WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Fall 2013

Joshua Missal: Rondo Fantastic

BY CONNIE KACHEL WHITE

NJoshua Missal oted composer, conductor, author and educator Joshua Missal arrived at the University of Wichita in 1952 as professor of viola and to head the music theory and composition department. It was during his 18-year tenure at Wichita State that most of his more than 50 compositions were written and published.

He also adjudicated and guest conducted at festivals throughout the Midwest and toured extensively with the Wichita String Quartet before retiring from WSU in 1970 to go into partnership with his wife, Pegge, in owning a fine arts gallery in Connecticut, his home state. They later moved the gallery to Scottsdale, Ariz., and retired from the art business in 1984.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., Missal began teaching at the University of New Mexico, where he founded and conducted the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra. After World War II broke out, he served in the armed services and was the Chief Warrant Officer Band Leader of the 608th Air Force band. He returned to New Mexico after the war and then taught for two years at Southern Mississippi University.

Although he retired from conducting and performing in the early 2000s, he continued composing. In 2009, he was, he said, “at work having fun writing ‘Rondo Fantastic’ for full orchestra,” and it was in 2004 that he completed a composition for orchestra written in memory of his wife, who died in 2001 – “Passing.” 

Joshua Missal died Sept. 30, 2013, in Mesa, Ariz.


IN MEMORIAM

James W. McKenney: Distinctive Educator

Professor emeritus James W. McKenney began his career as an elementary and middle school teacher and coach in Oregon, his home state.

Gary L. Bell: Civic Minded

In 1985, Gary L. Bell ’86 was just 26 years old and not quite finished earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies at Wichita State when he became the second African American in Wichita’s history to serve on the city council.

Joshua Missal: Rondo Fantastic

Noted composer, conductor, author and educator Joshua Missal arrived at the University of Wichita in 1952 as professor of viola and to head the music theory and composition department.

Norma J. Haley: Queen to President

After reigning as Homecoming Queen in 1950 and majoring in physical education with a minor in music, Norma J. Haley wed William Smith ’50 in 1951.

Erach R. Talaty: The Chemistry of Teaching

On the first day of his classes, Erach R. Talaty would write “Dr. T” on the blackboard, then explain to his students, “T is for terrible or terrific, whichever – that’s entirely up to you.”

Marguerite "Mickey"M. (Smith) Miller: Keyboard Companion

Marguerite “Mickey” M. (Smith) Miller ’67, professor emeritus of fine arts at Wichita State, taught at the university from 1948-82, serving as chair of the department of keyboard studies and as head of piano pedagogy and group piano programs.

In Memoriam

Leaving lasting legacies are these Wichita State University alumni and friends.