Rebecca Waller ’77 Gillan

Rebecca Waller ’77 Gillan of Hammond, Louisiana, has released a new FreeSolo piano album called Clouds. The quiet album (#3) is created “in-the-moment” by using jazz and modal harmonies and classical-type melodies. After leaving Hope College, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she performed regularly with big bands and musical theater, and had a group piano studio of her own. During this time, her hands collapsed, and she was unable to play the piano for many years. Rehabilitating herself and learning a new method of playing brought her into this style of composing. Seven years later she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She would like to thank the Hope College Department of Music for its training and development, with special thanks to Joan Conway, her piano instructor. She would like to dedicate the closing track from Clouds to Joan Conway for her dedication and vision for her students. Proceeds from the sale of each CD are donated to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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