ST. GEORGE – Though she passed away two decades ago, the spirit of Roene DiFiore lives on through her music.
The Dixie State College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will perform the song “Just For Now,” composed by DiFore in 1949, on Oct. 9 at the Founder’s Day assembly.
“Just For Now,” a song about how goodbyes to loved ones are never final, was composed by DiFiore for a 1949 song contest at Dixie College (before it became Dixie State College in 2000).
DiFiore became a music professor at Dixie College in 1967, where she taught until 1988. She led a vocal group called the Program Bureau.
George F. Whitehead, associate vice president of Dixie State College, sang under DiFiore during his time as a student in the early 1970’s.
“I wouldn’t call (the Program Bureau) a choral ensemble. I would call it spirits of Dixie,” Whitehead said. “We never received a sheet of music, ever. There were words written on a blackboard. Roene (DiFiore) would play a song, and we would listen to the melody and sing the song. Anyone who had a little background in music would sing some harmony.”
DiFore’s Program Bureau was a hit at Dixie State College. For nearly 20 years, they entertained audiences throughout Utah and even performed in Hawaii. Today, Program Bureau alumni still have fond memories.
“The group never had sheet music and has a following to this day,” Whitehead said. “It had such a great amount of school pride and school spirit. Ragin’ Red (DSC’s show choir) brings a lot of spirit back, but there was such a unique talent that Roene (DiFiore) had. No one will ever replace Roene (DiFiore).”
DiFiore was inducted posthumously into the Dixie State College Hall of Fame, a special honor for DSC alumni, in 1998. A plaque with her name, picture, and a short biography can be viewed in the Cox Auditorium at DSC.
DiFiore’s song “Just For Now” can be heard at the Founder’s Day assembly on Oct. 9 at the St. George Tabernacle. The assembly, which is part of DSC’s centennial homecoming celebration, begins at 8:30 a.m. and admission is free.