IWBC 2000 Recognition Awards

Our president, Marie Speziale, who herself deserves kudos of every type imaginable (roses, medals, ribbons, etc.) presented commemorative plaques to two very special women in our midst. After the intermission of the closing concert, Marie presented to Susan Slaughter, founder and past President of the IWBC, a plaque detailing our gratitude and admiration. Without Susan’s foresight, positive energy, and sheer stamina, the IWBC would never have existed. She remains a role model for all of us, an example of the highest musicianship and achievement combined with humor, humility, and a concern for the welfare of all women brass musicians.

The second presentation was to a woman who is very dear to those of us who have attended the IWBC conferences. Mabel Reinhart, who started her daughter Carole Dawn on the slide cornet when Carole was at the tender age of 2*, was herself an accomplished trombonist. Today at the age of 93, Mabel still supports her daughter, and indeed the entire IWBC. She is an interesting and interested conversationalist, bright and witty, and thoroughly a delight to be around. In 1997, when several IWBC brass players were invited to play the national anthem at a Saint Louis Cardinals game, a problem arose: the women in the Vienna Trumpet Ensemble didn’t know the tune by heart. Within minutes, there was Mabel out on the ball field, holding the sheet music for the Viennese trumpeters to read. Several days later, when Marie Speziale was nominated to take over the presidency of the IWBC, she voiced concern over the enormity of the task. Mabel Reinhart encouraged Marie to “go for it!” So, Marie struck a deal: she would accept the presidency only if Mabel promised to be there at the next conference, in 2000. And sure enough, Mabel attended the 2000 Conference in Cincinnati. The plaque given to Mabel Reinhart was an “Elder Stateswoman” award, presented with gratitude and affection from all of us in the IWBC. This presentation became one of the many memorable events of the conference: when Marie brought the plaque to Mabel who was sitting in the audience, there ensued one of the longest, most heartfelt hugs imaginable.

Susan Slaughter, Mabel Reinhart and Marie Speziale, we salute you; you are truly an inspiration to all of us!

Laurel Ohlson, IWBC Vice-President