The late Patricia P. Norwood was honored posthumously with the University of Mary Washington-Community Symphony Orchestra’s “Citizen Salute Award” on Saturday, March 15, during the Centennial Celebration Concert at the university’s George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium.
The Citizen Salute Award was given by the board of directors of the Friends of the Orchestra. Each year the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates support of and is involved in the music community of the area and makes a positive difference by his or her involvement in the community.
Dr. Norwood taught in the UMW Department of Music for more than 30 years, having risen through the academic ranks from instructor to professor. She served two terms as chair of the music department, during which she organized many musical events and arranged for several well-known musicians to perform on campus.
She published more than 30 scholarly articles, papers, reviews and booklets within the past 10 years and was co-authoring a book at the time of her death. Her areas of expertise include music history, music literature and brass performance. Her research involved music of the Middle Ages, great hoaxes in opera and music during the presidency of James Monroe. Dr. Norwood received the J. Christopher Bill Outstanding Faculty Service Award in 2005 in recognition of her dedication and service to the institution, the community and her professional organizations. She served on numerous university committees and was a favorite among music students who considered her classes demanding and her support unwavering.
Dr. Norwood participated in many community activities, including performances with the UMW Brass and the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Brass and Fredericksburg Community Concert Band. She has served Troop 72 of the Boy Scouts of America as a troop committee member. An ordained elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church, she assisted with the confirmation class and Vacation Bible School at the church for many years.
Dr. Norwood died Tuesday, January 22, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer for a number of years. She was an example and role model of a survivor as she continued to carry out her professional, community and personal obligations and to live her life to the fullest. Survivors include her husband, Gyles R. Norwood, director of accounting for the UMW Foundation, and her son, R. Kyle Norwood of Wilmington, N.C.