But Oak's choice to teach at UMass Lowell was natural. Oak plans to record some compact discs and write a book on vocal pedagogy. Although he is looking forward to retiring, thinking about his last performance at UMass Lowell conjured bittersweet emotions. I have beautiful memories. I hope I've made a mark.
Colleagues say that mark is indelible.
I wish he wasn't retiring. But Oak's music will not end once he steps off the stage this weekend. Oak is singing with three other soloists and will be accompanied by the Chambers Singers, University Chorus and Fine Arts Choral. Art is long, life is short.