Dr. Fred Thayer succeeded founding director Dr. Walter McIver in 1976. Dr. Thayer further developed the choir's repertoire and emphasized its touring schedule, eventually leading tours abroad to Spain, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and multiple countries in central Europe. Dr. Thayer retired in 2013 after more than 35 years of service to the Lycoming community.
In every life, there is someone who inspires you. Someone who pushes you to
the very edge but doesn't let you fall over because they believe in
you and know how to achieve the very best possible things from you, in you
and with you.
Fred helped us to create the music that lives with us, that
is always there to remind us of the people, the places, and
the events that shaped our lives. Fred shaped my life. He
taught me what true commitment was and what it was like to
feel so proud of what you accomplished. It was truly an honor
to sing in Fred Thayer's choir and I am truly so grateful
to him for giving me that opportunity.
Choir was made up of
so many
wonderful individuals, people who devoted their time and talent because they
loved the art of making music, but they also loved and respected Fred. Lycoming
College is so very fortunate to have Fred Thayer and so are the hundreds of choir
members that will walk through the doors of Clarke Chapel and are greeted by
someone who will impact them for the rest of their lives.
You are simply the best, Fred. Thank you for bringing out the best
in all of us.
Laura LeValley Van Velthoven '86
I remember, love,
and appreciate Fred Thayer – one of the few "Gentle
Giants" I've been blessed to know.
Laurie Lesher-Lockcuff '80
Dr. Fred Thayer in 1996, just before conducting the choir for the 1996 Commencement performance.
Add your own memory of Fred:
All comments are moderated before appearing online.