A rare public entry.
I received news this morning that Mr. Ken Pearce, my high school band director, has passed away. I don't have many details yet, but I believe he died sometime yesterday. As I hear more, I will post up information.
I'm in a state of shock for now...I don't think the reality has truly struck yet. I've had very few important people in my life die, so I never know how to react on the rare occasions that it happens. I feel...weird.
You ever have a teacher that touches your life so you never forget them? Mr. Pearce was one of those, not just for me, but for countless students. He wasn't perfect--the rumours of his problems with the drink had some basis in fact, and God help the hapless son of a bitch on the receiving end of his legendary temper--but he was a wonderful man who was passionate about music, his teaching career, and every single one of his students. Even through his bouts with cancer, his dedication showed as he "retired" by teaching middle school instead of high school (without the stresses of keeping together a marching band...personally, middle schoolers sound like MORE work to me, but that is neither here nor there). It was a pleasure not only being his student, but also his employee for a few years after my graduation.
Picture memories
1. Mrs. and Mr. Paul Wilson (co-director) with Mr. and Mrs. Pearce
2. Theresa (Gunter) Trowbridge and I with our directors on "Favourite Teacher Day".
3. Mr. Pearce teaching concert band, '98
More picture memories
1. Just horsin' around with his co-director
2. Band awards banquet, '98
3. Me, seriously red in the face...I cried a lot at my senior banquet because I couldn't believe it was time for me to go.
'Dadgummit', Mr. Pearce...you left us too soon.
You will be terribly missed. Big love from everyone who had a part in EBPOCP. Thank you.
Listening to: "Hobbits" - Johann de Meij (it's stuck in my head...one of his favourite pieces to direct)
I received news this morning that Mr. Ken Pearce, my high school band director, has passed away. I don't have many details yet, but I believe he died sometime yesterday. As I hear more, I will post up information.
I'm in a state of shock for now...I don't think the reality has truly struck yet. I've had very few important people in my life die, so I never know how to react on the rare occasions that it happens. I feel...weird.
You ever have a teacher that touches your life so you never forget them? Mr. Pearce was one of those, not just for me, but for countless students. He wasn't perfect--the rumours of his problems with the drink had some basis in fact, and God help the hapless son of a bitch on the receiving end of his legendary temper--but he was a wonderful man who was passionate about music, his teaching career, and every single one of his students. Even through his bouts with cancer, his dedication showed as he "retired" by teaching middle school instead of high school (without the stresses of keeping together a marching band...personally, middle schoolers sound like MORE work to me, but that is neither here nor there). It was a pleasure not only being his student, but also his employee for a few years after my graduation.
Picture memories
1. Mrs. and Mr. Paul Wilson (co-director) with Mr. and Mrs. Pearce
2. Theresa (Gunter) Trowbridge and I with our directors on "Favourite Teacher Day".
3. Mr. Pearce teaching concert band, '98
More picture memories
1. Just horsin' around with his co-director
2. Band awards banquet, '98
3. Me, seriously red in the face...I cried a lot at my senior banquet because I couldn't believe it was time for me to go.
'Dadgummit', Mr. Pearce...you left us too soon.
You will be terribly missed. Big love from everyone who had a part in EBPOCP. Thank you.
Listening to: "Hobbits" - Johann de Meij (it's stuck in my head...one of his favourite pieces to direct)
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
Memento mori, sic transit gloria mundi
*Remember that you must die, thus passes the glory of the world*
godspeed....