Monday, March 12, 2012
My sympathies go out to all members of Dan's family.
I first met Dan in 1966, the year he took over as conductor of the Rochester Inter High Orchestra (a post previously held for many years by Karl D. VanHoesen). When Karl VanHoesen retired as director of instrumental music for the Rochester City School District in 1967, Dan took over, whereby he became a mentor for many aspiring musicians, including myself.
Having played trumpet under Dan's direction with the Rochester Inter High Orchestra, I recall being impressed with his musicianship and conducting abilities. He was thrilled when I informed him I had been accepted to the Eastman School of Music, and I stayed in touch with him for several years, even though I ultimately did not pursue a career in music.
Around twenty years ago, I contacted Dan and asked him if he was still in contact with Benjamin Scammell, who was my music teacher and mentor at Franklin High. Dan kindly provided me with his address. This allowed me to keep in touch with both Ben and Dan. When Ben Scammell died a few years ago, I called Dan and we shared some fond memories.
The last time I corresponded with Dan, he shared news of compositions he had been working on, and he extended appreciation for research I had done on the Holocaust.
Dan was a tremendous inspiration to me, and I will never forget his kindness and his superb talents as a gifted musician.
