Dear CSA colleagues and families, and GC Strings and Piano Camp participants,
The CSA is deeply saddened to share that our friend and mentor Marvin Blickenstaff passed away on January 23, after suffering a significant stroke in December. We are thankful that he was able to transition back to his home after spending time in the hospital and rehab, and we rejoice to know that he was ready to meet the Lord as he passed peacefully from his earthly home to his heavenly home.
Marvin holds such a special place in this Goshen community, both as a 20-year GC faculty member and
as a lifelong friend to many here. We are deeply grateful that he was able and willing to serve as Guest Artist for our 2025 GC Piano and Strings Camp, and that he could share his unbelievable final recital with us in Rieth Hall, followed by an unforgettable workshop and masterclasses. What a poetic and fitting gift, and what an inspiration that he would give so generously to his friends, both old and new, out of his great love and appreciation for what Goshen meant to him over his whole life. I will never forget the reaction of the audience in Rieth Hall when Marvin announced that it would be his final public performance–it was an outpouring of collective sorrow mixed with joy, and of gratitude. It felt so complete, and so perfect, and I am so thankful to have been part of that golden moment.
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy held an online tribute and celebration of Marvin’s life and legacy on February 6. An archived copy of this special memorial can be found here and on their website.
With gratefulness,
Mary Rose Norell