the author:
John Dominic De Pasquale was born in New York, raised in Rhode Island, educated in Missouri, and employed in Idaho.
At the Sun Valley ski resort, apart from his daily responsibilities, ‘Johnny D’ acted in–and directed–several stage plays, later serving as artistic director for his fledgling Ketchum Workshop Theatre.
‘Mr. D’ taught language arts in various Idaho schools. During ‘summer vacations’, he washed dishes and cut trails. He crewed on an Alaskan fishing boat and was the last Forest Service ‘fire lookout’ atop Ketchum’s Bald Mountain. While participating in an extended writing workshop, his novel, Reaching Montaup was published.
When asked, “Which of these varied experiences provided the most gratification? J Dominic quickly replied, “Teaching students both the razzle-dazzle of William Shakespeare, as well as the private dignity of Anne Frank.
Such paradox is catalyst to Dominic’s latest project.
Appalachian BRIDGE: A New Pathway to Aaron Copland’s ‘Appalachian Spring’ investigates the complexities involved in the origin of Copland’s award-winning suite. The thesis concludes with a unique-interpretive performance celebrating—among other things—dignity restored.