Diane Frame - Welcome to Casper

Q: First, tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from, how did you get your start in music, and what does your musical journey look like today? Is this just a hobby? Do you play professionally? If so, where at?

A: Hello, I am Diane Frame. I have lived in Casper, Wyoming for 26 years. I have a degree in music from Cal Poly University in Pomona, California. I have a long history of working in the music industry. I have played piano in Lee Iaccoca’s Jazz Club in Detroit, MI. I have worked as a worship leader in several churches in three states, written musical scores and musical director for both Casper Children’s Theatre and Casper College Musical Theatre. I have and continue to perform for ARTCORE. Played violin for a short term with the Wyoming Symphony. I wrote and performed the theme song for “United Way of Natrona County.” I have performed with Stan and Kathy Kirlin and currently as a solo artist, I play in a duo with my husband, Steve Frame in Buffalo Scout and in the band The Wyoming Wayfinders.

Q: What's your connection to Casper, Wyoming? Are you a local or a previous visitor? Tell us a little about your relationship with the community and what makes this place special to you.

A: I have raised my children here in Casper, WY and have lived here for 26 years. It took me three years to adjust to Casper after growing up in California and spending several years in Michigan. I fell in love with the beauty of Casper three years after relocating to Wyoming. I was running along the Platte River, looked at the river and beautiful Casper Mountain and saw such beauty that it overwhelmed me. I was also warmly welcomed by the whole community and found a new home, community and family in Casper.

Q: What inspired your Casper Anthem submission? What stories, places, people, experiences, or personal memories helped shape the song? Was there a particular moment or aspect of Casper that sparked the idea?

A: I was inspired to write “Welcome to Casper Wyoming” in 2004 as a welcome for a friend who moved to Casper. I was reflecting all the fun and beauty I had experienced while living here myself.

Q: Take us behind the music. What did your creative process look like from writing the lyrics to creating the sound? How did you approach writing and producing it? Were there any particular musical influences, sounds, lyrics, or creative decisions that helped capture the feeling and personality of Casper?

A: At the time of this composition, I was listening to a lot of Harry Connick Jr. He had covered a song called “I’m an Old Cowhand.” I thought his intro was fun and captured the flavor of the West. I was getting ready to attend a welcome party for a friend who was moving to Casper, the song just dropped on me. The words and music flowed through me. I quickly grabbed a notebook and wrote the lyrics down, then got to the piano to attach the music. This song was written in about 15 minutes!

Q: When someone hears your song, what do you hope they take away from it? What do you hope a listener who has never visited Casper learns, feels, or experiences through your music? And for those who already know and love Casper, what do you hope the song reminds them of?

A: I hope they can feel the warmth of this amazing community, the humor of the crazy things that go on in Casper, for example: the WILD wind and unpredictable weather; our own fancy cuisine,” Rocky Mountain Oysters;” the funny legends created in the State of Wyoming and other oddity’s that are associated with our city and State.