Book Review — ‘Reach Up’ offers a symphony of life lessons
(Dec. 29, 2024) — Author Ginette DePreist (family name not revealed) graduated from high school in Quebec City, Canada, at age 15. Her goal had been to become a nurse until she found that she could not enter nursing school until she was 18.
Early on in “Reach Up,” readers learn how adept Ginette is in adapting to whatever life has in store. Before long, she had a job in a popular bakery, which led to a temp job at a local newspaper, which then led to a job with the Canadian Broadcasting Co.
By the time Ginette reached age 18, she loved where her working life took her. She was financially independent and proud that she was not adding to her parents’ family expenses.
In 1975, as assistant producer of the popular, live morning show, “Bonjour Chez Vous” (Good Morning at Home), Ginette attended a press conference welcoming James DePreist, the new music director of the Quebec Symphony. She describes the “tall (over 6’4”), bearded Black man” whose “overwhelming” presence totally captured those in attendance, especially her.
That was the beginning of a mutually admiring friendship that grew into love, and then marriage. “Reach Up” is Ginette’s story of the amazing life she shared with DePreist for more than 30 years – a life she would never have imagined, but a life she would embrace with all the enthusiasm she brought to her life in Quebec.
Overcoming obstacles
What will fascinate readers, especially those who may already be concert aficionados, are not only the particular events and difficulties faced and overcome by DePriest (polio, racism, employment, illness), but the fact that with his many conductor roles as music director, he brought an unusual ability to understand the financial, social and orchestral machinations embedded in the world of successful symphony orchestras.
His background included jazz, a degree from Wharton and, because his aunt was Marian Anderson, an awareness of the difficulty serious Black performers faced, especially in the United States. DePreist was handsome, talented, funny, tough, loving and lucky that as conductor and music director of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, he met Ginette, who became his loving partner for life.
It was a life of highs and lows, twists and turns, and always of love. DePreist died of a heart attack in 2012. Ginette returned to Portland, Ore., where Jimmy led the Oregon Symphony to world renown and where they both felt most at home.
“Reach Up” is heartfelt and educational at the same time. When I next attend a symphony, I will wonder how many competitions the conductor had entered and how long before recognition was received. I will watch the conductor’s movements and how the musicians look at the conductor.
And based on the talent and drive of James DePreist, I hope the American world of symphony orchestras opens its symphonic halls to more musicians without regard to race and gender.
Visit Sunny Solomon’s website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
Sunny Solomon
Sunny Solomon holds an MA in English/Creative Writing, San Francisco State University. She is a book reviewer for “The Clayton Pioneer” and her poetry and other writing has been published in literary journals, one chapbook, In the Company of Hope and the collection, Six Poets Sixty-six Poems. She was the happy manager of Bonanza Books, Clayton, CA and Clayton Books, Clayton, CA. She continues to moderate a thriving book club that survived the closure of the store from which it began. Sunny currently lives next to the Truckee in Reno, NV.