By Jane Salemson.
This is a blog about Mary Frances Boyce, which I am keeping on this website so all musicians from the area will be able follow Fran's new lifestyle and keep abreast of local music-related news. If you would like to add anything to this blog, feel free to send them to me (including photos, videos) britcellist@gmail.com
September 2017 was a time of several life-changing events of friends, which will impact many of our local musicians. Mary Frances Boyce, the doyenne of violin teachers in Chapel Hill and Methodist College in Fayetteville, has retired and moved up to a beautiful retirement community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There were parties all through the month for Mary Fran - cookouts, potlucks and a very formal dinner with our baroque group from the 70s-90s, I Musici di Cappella della Collina. (Florence Peacock, soprano, Joyce Peck (soprano, deceased), Eleanor Kinnaird and Mary Frances Boyce , violins, Jane Salemson, cello and bass viol, Jane Harris Harpsichord). Over the years additional musicians were added for some concerts - vocalists, recorder, but the 5 remaining in the group get together once a year. This year was extra special.
I was very anxious to see where Fran and Elaine were going to live, so was glad to be able to drive Fran's car with her, up to Philadelphia on September 23. It was a special time to talk about our 44 year-old friendship, the past and the future. Elaine drove her own car and we managed to stay together for most of the trip. We were told to go on 301 after Richmond to avoid so much of I-95, and it was a beautiful run. The scenery of green fields with pristine farmhouses, high bridges gave wonderful vistas (unfortunately I didn't dare look around too much, those bridges are quite scary!) and a real feel of colonial buildings made it an interesting and easy drive. We stayed overnight in Dahlgren, VA at the Marriott, then after a good breakfast, we were off again. We continued the drive to Philadelphia, arriving at Lizzie's (Fran's sister) retirement community, and bundled all the instruments into her tiny apartment. It's about 40 minutes away from Fran's. I stayed there overnight and Fran was to stay there until the 29th when the movers were scheduled to arrive from NC at the new apartment. Elaine went off to stay with her relatives until moving-in day. A very interesting history of Lizzie's community - the original building was the mansion house of the Cassatt family, railroad owners, (painter Mary was a cousin). Built in 1907, in the 50s, it was sold to the YMCA, then to the retirement community who restored to its original style. It has beautiful rooms for socializing, including a large ballroom, and the expansive gardens and lawns give a wonderful sense of space. Residents are encouraged to use the garden plots to grow flowers and vegetables.
This is a blog about Mary Frances Boyce, which I am keeping on this website so all musicians from the area will be able follow Fran's new lifestyle and keep abreast of local music-related news. If you would like to add anything to this blog, feel free to send them to me (including photos, videos) britcellist@gmail.com
September 2017 was a time of several life-changing events of friends, which will impact many of our local musicians. Mary Frances Boyce, the doyenne of violin teachers in Chapel Hill and Methodist College in Fayetteville, has retired and moved up to a beautiful retirement community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There were parties all through the month for Mary Fran - cookouts, potlucks and a very formal dinner with our baroque group from the 70s-90s, I Musici di Cappella della Collina. (Florence Peacock, soprano, Joyce Peck (soprano, deceased), Eleanor Kinnaird and Mary Frances Boyce , violins, Jane Salemson, cello and bass viol, Jane Harris Harpsichord). Over the years additional musicians were added for some concerts - vocalists, recorder, but the 5 remaining in the group get together once a year. This year was extra special.
I was very anxious to see where Fran and Elaine were going to live, so was glad to be able to drive Fran's car with her, up to Philadelphia on September 23. It was a special time to talk about our 44 year-old friendship, the past and the future. Elaine drove her own car and we managed to stay together for most of the trip. We were told to go on 301 after Richmond to avoid so much of I-95, and it was a beautiful run. The scenery of green fields with pristine farmhouses, high bridges gave wonderful vistas (unfortunately I didn't dare look around too much, those bridges are quite scary!) and a real feel of colonial buildings made it an interesting and easy drive. We stayed overnight in Dahlgren, VA at the Marriott, then after a good breakfast, we were off again. We continued the drive to Philadelphia, arriving at Lizzie's (Fran's sister) retirement community, and bundled all the instruments into her tiny apartment. It's about 40 minutes away from Fran's. I stayed there overnight and Fran was to stay there until the 29th when the movers were scheduled to arrive from NC at the new apartment. Elaine went off to stay with her relatives until moving-in day. A very interesting history of Lizzie's community - the original building was the mansion house of the Cassatt family, railroad owners, (painter Mary was a cousin). Built in 1907, in the 50s, it was sold to the YMCA, then to the retirement community who restored to its original style. It has beautiful rooms for socializing, including a large ballroom, and the expansive gardens and lawns give a wonderful sense of space. Residents are encouraged to use the garden plots to grow flowers and vegetables.
On our way!
Filling up with gas on our way north to Philadelphia. 
Waiting for Lizzie to return after an outing. We are looking a little weary!
Their new abode! Monday was the big day for Fran, Elaine and her 5 siblings, to see the unit for the first time.
I love the stone walls all over the place. The patio and garden area is large, they have a corner unit with 3 bedrooms (one will be the music room).
What a kitchen!
This garden and patio are going to be spectacular when Elaine get her hands on them!
The fancy dining room for evening meals and special occasions.
Flowers for the tables.
The Grill for lunches and other occasions. Extensive menu.
A complimentary lunch for us all in the atrium, delicious sandwiches and salads.
After lunch it was time to go to nearby Warminster, to catch the train to the airport for my flight to Milwaukee. A very sad goodbye, but happy in the knowledge they are in a place that is right for them and their families. Dear friends.
Oct. 27, 2017 - New photos of the apartment Fran has sent in.
The music room (of course!).
Nov. 1, 2017 Fran flew down to Chapel Hill on Nov. 1st to attend the 26th Chapel Hill Cooperative String project workshop with clinician Dr. Timothy (Terry) Durbin. Another round of meeting friends and then the 3-day workshop.
52 years ago Mary Fran, Nancy Brooks and Mary Alice Bierk formed the Chapel Hill Cooperative Suzuki Project. Still going strong and the annual workshop is a fixture for students of all ages.
Passing on the violin bow to newcomer Suzuki teacher Amy McKinnis.
Amy, Rebecca, Terry Durbin, Fran and Wanda after the outstanding workshop concert.
Nov. 5th. With Brent Wissick after a monumental concert of music in memory of Mstislav Rostropovich - together with the UNC Cello Choir.
Wilhemina, Jane and Fran. Ladies in pink. Honestly, we didn't plan it. Just great minds think alike!
Fran doing library work with posters and programs of the baroque ensemble, I Musici di Capella della Collina which we started in 1974.
1975 Concert in the DI Phi room. From L-R Fran, Jane, Beverly, Ele, Joyce, Florence, Lydia,
1988, Fran, Florence, Jane Harpsichord Jane Cello, Ele.
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