The Florida Whig Party (FWP) is a political party in the State of Florida with ballot access since 2007. Florida is the first state with a Whig Party with ballot access since the 1800s. While there have been occasional candidates who have sought local, state, and federal office as Whigs from time-to-time, Florida remains the only state with an offical Whig Party as of November 2009. The Florida Whig Party is also the first Whig state political party to run candidates for federal office since the 1800s. Paul McKain was the first announced Whig candidate for federal office, followed then by a joint announcment by John Annarumma and Clayton Schock.

The Party is expanding methodically across the State of Florida. The first online national meeting for all Whig clubs and development organizations was hosted by the FWP in early 2009 and attended by nearly 1,000 individuals from almost every state in the union and several overseas.

I am David’s 1st cello teacher. I taught him from the time he was around 13 until he graduated high school. (I was the professor at Wichita State). It is easy for me to say he was extraordinary, the most talented student I ever had, a born artist, and simply brilliant in every way. He also became my friend, which is a gift to me. We became colleagues and could talk endlessly about the cello and music. David’s love of music, cello and all knowledge was insatiable. I appreciate what you said, Bill. David could have accomplished so many great things. Indeed he already had. I love the campfire story too. I’m sure there are many more. When he was still young, and not quite ready for major repertoire, I walked into a lesson one day and he starts playing the Dvorak concerto for me– accurately and completely by ear. Then I knew I had a major talent on my hands. Sure enough, he learned it and ended up playing it with the Youth orchestra. He entered the Cincinnati Conservatory for his Bachelor’s, and then Georgia State for a masters, and then a principal job. Unstoppable. I’d hear him from time to time, always thrilled at his progress and deepening love and care for music. I can’t imagine anyone loving music more. And then there’s his wonderful personality. His genius also applied to his personal relationships. It was easy to love David. There was no end to his good humor, his philosophizing, and capacity for friendship and loyalty. Whatever we believe about why things happen, I can only take comfort in thinking perhaps David was such a great gift to us, his short time was full and rich, that we can be grateful for that taste we got. We have been deprived so many times of more years from extraordinary people. David joins the ranks of Jacqueline du Pre, Emmanuel Feuermann, Mozart, Schubert, and too many other artists who graced our lives, changed the world for the better, and left too soon.

I hope to meet more of David’s friends as time goes by. We will keep his memory alive. Thank you all.

With love and sadness,
David Schepps
(University of NM cello prof.)

I didn’t know David for very long, only a few months. But it didn’t take me very long to know that David was a special musician and a wonderful person.

I have no doubt that, had he continued to be with us, he would have reached elite status in his profession and we would have been lifelong friends.

It is with thoughts of David’s unfulfilled life that I work to make the most of my own life, as both a professional musician and a human being.

David, may we meet again in the future and collaborate as musicians and friends.

Bill

yes, Keller is certainly well-read, and I think any author who brings a wider readership into contact with the authors he cites is doing a service.

Thanks for stopping by.

I read Keller because of Keller reads others and bring them to bear on the issues of our times…