Roger Ames at the piano, CLS 2019. Photo by Taylor Edelle Stuart.
CLS 1986. Seated front row, left to right: Oyamo, Sheila Silver, Catherine Reid, Roger Ames, Ben Krywosz. Middle row, left to right: David Ives, Willy Holtzman, Judy Feder, Jonathan Kline, Cathy Schwartzman (Lawrence), Stephen Kalm, Barry Carl, Steve Carter, Felicity LaFortune. Back row, left to right: Bill Harper, Greg Pliska, Russell Davis, Stuart Wallace.
From Ben Krywosz, Artistic Director of Nautilus Music-Theater and Director of Composer-Librettist Studio:
ON THE DEATH OF MY FRIEND, ROGER AMES:
I met Roger Ames 37 years ago, when Marthalie Furber, a colleague at Opera America, introduced us, sensing that we were kindred spirits. Roger had been working on a textbook that became the gold standard for teachers, artists, and students interesting in learning more about telling stories through music. We instantly realized that we shared many of the same values, interests, and aesthetics, as well as a life-affirming attitude that was deeply rooted in creativity, curiosity, and connection. I asked Roger to join me for the 1986 Composer-Librettist Studio at New Dramatists, a program that was just two years old and still in the process of becoming. The first ten years were a wild-west laboratory for collaboration, as both of us explored ideas, projects, themes, strategies, and basic principles, experimenting with how best to teach, and learn from, our colleagues about the mystical yet pragmatic art form that can so easily provide us with the most transcendent experiences while also appealing to our most vulgar instincts. Eventually a structure emerged that combined basic musical-storytelling principles with collaborative insights, and constant feedback from our colleagues encouraged us to fine-tune our work together even more. We co-directed 30 of the 35 Composer-Librettist Studios at New Dramatists, and even though I did another 31 Studios around the country with other music directors (all of whom did, and continue to do, fabulous jobs), returning to New Dramatists with Roger was coming home to the mothership. We did other projects together -- productions, dramaturgical workshops, readings of his creative works -- but every year we would admit to each other that the New Dramatists Studio was the most fun, learning as much as we taught, and connecting with so many creative souls.
Of course, a dry factual history can't begin to convey the extraordinary bond I felt with Roger, although the gracious accolades (in public Facebook postings and in private emails) that so many in the New Dramatists community have already offered eloquently capture the impact he had on our colleagues. I'm not a writer, and I lack the grace of my literary colleagues, so every time I read of someone's personal connection with Roger, he reappears briefly and I am filled with the warmth of brotherhood, assuaging just a bit my broken heart.
I weep in gratitude upon hearing the many stories of Roger's generosity, his infectious laughter, his gentle nudging, and his unbridled enthusiasm for everyone's explorations. I recognize the tender soul whose sly smile combined with a laser-like intensity as he approached yet another score, eager to find the hidden structure that conveyed the artistic truth the composer and librettist were seeking to articulate. We labored intensely to model the collaborative principles we taught, trying to embody the elegant dance of communal creativity, which included differences as well as agreements. Our time together during the Studio working sessions felt like an organic fluid process, rooted in trust and comfort acquired through many years of after-hours conversation in Seventh Heaven, alternating between rooms as one or the other of us would have an idea, a theory, a concern, or something that we might want to try in the next day's session. And I can't count the number of hours spent at our off-site office, the Westway Diner, where our conversations would expand to include so many more topics. We became each other's confidants, counselors, and consultants, as we took turns guiding each other through life's trials and triumphs.
We spoke, especially during these last few years, of legacy, of impact, of leaving the world better than we found it. We rarely discussed the theoretical constructs of theology, but we were both secure in the knowledge we all live on in the memories of those we leave behind. We that notion in mind, then, I'll leave us with a lightly edited reference from HEARTS ON FIRE, a beautiful music-theater piece that Roger composed in collaboration with former New Dramatist writer Laura Harrington (used here with her permission), and which I had the privilege of premiering in a full production:
River to river, sky to sky;
His heart as big as the ocean.
Fill up the holes, and take him home.
Sky to sky, take him home.
River to river, take him home.
Wherever Roger may be now, he will always be home in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
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"I was the youngest person in my CLS cohort, and it was easy for me to feel that my music wasn't as mature or complex as the other composers in the group. Roger was so wonderful about honoring everything on the page of sheet music, giving credit and weight to each decision I'd made and validating its simplicity as worthy, all while being his kind, funny self. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to learn from him, and so excited to be living among so many that will carry him forward." -Scotty Arnold
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"Roger was a very talented musician and wonderful teacher." -April Armstrong
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"There is a pall over my heart as I listen to the glorious arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” and yet I feel lifted up by his genius and his warm and generous spirit. I will never forget my wonderful times with Roger in Minneapolis/St. Paul, at the CLS and doing other side projects that lifted me up as a musician and a human." -Joan Barber
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"Roger's joy, talent, energy, and support absolutely changed my life and artistry--and so many other artists as well--for the better. At the C-L Studio and beyond, he not only offered skills and knowledge, but he gave me permission to joyfully fling open the door to music theater composing, allowing me to pursue big ideas and trust my creative intuition to this day. With encouragement of every kind from letters of recommendation to pep talks to listening suggestions, he helped me transition from songwriter to composer, from a frustrated artist to someone active in the music theater and activist art communities. With time, love, and much infectious laughter, Roger sparked a creative curiosity and zest for artistic community in all of us. The generations of people he impacted over the years at New Dramatists is so immense, and that's just a small example and part of who he was and the art he made. So many friendships, creative partnerships, arts events, shows, songs, and meaningful experiences have come about because of Roger's music, generosity, and vibrant spirit. Thank you, Roger. It's truly beautifully endless, tracing the impact you've had--and will continue to have--on our lives. What an important and soul-filled legacy. You are loved and missed." -Julia Barry
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"I'm absolutely heartbroken about Roger's passing. I was part of the 2016 Composer-Librettist Studio cohort, and since I was an out-of-town guest artist, Roger and Ben were my "housemates" at New Dramatists. Roger was so kind--always checking in on me and making sure I was okay, especially since I was about to get divorced. It goes without saying that he was a stellar teacher and musician, but he was also a light and a joy as he radiated enthusiasm and passion for creating art. My last exchange I had with him was on his last birthday as I donated money to Nautilus Music-Theater in his honor--so even during his final days, he was all about creating art. What a truly inspiring life.
It's so clear he was cherished by everyone who knew him--as I will cherish my memories of him and Ben leading our CLS cohort at New Dramatists--and he will be missed beyond measure." -Jami Brandli
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"On April 16, 2020 I came across a post from Zoe Necowitz, a senior HS student at Pennsbury High, and their video of Roger’s piece (see video under "Amazing Grace" in the column on the right). After openly weeping over it, I sent it to Roger, who replied,
“Bless you and those wonderful kids... I am pretty teary from this - and I'm not sure who to address a 'thank you' to - but if there's an email address (or many), I'd love for you to send it so I can thank the performers.”
Of course. he replied to Zoe and her fellow performers – who were thrilled to hear their spontaneous effort had reached him.
This moment is one that buoys me through this awful pandemic – and is one of so many moments, of light, and love, and laughter, and heartfelt tears, all connected to the beautiful human being who is Roger Ames." -Christie Brown
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"Dearest Roger Ames. Where do I begin to describe the kindness you showed me when I met you 4 years ago and every day since. You were an unexpected friend unafraid to say, “I love you, Christin”. I first met you at New Dramatists and your joy radiated from your corner on the music space. Then you asked me to work on a recording in NY which lead to my first trip to Seattle. That trip led to meeting some of the most enchanting people I’ve ever known. No surprise given that I met them because of you. A genius of light will always attract more light. Thank you for the late night talks over a glass of wine. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being my friend. I love you too, Roger." -Christin Byrdsong
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"Forever grateful to have been a part of this New Dramatists studio led by Ben Krywosz & Roger. They inspired us all." -Rich Campbell
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"Roger was such a kind and passionate soul & so much a part of the transformative experience of CLS.
I remember him telling us very simply "Musical transitions usually don't work in theatre songs; better to just get straight to the heart of the matter" (to paraphrase badly). The kind of simple but elegant and powerful truth that he specialised in, invariably solving issues on so many creative experiences since." -Paul Castles
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"Oh so sad. What a man of shining inspiration and integrity. He believed in us artists so much. His joyful spirit and generosity was/is so infectious." -Eugenie Chan
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"Roger Ames was a wonderful human being and artist. I will FOREVER be grateful for my time working with Roger at CLS 2018. In addition to his keen musical insights as a music director and composer, his nurturing kindness, openness, and artistic generosity helped to create a space for courageous creation and exploration. At a time in my career when I so badly needed to feel a spark of joy in making music-theater, Roger was an extraordinary example of what that could look like in artistic practice. Rest in peace, Roger." -Kelvin Chan
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"I’ll always remember Roger as a person who emitted a combination of profound depth and also a giddy, playful silliness. He seemed to have access to some other plane of consciousness, that invisible thing that makes us artists, as well as the generosity and ability to help us connect with that thing within ourselves. I think this is why so many of us come out of Composer-Librettist Studio saying that it changed our lives — Roger, along with Ben, took the care and attention to get to know that creative spirit in each of us, and communicated with us on that level — and when someone takes that part of you seriously, an internal shift occurs. I'll always be grateful for that, and I’ll never forget the enthusiasm and sheer joy and humor he brought to his work. "Make it more chickeny!" he once said, filled with glee, while we rehearsed one of my songs. I won't explain what that means, but it was the best note I've ever received." -Naveen Bahar Choudhury
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"Roger was alive. Deeply, comprehensively alive. Stories and observations about Roger keep coming to me, but they don’t fit into a funny anecdote or a mystical fable of wisdom or a heartfelt tale of his singularity. Maybe I didn’t know him well enough. But I also suspect that the shrewd, pithy, fulsome insights he gave me were not in so many words. What he gave, what he meant, how he expressed, what and how he taught, his mischief, his critiques, the quality of how he listened, his laugh—it is all still, after several years, as genuine and irreducible as having a human sit down across the table and spend time with you. Despite time and illness and death, Roger Ames is alive. And I’m so grateful for him." -Mia Chung
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"He approached his musical work with such joy. He was a real pleasure to be around each and every day. My heart also goes out to Ben. What a musical partnership they had-finishing each other's sentences." -Ed Cionek
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"I feel privileged to have crossed paths with such a wonderful mentor, musician, and human being as Roger Ames. I will always be grateful to Roger for his unfailingly warm words of encouragement in the too-short time I knew him; the advocacy he offered as I sought out professional opportunities; and most of all, for cultivating a truly safe space for artistic exploration as Music Director of the Composer-Librettist Studio. One lesson stands out most in my memory: Roger's encouragement to unapologetically embrace the expressive power of simplicity in music (a "less is more" philosophy). Working with Roger in CLS had a significant impact on the evolution of my artistry at an important juncture in my life. I carry that experience forward into each piece I write today. May Roger's memory serve as a model for the generous spirit, positive energy, patience, sense of humor, and respect that we might all aspire to bring into our relationships with each other as collaborators, teachers, and students. Thank you, Rog." -Nell Shaw Cohen
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"what a gem of a human and a tremendous artist, teacher, mentor, friend he was to all of us.
that smile!! that laugh! that voice! that einstein hair!
those fingers on the keys." -Sarah Corey
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"While you're creating it, dare to love it." This is one of Roger's many pearls of wisdom that has quietly but dramatically affected my practice. His love for the art form he worked in, and for all of us who enter there, blew the roof off of every room he walked into. I miss him so much. I send love to his family, whom he adored and spoke of constantly. I am grateful for all those here who continue to honor his life, pass on his wisdom, and share his spirit of loving joy. May Roger's presence continue to bless us all through the years." -Kate Cortesi
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"He was so kind, generous and funny. He once said something so nice to me that I'm not even gonna share it, but I'll always remember it." -Kara Lee Corthron
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“I adored him. He was so gentle and sweet, so patient and kind and grounded. A comforting presence, and of course, a consummate musician. If there is a heaven, I'm sure it exists to give folx like Roger a place they deserve to rest - or write, or fish, or whatever he feels like doing next.” -Angel Desai
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"“Go lush.” That’s the phrase that surfaces immediately, when I think of Roger Ames. And his eyes - always ready to laugh or cry, so completely open to experiencing the new work in front of him. He made me feel at home, that I deserved to be at the table, and he actually treated me like an artist - for that I will always be grateful. It’s kind of astonishing how he could respond to new work with new eyes, every time. How he could be excited or moved after years of the work. I remember early in the Composer-Librettist Studio - our first assignment - when one piece had been brought in, written by hand, almost illegible and harmonically complicated. Roger did not give up or ask for a new transcription; he worked through the piece until suddenly the most beautiful, lush music emerged. It was breathtaking, and a lesson in non-judgement. I knew immediately that I was in a space where work was honored. Roger honored the creative process. He was a beautiful human being." -Lisa Dove
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"He always made people feel spectacular about themselves! I think that was really core to his magic. Actually, I’ve never spoken to anyone about that…maybe it was just me… So let me rephrase…I always felt that he made people feel spectacular about themselves because of the way he approached all of us individually and with the purest of heart. I felt like my better self whenever I was around him. I will miss his wonderful nature and his hugs and his smile and his laugh and the mischievous look in his eye every now and then." -Julie Ellis
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"Roger introduced himself, and you instantly felt at ease. He seemed far too down to earth to be a composer. Every composer I’d met before him (other than one) was judgmental, harsh, very snooty, and knew what would have been better music. And also was white and male. But Roger’s sensitivity and compassion shone through him with every gentle and kind action he took. How was this possible in such a beautiful, complex, human being? An older man who brought his sense of wonder, fun and naughtiness, along with his high standards and his curiosity for great art, and made you feel safe, free, unguarded, happily? He defied belief.
Roger and Ben changed my life in the Composer-Librettist Studio. It was the first year that I had decided I was to become a professional composer, and because of my experience there, it was one of the first times I felt that I could hold my own as a writer, and have a voice alongside others’ voices. It was the first time I had written anything collaboratively, and I was instantly hooked because of the great compassion with which Ben and Roger taught. I regret not being in better communication with Roger after the programme, because now I will not have another chance. I am terribly sad.
I went through my notebooks. I’m going to share with you some of Roger’s pearls of wisdom, so that I can honour what he did for us. About music theatre, he remarked on its low proportion of success, and said that precisely for that reason, its power must be immense. His exact words were “elusive, expensive & hard to produce.” I remember laughing. What he said and the way that he said it gave me hope.
About writing rhythms, and about formal constraints in general, Roger said that “locking a rhythm into a piece doesn’t necessarily lock the actor.”
About writing textural complexity in piano arrangements, Roger advised that “when you can, increase what’s going on as it continues.”
Roger says that “when he writes a great A, that’s the moment he continues to write the whole song.”
Roger says that he “sometimes goes back to the first A and edits out musical material,” which he then uses in different ways for later.
I’d like to celebrate Roger by telling him, somewhere out there, that what he said is basically all you need. It’s all there. Thank you for everything, Roger. I wish I could see you again." -Emily Gardner Xu Hall
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"He was incredible, and a total and complete source of love and inspiration." -John Glover
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"I have so many memories from the past 25 years of knowing Roger. Looking back, they almost all involve laughter--over a piano or a meal, in a recording studio, holed up in a corner at New Dramatists, singing the sublime How Green Was My Valley. More than anyone else in my life, Roger and Elizabeth have been my champions. They have made me want to be a better artist. I'm so grateful for them both. They are my kin. I will miss you, sweet Rog." -Bill Gross
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"Unbelievably, more than a decade has passed since I participated in the Composer-Librettist Studio. My memories of it are as fresh as if it had been last week. Chief among them are the way in which Roger's whole body seemed to be smiling, every molecule about to break into raucous laughter, as if the world and everyone in it was hilarious, delightful, and beloved. He looked at you the way my kids look at cat videos on YouTube: knowing that, whatever was about to happen, it would be something that would bring him joy. He didn't just understand and teach music: he was music. I choose to believe that he has not dimmed the world by leaving it, but, like a sound wave traveling through the air, he has dissipated into the world, making it just a little bit more pleasing. He will be missed." -Jason Grote
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"When I met Roger, he’d just had surgery, and wore an eyepatch during our time together in the Composer-Librettists Studio. So when I think of Roger, I think of a warmhearted musical theater pirate, laughing and boisterously sight-reading the sheet music we’d made in the wee hours the night before. Warmhearted pirates are rare in the musical theater world, I’ve come to find out. So I’m grateful for that singular image of that singular man, whose big heart rang out in every note he played!" -Adam Gwon
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"Roger shared joy, love and humor with such abundance and gave so much of himself to all of us every moment of CLS. His relationship with music was so intertwined with his love of story (and his love of all of us) that I cannot imagine a man more perfectly matched to his profession. He found the music in me and now I have that gift for life. Thank you, Roger. I love you." -Barbara Hammond
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"I feel lucky to have been in the room with such a generous, good-humored, kind teacher-artist. He was such a terrific person. The two weeks in CLS marked some of my favorite time in theater. I’m so sad to know he’s gone." -Sarah Hammond
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"It is impossible that Roger Ames has died. About ten years ago, when he was having some heart trouble, I told him that just couldn’t be, because I needed him to live forever. There is a folder on my desk: Projects with Roger. A text for soloist and chorus. Ideas we never had enough time to talk about. And a completed text for soloists, chorus and orchestra he most wanted to write before he fell ill, based on the Silkie myth. I met Roger because Ben Krywosz sent him to mediate a collaboration gone haywire - one of my first - a commission for Boston Lyric Opera. The moment we met I felt a sense of recognition, one of those soul to soul meetings where you know each other instantly and intensely. He told me he’d been wanting to write the Martin Guerre story for years, but thought it should be told from the wife’s point of view, was I interested? A year later, finishing Act One, I realized I knew almost nothing about him, not his birthday, where he grew up or went to school, but somehow we knew everything about each other. Long walks, laughter and giddy gratitude buoyed our work together. One plus one equalled five, sometimes ten. At a rehearsal at Boston Lyric Opera for our first workshop for Martin Guerre, my husband, David, turned to me and asked, ‘How can you possibly go back to writing plays after this?’ I can’t even begin to describe the power and the beauty in Roger’s writing, nor how much we learned from each other. When I suggested the strangest construction for a lyric for the final trial scene (‘Of her life, this was her sin’), Roger wrote one of the most devastating choral moments I have ever heard, a passacaglia full of inexorable tragedy. We are blessed to love our family, our friends, and if we are incredibly lucky we love one or two of the people we work with. The love I have for Roger Ames is as big as he was, as big as his laugh and his heart and his generosity, his prodigious talent, as big as the hole he leaves behind." -Laura Harrington
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"It’s been a shocking almost-20 years since I did the Composer Librettist Studio with Roger and Ben. Ben mapped out the how and the why. Then Roger would play – the piano, but also play? I see that full open grin, giddy astonishment at whatever the room created, as if this veteran music teacher working through his spring break was hearing songs for the very first time. Roger got misty eyed, he belly laughed, he overpoured lavish praise. He offered the full yes. I see Roger in delight. He bestowed delight." -Karen Hartman
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"Roger was such a kind, openhearted, welcoming person who has changed so many lives for the better. I always looked forward to eating Turkish food together, hearing his stories, laughing at his jokes, and getting into respectful, lively, and fun debates with him- I was so hoping to return to the library with him one day." -Chloé Hayat
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"Roger was truly an incredible artist this is a loss felt by many and I’m so grateful I got the chance to work with him." -Joshua Hinck
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"Roger, and the CLW, were a huge influence on me, not just my work, but my life. There's a hole in the world now. Hopefully our memories, our love and our songs can fill it a bit, make it hurt less." -J. Holtham
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"I’m not really sure how to talk about Roger Ames without also talking about Ben Krywosz, which seems at once unfair but also wholly just. But that being what it is, meeting both of them at the rightfully extolled Composer Librettist studio after a two-year deferral for my MFA was very much the brass ring of my 2002, which was yesterday if it was a million years ago. I can’t think of a more appropriate way to commemorate a new chapter of my life than to enter the library at New Dramatists and be embraced by their warm smiles and still gazes. Practiced, no doubt, but nonetheless made specifically for me. Their welcoming presence stating undeniably “You belong here. Welcome home.” Which I suspect was their superpower. Everyone belonged. Everyone was home with Roger and Ben in the room.
No doubt a lot will be said about this. If you’re anything like me, you grew up a misfit. People didn’t know what to make of you, and rarely cared to try. Something about Roger Ames’ Cheshire-like grin, and equally feline pony tail always reassured me “I see you. You are worthy. Your being here is meaningful.” Years later I would recognize the parenthetical to that subtext: I’m as excited to learn from you as I am to teach you. My god, what a wonderful gift. What a blessing and privilege to be bestowed that honor.
And man, Roger Ames was fucking hilarious, wasn’t he? After our lunch break one day, I was seated next to him while the group discussed a presentation- I wish I could remember whose- and saw him slice and devour an entire length of sausage, as if he was sitting on a back porch in Appalachia whittling a twig or somesuch. Was it… pepperoni? Kielbasa? I couldn’t tell. I only knew I was gobsmacked. Roger, seeing my interest, looked down at his meat link, and up at me. “Oh man, here it comes.” I thought. “He’s gonna offer me a bite and it’s gonna be so weird because like, is that appropriate? What even is appropriate?” But no. He looked at me and whispered three tiny morsels in my direction through that gorgeous smile of his: I’m on Atkins. I lost my shit. I lost it. If I’d been drinking milk it would have come out my nose. And while it’s probably unfortunate that whatever the lesson for that day was is lost to me now, I kind of wouldn’t have it any other way.
And yes, you could put a page of chicken scratch in front of him and hum a few bars (as many of us did) and he would spin that into shiny, silky gold. And yes, he would never take credit for it, taking only the feeling of gladness one takes when they help someone else actualize their potential. And yes, I do have one other hilarious Roger story that’s maybe not so appropriate so I won’t share here. And it’s true I did not know his family or really anything that one could argue was what made Roger Roger. I can’t claim ownership over that with any credibility, which breaks my heart. But because of him and Ben, I am forever linked to the artists I met in that beautiful warm library that summer of 2002, who bickered and hugged, and laughed, and flicked each other off, and drank and ate together, who shared stories and zainy words and glorious, glorious music. Roger Ames is survived by Liz Duffy Adams, David Grimm, David Lindsay-Abaire, Mat Eisenstein, Christina Campanella, Tracy Moore, Christopher Shinn, Bet Williams, Carmel Dean, James Sasser, Jim Poulos, Joe Fisher, Richard Evans, David Turner and me: Fifteen folx who didn’t always fit, but thanks to Roger, always belonged.
Thanks, Roger." - Timothy Huang
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"I don’t feel very original saying that Ben and Roger’s composer-librettist studio changed my entire outlook as an artist, but it did. It really did. It set the bar for every room I have been in since (even the zoom ones). The warmth and collaborative spirit I associate with my couple of weeks in the studio - that was Roger’s essence to me. He had that gift that great mentors have of pushing you to do better by bolstering you up. Also his brain and his fingers seemed to be connected as though they were part of the same organ. It was a sight to behold. I’ll miss him, but I’m ever so grateful for having known him." -Anna Jacobs
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"Some friends are "anchors". They hold us in place - the place where we consider ourselves "normal," "balanced," "okay," "healthy"... you get it. Their friendships are like mirrors reflecting who we really are. We see ourselves in them. We measure ourselves by their reactions to us. We trust them. We depend on their commitment to remaining in our lives and to serving that function. If they pass out of our lives, go missing, or die, our anchor lines are severed and we find ourselves drifting. Since Roger's passing, I have felt that way.. drifting. Fortunately, I have other friends who serve as anchors, but each of them is - as Roger was - special. Each of them does - as Roger did reflect a special "me" that "comes to life" when summoned. When Roger died, the "me" that was reflected by Roger died, too. I am less now. I really don't think I need to paint a picture of Roger for you. Each of you who knew him, knew HIM and knew that he knew YOU. And each of you who knew him will miss him and, like me, will miss the self that was you when you were with him. Goodbye Roger. Rest In Peace. I'll certainly miss us." -Tim Jerome
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"I am so grateful to have known Roger while he was with us. he was such a gift to the world and to my life." -Orion S. Johnstone
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"Roger was a light in the world. The memory that stands out the strongest to me was him sitting at the piano giving a talk about why we write musicals. He said something like, "It's the most difficult, arduous process.... you hardly ever get produced.... it takes all your time and energy. So what the hell are we all doing here?"
And then the floodgates opened, and we all talked about why we do what we do. About the need for the world to have this work exist. About our need to make sense of the world in precisely this format, and this way. That conversation stays with me, particularly when I'm feeling discouraged or questioning why I keep writing music. Writing music is life, and so I have to.
Roger knew how to unearth these truths, and give them voice. I'm honored to have known him and his memory will stay with me always." -Erin Kamler
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"He was a wonderful guy, a sensitive and humorous teacher and a whiz at the piano. I learned so much being in the Composer Librettist studio (twice). He excelled at encouragement and was generous to a fault. He will certainly be missed by many many people whose work he fostered." -Barry J. Kaplan
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"He was so special and kind. I remember that during CLS 2018 Rey and I were bunking in with Roger & Ben up in 7th Heaven. Roger's special connection with Rey was well known by all at CLS that year. They were truly gentlemen of a feather. They knew how to live! Rey knew who had the secret block of cheese up there, and he went right over to Uncle Roger's for secret cheese and quality time every night of the Studio.
I also remember all of the beautiful performances he gave that week because we kept roping him in to our narratives. He played Jessica's concert pianist son in the song I wrote with Zonia, and Camille played Jessica as a reincarnation of a little girl who handed him a special flower that we made.
And then in the madness that Milica and I created for Camille to sing, I remember Camille whipping Roger with one of Milica's golden Medusa snakes. He weathered the storm so beautifully. I remember feeling like I was related to him.
He was a big, beautiful guy. What a heart. I just adored him." -Sibyl Kempson
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"I have no photos of Roger, but so many memories. My first thought is always Roger laughing in the library, as we all stood around on snack break. Then at the piano, head slightly bowed, communing with the sound.
Ben was always such a quiet and concentrated presence, with an inner stillness, a holiness of focus, like a monk. Roger was more of the monk with a tankard of ale. Of the earth. Reveling in the mess, the joy, the humanity.
Together they taught us about clarity and kindness and communication, teaching us about Collaboration, while modeling it, with such exquisite beauty, before our eyes.
I was so looking forward to making Roger proud of me.
I hope he knew how very much we all loved him. I think he did." -Carson Kreitzer
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“No words can capture the profound impact that Roger’s spirit and CLS had on me. I will always carry it inside of me as a constant reminder of why we do this in the first place and what we should always aspire to. Forever grateful and forever changed. Thank you Roger!" -Erato A. Kremmyda
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"Roger was one of those rare mentors - whose expert guidance felt like nothing less than kindness. His smile was a marvel. I recall, during my first CLS, having the flu, and Roger bringing a cup of tea to my room in Seventh Heaven. I was slightly delirious, working on a song. Roger looked at my notebook, read the lyrics, and smiled. I was cured." -Vittorio Lodato
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"Roger was sunshine. I could feel him each time he entered the building, anticipate the big full body hug that he would greet me with, and not just me but everyone else he knew and was equally as thrilled to see. Truly one of the most generous, loving and beautiful people I've met. I was an observer of CLS for years and years before I actually participated. Roger knew me as many things--among them the yogi he would stumble upon when he went to play the piano or go get coffee in the early morning at ND--but one thing he didn't know me as was a lyricist/librettist, since I wasn't writing for music yet. After we performed one of my songs at CLS, he took me aside and simply said, 'You could do this.' I hear him each time I write a libretto now, and I thank him for that wonderful gift, as well as the great big gorgeous gift of knowing him." -Cheri Magid
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"Roger's humor, mentorship and good advice still resonates, as did his gargantuan laugh. He pushed us hard to be the best we could be, and did so with a sneaky combination of toughness and tenderness. Roger wasn't going to ever let any of us slide with mediocre work, no matter how exhausted we were, or retreat from being the best collaborators we could be. I still remember how excited I was when he was genuinely thrilled with a simple, heartbroken song that composer Patrick Emile and I had written for Tracy Moore. To make Roger that happy? MAGIC, like pleasing Sondheim. Patrick and I were giddy! Roger's critiques — and Ben's — meant everything, but more importantly, they both knew that a lot of us, this motley crew of actors, writers and composers, had endured terrible experiences in the theatre — as I had recently. Instead, Roger and Ben showed us all what a good, supportive, mind-bending collaborative experience should be and must be — notably, for me, I realized that a director should never castigate, belittle, and actively sabotage a writer; I finally understood that what scarred me so badly, wasn't my fault. Roger and Ben healed me when I was in a very dark place and taught me how to trust and love theatre again. ...Most of all, he was a mensch. And he made everyone's life that much better; there's legions of actors, writers, composers who will continue to dream large in his wake, with his encouragement always in their ear." -Kara Manning
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"Roger always made me feel like I was a genius actor with my choices when singing a song. He had the knowledge of a sage and the wide-eyed wonder of a child. Although he was clearly my teacher, he always treated me like a peer. When teaching the chord progression in the passage, “O, what a beautiful mornin’” from the musical Oklahoma, Roger would say, "[Richard Rogers] must have really loved mornings.” In that description, Roger was also revealing a part of his own heart. I think Roger loved mornings too and I will miss the many mornings we spent in the Composer Librettist Studio." -Orville Mendoza
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"When I first met Roger (CLS workshop in 2018), I was in a really bad relationship.
With a librettist!!!
Part of me feels like I enrolled in the workshop just so that i can get a (composer/librettist) 'couple counseling' - I was really struggling!
I ended up getting that and so so much more, but it is Roger who gave me the advice on my crisis which ended up saving my sanity and artistic integrity.
I will never forget his warmth, intuition and humor, with which he graced each one of our conversations and I am lucky to have known him." -Milica Paranosic
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"Roger was a mentor, teacher, colleague, friend and inspiration. My professional career began under his mentorship, and my early career trajectory would not have been the same without his invitation to join the Composer-Librettist Studio, which became my entree into the New York music and theater community. When I compose, I see the threads of his musical encouragement and guidance in how I think about vocal writing, storytelling and emotional investment. When I music direct, it is with a piece of his positive spirit and energy. And when I teach, I try to channel his warmth and encouraging embrace. All of us who met him, who worked with him, carry that twinkle in the eye and endless laughter with us, as a reminder to embrace the moment and pour our hearts into whatever we do. Roger's spirit touched so many of us directly, and I imagine the flow of that spirit connecting out into the wider world as we pass it on. In that sense, he will never be gone." -Greg Pliska
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"I was blessed to take the Composer-Librettist Studio twice - first as a Van Lier Fellow and later as a full ND writer. I was always amazed at how Roger could pretty much play anything the composers threw at him and on the spot. And if there was anything challenging about the music, he would just ask a few questions and then figure it out right away. The same with the lyrics - he could hear when something was off immediately and diagnose the issue, making suggestions or offering areas for the writer to think about. He would tackle each piece with such joy, even glee, it was contagious especially when coupled with Ben. The two of them could riff about musical theater the way only the best duos could. I can still hear Roger’s booming beautiful laugh when the music or words or performer would particularly move him or amuse him because it was so out there. He made you feel like there was no fear in failing but also that the bar for excellence was super high. His boundless spirit and love of music and human experience lives on for all of us." -Sung Rno
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"He was indeed such a warm and generous soul. And his talent amazed me. For some reason I keep thinking of the warm, cozy-looking sweaters he wore (at least that’s what I recall). I guess in my mind they’re analogous with him." -Lynn Rosen
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“Roger was a relentless source of light, love, and probing questions. The questions were a form of love, really — love for the artist before him, love for the work the artist was creating, and love for the essential work of telling stories and building community. Surely everyone on the receiving end of his tough, loving questions came away better — I know I did.” -Kelley Rourke
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"At what I believe was a critical time in my creative life, Roger helped me to find myself. He could see perhaps better than I could what I needed at that moment, and helped to gently guide me where I needed to go. I'm grateful for his openness, perceptiveness, care, and generosity. He will be deeply missed." -Joe Rubinstein
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"ในความทรงจำของเรา โรเจอร์เป็นอาจารย์ที่ดีมากๆคนหนึ่ง
สิ่งที่เราได้เรียนรู้มาในช่วงเวลาสองอาทิตย์ที่ทำเวิร์กช้อปกับโรเจอร์และเบน
คือความรู้ในการเขียนเพลง เล่าเรื่อง และการเป็นคนทำงานกลุ่มที่ดี ที่เราได้นำมาใช้จนทุกวันนี้
คำว่าใจหาย คือคำบรรยายที่ดีที่สุดสำหรับตอนนี้
คำว่าเสียดาย คือคำตามมา เสียดายที่หลังจากนี้ หลายๆคนคงไม่ได้มาเรียนกับเขาอีกต่อไปแล้ว
แต่ก็ดีใจ ที่ในช่วงเวลาชีวิตครั้งหนึ่งของเรา ได้มาเป็นลูกศิษย์
และขอบคุณสำหรับทุกคำสอน
ขอบคุณจากใจจริงค่ะ"
-ฑิตยา สินุธก (-Tidtaya Sinutoke)
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"A beautiful spirt and smile. He shall be missed." -Andrea Stolowitz
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"I remember Roger as being the good cop to Ben’s bad cop (although they were both awesome cops!). His base reaction seemed to be a chuckle or a laugh. He was so insightful and passionate about music. He made you feel like you had a unique connection with him." -Peter Stopschinski
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"Roger was such a kind and generous man with the most beautiful smile and infectious laughter. I loved being in his presence, sharing our mutual love for music together. I am honored to have known him and worked with him." -Karim Sulayman
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"I participated in the Nautilus Composer-Librettist Studio three times - once through ASK Theater Projects in Los Angeles, and twice at New Dramatists. All three led bravely and graciously by Ben Krywosz and Roger Ames. All three experiences were transformational and transporting in no small part due to Ben and Roger's incredible leadership, wisdom and sensitivity. Roger's presence, ever at the piano, was humble, tireless, spirited and warm. He rolled with many of our doubts and fears and always was there with a word or smile of courage. His belief in new music theatre was unwavering. He will be greatly missed." -Caridad Svich
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"Roger's love of music, teaching and life itself was irrepressible. I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from him during my time at CLS, and will never forget his enthusiasm, humor and boisterous laugh. I specifically remember the grin that would cross his face while looking at a score and noticing something that delighted him. When I started to consider going back to school for music composition, Roger was extremely enthusiastic and supportive. He was generous with his time and knowledge and had an immense heart that held room for so many--and changed us all for the better." -Allison Tartalia
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"Oh how truly sad. He was a sweet sweet man. Patient and gracious and very talented. I am so glad to have briefly stood in his light. What a loss! Heartbroken." -Cori Thomas
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"You taught me --and all of us-- so much, back in that wild intense CLS gathering in 2015, and man, you keep teaching us. About how to be human, how to live and fight and NOT fight with grace, how to take care of each other, how to remember what matters and what's eternal. In us and people around us. Like exquisite music, and generous friends, and wry, caring, brilliant, playful-as-hell, musicians/teachers/composers/renegades/instant collaborators, like you. So many memories flood back, of you at the piano, of you joking back and forth with Ben and us, putting us lyric-writing newbies at ease even while you gently mocked us (in the best way, getting us to not take ourselves so seriously), of you so patiently wading through Casey's music when he didn't know how to write it down and was using some crazy computer programs, of you catching everything we threw at you, rolling with us and our insane ignorant ideas, finding the life in them and rolling them back to us as real living musical organisms, of us all drinking a bunch of Italian wine at that spot up the block...and more. I wish we could bring you and Ben and all of us together again for another raucous romp through musical big-bangs. You ignited new imaginative universes in all of us. Thank you for that." -Andrea Thome
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"What a light-filled human he was. I've been listening to his music on SoundCloud this morning, in particular his Pulitzer-nominated Requiem for Our Time, but also his arrangement of "Shenandoah". I loved that he was so present, how he could be visibly moved by a turn of musical or textual phrase, even from his fledgling students. There are two things he said during CLS that have really stayed with me. One was that for a long time, he felt librettists had it easy, and that the composer's job was much harder as it took a much longer amount of time; then later he realized that what librettists produce is a representation of their lifelong experience, while composers merely set it to music. The other is when I was telling him how much I valued the experience of CLS. Without hesitating he said 'Oh it goes both ways.' I looked at him quizzically, and he went on to say that teaching CLS was like dipping into the fountain of youth, because he and Ben would never be able to come up with the things us 'young people' were coming up with. As I write this, I'm getting ready to meet with a composer that I'm working with on a new opera commission. I'm fairly confident that I couldn't have written that last sentence, if it hadn't been for Roger and Ben." -Melisa Tien
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"He was a force, and quietly so...kind and big-hearted and fully dedicated to everyone he so patiently worked with." -Dina Vovsi
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“Working with and learning from Roger Ames was simply one of the greatest joys and privileges of my creative life. He was kind, fun and brilliant. As, I write this I am smiling.“ -Barbara Wiechmann
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"I do feel extremely blessed to have met Roger and to get his feedback, and to participate in the program overall with Ben and all the wonderful writers. I learned so much, not just about creating but also how to be a better human by following their example." -Jay Alan Zimmerman
