Rowell’ s father grew to become one of his strongest musical influences, providing standards, expectations, and a methodical and disciplined approach to acquiring skills as well as a wonderful model of personal musicianship.
“ There was always a sensitivity and expressiveness to dad’ s teaching. He engaged his choirs in the study of great literature, addressed technical problems with musical solutions, and performed with understanding, joy, musical ownership and passion.” Influenced by his father’ s cousin Jean( a graduate of Ithaca College and University of Michigan), Rowell, in 1960 as a freshman, entered Ithaca College and the orbit of the legendary Walter Beeler.
“ Mr. Beeler’ s influence was not just on a person, or an ensemble; it was an entire wind band culture! His musicianship, ears, standards and expectations-- ensemble tone quality, remarkable sense of phrase, impeccable clarity and rhythmic precision, were rivaled only by his devotion to students, commitment to music education, depth of knowledge, pedagogical wizardry and passion for music.
Walter’ s expectations were at a consistently high level and yet he never asked for something that he couldn’ t demonstrate himself-- either while singing or performing on his baritone horn. Students were always early to his rehearsals out of respect for his mentorship and the opportunity to make music in his magnificent ensembles. The stage was silent as he entered the hall and walked proudly down the aisle to begin rehearsal. All business. Economical stick technique, keen ear, clear vision of his inner ear musical intentions. Walter’ s teaching inspired each musician and empowered students with musical ownership, while serving as an important teaching model rivaling that of Mark Hindsley, William D. Revelli and Frederick Fennell.
Please allow me to share an important‘ life lesson’ that I learned while playing in Mr. Beeler’ s ensembles: In an effort to stress the importance of discipline, consistent and reliable performance practice, Mr. Beeler often said,“ you must realize that no matter how many or how few people are in your audience, there will always be someone with a trained ear and you must be prepared to perform for that person.” Walter’ s advice served me well as my skill set and reputation provided opportunities to advance within the profession. Each position I held throughout my career came as a direct result of someone observing my teaching, conducting and / or musicianship.”
In 1964, Rowell was called into the military as a member of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point.
“ For the next three years, I lived with and learned from several wonderful young men most of which, like myself, were fulfilling our military obligation. My mind and my ears were influenced by outstanding musicians, many of whom went on to careers in major symphony orchestras as well as distinguished teaching careers in many of today’ s most prominent music schools. Performing for Generals’ Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradley, distinguished and prominent guests, Army-Navy Football games, Armed Forces Day parades in NYC, and Pass and Review at the Academy were all most memorable experiences but it was the opportunity to make music with young professionals, from all