DE Asst. Features Editor

Although he was critically acclaimed for his musical performances worldwide, a late SIUC music professor never gave up his dedication to his students, a friend of the professor says.

This year’s Black History Month events are being dedicated to the memory of Edward Romain, Jr., an SIUC music professor and established concert pianist who died in May 1995 from renal failure and complications from AIDS.

Advertisement

Wilfred Delphin, a music professor at SIUC, met Romain in undergraduate school at Xavier University in New Orleans in 1967. The two performed professionally in a duet piano team from 1977 until the late 1980s.

Delphin said at the time, their duet was the only piano team featuring African-American artists on the professional circuit. Delphin said their first professional performance was at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1977.

Delphin said they had originally entered a contest where the winners would be featured in a recital. He said the judges asked them to drop out of the competition, offering them an opportunity to play in their own recital instead.

We approached the whole thing with a carefree quality, Delphin said. If we had been fully aware how important this event was to become to us, we probably would have been more nervous.

Delphin said Romain’s pursuit of a concert career never got in the way of his teaching profession, and he and Romain were fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue both without conflict.

Teaching is something Romain always wanted to do, he said. In regards to the development of music, performing and teaching are closely united. Students can learn from your performance.

Chad Reed, band director at Lincoln Middle School in Carbondale, studied under Romain as a graduate student. Reed said he was fortunate to be taught by an accomplished pianist.

Advertisement*

As far as a duet pianist, he is considered one of the best in the world, he said. We knew he could have given up a teaching career and easily pursued a professional concert career. We were fortunate to have him.

Delphin said during his life, Romain supported the efforts of international artists, but spoke on the importance of supporting local and regional artists.

Romain spoke publicly on behalf of the National Task Force on Humanities, which promotes efforts in the arts and reviews grant applicants for the National Endowment for the Arts.

Delphin said Romain’s drive to promote local and regional artists developed after performing at the Spoleto, a world music showcase in Charleston, S.C..

No denying the talent of the international performers, but there were people in the area who had equal talent, Delphin said. For what ever reasons, these people could not find the time to showcase their talents. Romain became convinced this effort was something worth his time.

For ten years, Romain was active in series of performances that showcased local music, visual arts and stage artists at SIUC and other places, Delphin said.

Delphin said Romain was a gifted public speaker, even though he was a private person.

He was really a homebody for a public person, Delphin said. I think that would surprise people who did not know him well. He was a convincing speaker, but he spoke about things he felt passionate about.

Delphin said Romain promoted the efforts of African-Americans in the arts. He said Romain was very active in the commission of African-American musical pieces and played works by African-American composers.

Everyone needs a champion, Delphin said. The cause of music has to be taken up by new artists. Romain made sure additional efforts were made by African-American men and women.

Romain developed problems with his kidney shortly after joining the SIUC faculty. Delphin said Romain’s condition caused him to curtail performances and activities until he eventually retired.

Harriet Wilson Barlow, a Student Development coordinator, said the decision to dedicate the month’s activities to Romain’s memory was the general consensus of the Black History Month Council.

Romain was very instrumental in participating in past Black History Month efforts, she said. He was always helping to organize activities and performing. It was an appropriate choice.

Reed said Romain was not an easy teacher but was extremely knowledgeable.

He had so much to draw from his background, he said. He played with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony and traveled all over the world. He was one of the best.

A musical memorial tribute for Romain will be performed by various SIUC music professors at 8 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Shryock Auditorium.

Info Box:Black History Month 1996

Glen LoureyKeynote address:Individualism before Multiculturalism, 8 p.m. in Student Center Auditorium

Tommy Scott YoungStoryteller 8 p.m. in Student Center Ballroom D

Rowland AbiodunLecture:Ase:Verbalizing and Visualizing Creative Power Through Art. 8 p.m. in Parkinson Building at Brown Auditorium

Cheryl Brown Henderson and Linda Brown ThompsonLecture:Brown vs. Board of Education. 7 p.m. in Faner Hall, University Museum Auditorium