice told me his e-mail was being changed and additional safe-guards were being put in place to protect his privacy. Both times he sent me an e-mail which if I returned it would allow us to continue our relationship.

I never met nor even saw a picture of Mr. Proulx. But every time I walk into my music room and see one of my saxes I always think of him. This year on Sunday 9/11/11 I will perform his Fantasy for the first and probably only time at our little church. I am astounded that someone who was so busy and well known would take such an interest in a small Episcopal Church in Shelbyville Kentucky!

74.129.224.107 (talk) 00:45, 22 August 2011 (UTC)Michael Cowan, Shelbyville Kentucky