Legendary OCU professor’s legacy is a ‘symphony of voices’
God bestows a special blessing upon teachers.
They have the capacity to change lives in such significant ways. One teacher can equal many changed lives. Such was the legendary voice professor at Oklahoma City University, Florence Birdwell.
This woman, who was larger than life, grew up with a dream of performing on world stages. Tragically, she lost her voice and thus her zest for living. But she came back to life as she realized that, through teaching, her true purpose was to channel her voice into a symphony of voices.
Last February, she passed away at the age of 96. The celebration of her life was held Oct. 9, 2021. It was unlike any other. The relatively small, invited gathering, was primarily comprised of her former students. She loved them to their core. But she always told them truth as she saw it:
“Leave the room, you haven’t practiced.”
Or “You aren’t tough enough.” Maybe “That song is not right for you.”
Or “Drop the “y” on the end of your name.”
Students came to the event to say goodbye to this woman who had given each a backbone. She provided them tools for a career when they knew little about singing. They affirmed that she gave them more than a degree in music; she gave them a degree in life skills.
One of them said, “I owe her everything I have.”
Another offered: “When my dad died and I didn’t want to live, she grabbed me by the nape of my neck and said, ‘I will not let you waste that talent.’”
Broadway stars like Kelli O’Hara and Kristin Chenoweth give her credit for their success.
Others, equally successful and grateful, perform musical theater or teach and pass these things on to their own students — people like Lara Teeter who, following a great performing career, is now head of musical theatre at Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts in St. Louis. And Barbara DeMaio,
D.M.A., who, after an international opera career, is continuing Florence’s legacy at the University of Central Oklahoma. Barbara is also founder of Prairie Sky Opera Company in Oklahoma City. The list is extensive:
h International musical conductor Jerry Steichen from Tonkawa.
h Tiffan Borelli, a musical theater star from Okarche.
h Susan Powell, a Miss America, national television host and singing actress.
Rick McKee, an award-winning composer and music producer.
Angela Polk sang Rick’s song for Florence at the recent celebration. Included in the lyrics are these words: “You came into our lives and taught us to be free, we owe you everything we have. You helped us find a place.”
What difference can it mean when skilled instructors pour themselves into teaching you? Judging from these and other students, it makes all the difference. We see it in the lives of athletic coaches all the time, but it happens regularly in classrooms and studios throughout Oklahoma.
Often, tough love is needed as well as the unconditional kind. Success follows not just talent, but self-discipline and hard work. Florence said she was “another mother to her students, only much tougher.”
Life was not always easy for Florence Birdwell. Not only did she suffer voice loss, but she lived through the death of her supportive husband, Robert, and the tragic passing of her son, Todd Albert. He suffered a cardiac sudden death at the age of 18. Not long after every loss, Florence resumed teaching, gaining strength from the gifts she gave away. She spoke the truth when she told her students, “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aide.”
Aging wasn’t especially kind to this master teacher. But her capacity for love and laughter never faltered. A few months before her death, she was singing “S’Wonderful, “S’ Marvelous” from her wheelchair at an assisted living center with Maestro Jerry Steichen on the piano. She still had the most joyous laugh in the room.
Florence saw light in any darkness that dared to cover her. She experienced beauty in music and poetry and in her surroundings.
She lived a grateful life with her loving family of children and grandchildren and the rest of her family — her students.
Florence Birdwell taught at Oklahoma City University for 67 years. Thank God for teachers like her.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8).”