A Gift Commemorating Friendship through Music

The next time you visit Upper Valley Music Center, be sure to take a moment to sit on the green bench near the entrance. It symbolizes both a cherished friendship and a love for music.

Clint Burdette (1954-2023) was a dedicated Upper Valley Music Center student, participating in many of its vocal programs: basic vocal skills, Circle Singing, and Music Together Generations Class.

Suzy Malerich, also a big fan of UVMC programming, met Clint when he needed a ride to the first Friday night Circle Sing of the Season. “The chorus director put out an email asking if someone could pick up Clint on the way to the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon. I answered it and gave Clint a ride a couple of times before COVID hit in 2019,” said Malerich, a retired nurse and massage therapist from Bridgewater, Vermont.

Burdette, who lived in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, didn’t drive, “but could he cook!” Malerich said. They became friends and, over the years, she also helped him with housework, shopping, and health care. “Clint had end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was on oxygen 24/7. The last six months of his life, I enlisted the help of Bayada hospice and stayed with him 24/7. Singing enhanced his breathing and enriched his life.”

After COVID hit, Burdette was homebound but he found joy participating in UVMC Zoom programs, including Pocket Songs, Fun with Vocal Exploration, and How Music Works. 

“Clint had been a member of my Music Together Generations class and, once we went online, we would get together occasionally and play songs,” said Erin Smith, Education Director at UVMC. “We were online practice buddies.” 

He also took up a lifelong dream to learn how to play the bass guitar. “His love and knowledge of rock n’ roll was especially astounding. He knew the words to every song we could think of,” Malerich said. “I’d hum a couple of notes randomly, and he’d start singing all the right words!”

Burdette died peacefully on July 21, 2023. “Losing him was devastating, and after he passed, I wanted to honor Clinton with a gift to UVMC,” Malerich said. “I wrote to Ben and Erin with the idea of a bench. They were delighted with the idea, so I ordered a bench in his favorite color from L.L. Bean and added a plaque.”

The plaque reads: 

“In Loving Memory

Clinton Mackenzie Burdette, Jr.

02/26/54 – 07/21/23

Enthusiastic Singer, Bass Player, and Music Lover

May You Rock In Peace, Cherished Friend” 

About Upper Valley Music Center

Upper Valley Music Center (UVMC) is a community music school based in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Founded in 1995, UVMC initially focused on providing ensemble opportunities and chamber music, including two choruses, a community orchestra for adults, and string ensembles for young instrumentalists. Today the 501(c)3 non-profit organization provides music education activities annually to more than 1,900 students of all ages. Thirty years later, UVMC’s mission continues to be providing and promoting the best in music education throughout the Upper Valley and ensuring everyone has access regardless of their means.