I remember Gary Karr

Globe and Mail

3 days ago

For several years in the mid-2000s, I worked at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where I managed a program for keen young musicians. I had met the virtuoso bassist Gary Karr earlier in my career. I doubted he would remember me, but knowing his dedication to music education I contacted him to ask if he and his partner, the pianist and harpsichordist Harmon Lewis, would host a musical evening for some of our students.
Their generosity was beyond what I could have hoped for. The visit to Gary and Harmon's home in Saanich, B.C., became an annual event, eagerly anticipated by the students, and also their parents who competed for the opportunity to attend along with their kids. We brought the pizza, and we were given the run of the house: We were free to try out the harp that stood in the living room, admire the works of art on the walls, and discover their many academic certificates and awards that were given pride of place – hanging in the bathroom, above the toilet.
I can vividly picture the grin on Gary's face when he invited us into the basement, donned his trainman's cap and treated us to a demonstration of his model railroad, complete with sound effects. And, of course, there was music, the highlight of the visit. Seated in their recording studio, we listened and watched as these two consummate artists showed us what the joy of making music was all about.
I would venture that I am not the only one of those many visitors over the years to remember Gary Karr, and Harmon Lewis, with great fondness, admiration and gratitude.
Jamie Syer, Bergen, Alta.
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