MICHAEL S. SOLICK, 80, OF SPRING CITY Michael S. Solick, 80, died at his home in Spring City, PA early Saturday morning, June 25, 2016. Born and raised in Summit Hill, PA, he was a son of Michael and Jean K. (Pogwist) Solick. A 1960 graduate of West Chester State College with a music degree, Mr. Solick spent most of his career as the Band Director at Phoenixville High School. In 1984 he voluntarily filled the elementary instrumental position in the school district and accepted Music Coordinator duties until his retirement in 1993. A veteran, he served for the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Spring City, PA. Mr. Solick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Marie (Parr) Solick; three daughters, Michele M. (James) Sinnott of Phoenixville, PA, Lynn K. (Benjamin) Pupek of Warwick Township, PA, Pamela J. (Del) Fuller of State College, PA; son, Michael A. (Jaclyn) Solick of Gilbertsville, PA; brother, Walter S. Solick; two sisters, Anna Marie Grossman, Margaret Menconi; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Solick was predeceased by one sister, Dolores J. Burton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 10:30 am. Officiating will be Rev. Charles R. O’Hara. Burial will be held in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA. Friends will be received from 9:15 am – 10:15 am Saturday at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church. Contributions may be made to the “Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund”, www.fallenheroesfund.org, or by mail, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036. Condolences may be made and the video tribute may be viewed by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell – Ennis – Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.
Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Membership Forms Are Now Available as Online Forms!
As they put away their graduation caps and gowns, many new alumni of our fraternity may be wondering how to take advantage of their free year of membership in the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. Other alumni brothers may also be considering further participation in our fraternity through our organization. Current members of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association may be searching for the most efficient means of renewing their membership as our membership year comes to a close.
All of these brothers should be heartened to learn that online versions of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association membership forms are now available. At the “Membership and Local Alumni Association Forms” page under the “Resources” tab in this website’s main menu (accessible at https://kkpsiaa.kkytbsonline.com/forms), you can find online forms for use when applying for (or renewing) membership in the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. Please note that there are separate online forms for Life Members (who do not have to pay additional membership dues to the organization) and other alumni brothers (who, with the exception of new graduates, are asked to pay annual dues of $50). A PDF version of our membership form, suitable for printing and submission by mail, is also available at this part of our website.
Buddy Edwin Richardson (Gamma Alpha) 1937-2016
Kappa Kappa Psi mourns the passing of noted Texas high school band director Buddy Edwin Richardson. A graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, Bro. Richardson was an alumnus of the Gamma Alpha Chapter.
In his distinguished career, Buddy led 20 students to pursue careers as band directors and many other students into careers in other music professions and teaching. To this day, countless students continue to perform in their local communities and music organizations. “Chief”, “Coach” and “Mr. R” remains in the hearts of many students, who have encouraged their children to participate in the wonderful world of band, due to their experiences with their beloved band director.
Read more about Bro. Richardson’s distinguished career here.
Danford Alexander Moore (Theta) 1940-2016
Danford Alexander Moore
July 22, 1940 – January 5, 2016
One of a kind Husband, Supportive Father, Grandfather Extraordinaire, Musician, Story Teller, Rotarian, and Trivia Buff. Dan was a unique person and life with him was an adventure.
Dan touched so many of our lives. A cheerful, incredibly knowledgeable, world traveler, political enthusiast… he was always eager to welcome a new friend, share a good story, sing a good song, and make you feel down right fair dinkum. He was a proud father, even prouder grandfather.
He enjoyed bicycling (commuting and touring), square dancing, swimming, gardening, playing in a brass band, volunteer fire fighting, and giving back to his community through Rotary, the library and his Church. He was very interested in learning about other cultures, something that was sparked by his time in Adak, Alaska, Exmouth, Australia and Okinawa, Japan. You may not have always agreed with his opinions, but it was hard not to appreciate his zest for life.
He grew up in California and went to San Rafael High School; graduated from Oregon State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While there he joined the US Naval Reserve and went to US Naval Reserve Candidate School. He was Commissioned in the US Coast and Geodetic Survey ( now NOAA). With them he was part of the International Indian Ocean Survey and later surveyed inlets in Alaska after the 1964 earthquake. Moving to Kitsap County in 1965, he became a volunteer fireman and a church lay leader which he continued with in Alaska and Western Australia. Took up square dancing in Alaska with Aleutian Whirlaways; taught it in Exmouth, Australia; and joined Paws and Taws and Sashays here at home. Also attended International Festivals in England, New Zealand and Australia. Returning to the US he joined the Farragut Brass Band and enjoyed bicycling through commuting to work and twice yearly tours. Special bicycle memories were a tour through the San Juans, a tour of the Skagit Valley with Brian, and one with Bronwyn on an Oregon Wine and Coast. Participated in Triathalons where he excelled at swimming honed by swimming before work at the South Kitsap High Pool. He was very proud to be a Rotarian with clubs in Australia, Okinawa and Port Orchard. His love of reading was fulfilled volunteering with Friends of the Library on Thursday. Friday mornings were a favorite as he read to the kiddies as they breakfasted or waited for classes to start at East Port Orchard School.
Dan started his work life as a newspaper boy, then sold shoes at Karl’s Shoes. He entered Government service at Hunter’s Point in San Francisco and continued there while attending Oregon State University graduating with a degree in Engineering. He attended US Navy Officer Candidate School but was commissioned into the US Coast and Geodetic Survey (now NOAA). He worked at PSNS and overseas then rounded out his career at Northwest Water Systems.
Survived by wife Frances, sister Cherie Fischer (Rudy Leon), son Brian Moore (Becky), daughters Tricia Mack (Brian) and Jennifer Bronwyn Pierce (Brandon), and grandchildren Conner, Dawson, Shelby, Jessie, Nikki, Koa, Maxx, and Indy.
Services will be held at Rill’s Life Tribute Center.
Memorials in honor of Dan may be sent to the organizations below. Please note Dan in the memo:
• Port Orchard Rotary Foundation, PO Box 616, Port Orchard, WA 98366
• St. Bede Episcopal Church, PO Box 845, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Go Beavers.
Michael Alan McClead (Alpha Zeta) 1941-2016
Michael Alan McClead, 74, of Yorkville and formerly of Melrose Park and Fort Wayne, IN. Beloved husband of Rena nee Ferrara; father of Michael Scot (Jennifer); grandfather and “papa” of Aaliyah, Angelina, Ava and Abigail; dear son of the late Forrest and Marci; brother of Kay (Wally) Nims and friend to many. Michael was an Army Veteran. He was a percussion professor at William Rainey Harper College, Triton College and the National College of Education. He was a professional percussionist having played with the Lyric Opera House, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Nutcracker, Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Sinfonietta, the Peninsula Music Players of Door County, Wisconsin and many musicals including A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof, The Ice Capades, and many others. Michael was a devout follower of Christ and a member of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington. He was also an avid Yankees fan. Services and Interment Private, 1:00 P.M., Thursday, January 7 at Mt. Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date at Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to help pay for Michael’s medical expenses and may be sent to Rena or Michael McClead, P.O. Box 222, Yorkville, IL 60560. Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Funeral info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com
Harry Dontje (Delta Omicron) 1951-2015
Harry passed away peacefully October 17, 2015 at his home in Alachua, FL with his wife Linda by his side.
Harry was born November 6, 1951 in Groningen, Netherlands son of Abraham Dontje and Akke Von Der Schoot. He immigrated to the Unites States in 1958 with his parents and sister Marion.
He attended the University of Connecticut majoring in Music education. He received his Registered Nursing degree from Mohegan College in Norwich CT.
Harry worked at Mansfield Training School, in Mansfield CT as a tech while he was attending college. This is where he met his wife Linda Houle. They were married for 36 years in July. Harry was also employed and volunteered as a firefighter in Mansfield, CT. As a RN Harry worked at the U Conn Student Health Service in Storrs, CT. Harry and Linda moved in Gainesville FL twenty-five years ago. He was employed at UF, Student Health Care Center, and twenty years at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Harry retired from Vascular and Interventional Physicians in Gainesville.
Harry was an avid reader, loved music of all kinds but mostly classical. He was a licensed pilot. For many years Harry and Linda traveled to Holland to visit Harry’s family with side trips to York, England. Harry loved to make people laugh and had a joke for all occasions.
Harry will be greatly missed by all his family, in-laws and extended families. He loved all his nieces, nephews and their children, all his friends that attended ‘Girl’s Night Out,’ Shands Rehab Hospital, V.I.P. and the Angels of Mercy. Two very special friends that made this passing bearable neighbors Susan Dann and Lynn Dann.
Funeral service will be held at St. Madeleine Church, 17155 NW US HWY 441, High Springs, FL 32643, November 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville 32606 or St. Madeleine Catholic Church and Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.
Dr. David Lamar Oakley (Delta Gamma) 1930-2015
Kappa Kappa Psi joins The University Missouri – Rolla college band community in mourning the loss of Dr. David Oakley, who passed away on September 10, 2015. Dr. Oakley served as a professor of music at UMR for 33 years before his retirement. Dr. Oakley’s involvement in Kappa Kappa Psi began in 1960 with an honorary membership in the Delta Gamma chapter.
However, his involvement was not limited strictly to the UMR campus, Dr. Oakley also served as District V Governor (1975-77), National Secretary/Treasurer (1977-79), National Vice President (1979-1981) and as the installing officer for a number of chapters including Eta Upsilon, Theta Rho, and Eta Pi. As a cap to his service, Dr. Oakley was elected to the position of National President of Kappa Kappa Psi in August 1981. During the 1981-83 biennium, a formal chapter visitation program was instituted. At Dr. Oakley’s request, the position of Second Vice President (currently known as the Vice President for Professional Relations) was restored to provide visibility with the band profession. Dr. Oakley addressed the idea of ‘long life’ in a prospective member’s thinking, emphasizing full participation in college band and the fraternity until graduation.
Dr. Oakley presided over the 32nd Biennial Convention in 1983 at Texas Tech University. Robert Jager’s Stars and Stripes Variations received its premiere performance by the National Intercollegiate Band in the University Center. Dr. Donald Hunsberger served as guest conductor and James Sudduth provided support as the host conductor.
Robert DuBois Jorgensen (Zeta Epsilon) 1945-2015
Kappa Kappa Psi joins The University of Akron college band community in mourning the loss of Professor Robert D. Jorgensen, who passed away on July 4, 2015. Director of Bands at The University of Akron for 26 years and as Director of Bands Emeritus since his retirement in 2013, Jorgensen also held the titles of Professor of Music as well as Assistant Director of the School of Music. Since 2006, Mr. Jorgensen has served as musical director/conductor of The Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio.
During his tenure at Akron, the University of Akron Symphonic Band was invited to perform at 11 conferences of the Ohio Music Education Association, the 1992 conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA); the 1998 CBDNA conference; the 2003 American Bandmasters Association Convention; and the 2004 CBDNA conference. Under his direction, the UA Symphonic Band also performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland in April 2003, followed by a 2008 European tour.
Professor Jorgensen has been widely honored as a music educator and conductor. He received the Outstanding Bandmasters Award from Phi Beta Mu, International Bandmasters Fraternity, in 1999 and the Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association in 1981. In 1992, Kappa Kappa Psi honored Professor Jorgensen with the A. Frank Martin Award. Recently, Mr. Jorgensen received unanimous support from his colleagues for the distinction of Professor Emeritus at The University of Akron. He was also honored on December 6, 2013 as a recipient of The University of Akron Honorary Alumni Award.
Mr. Jorgensen has appeared as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and, in 2009, he was invited to serve as an adjudicator for the St. Patricks Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. He has held professional memberships in the The American Bandmasters Association, (past president), National Band Association, Mid-American Conference Band Directors Association (past president), College Band Directors National Association, NAfME – The National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Jorgensen was also an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Zeta Omicron) and Tau Beta Sigma (Epsilon Iota).
Mr. Jorgensen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He was euphonium soloist with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. from 1969-1972. Prior to joining the faculty at The University of Akron in 1987, Professor Jorgensen had served on the faculty at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY and had also served as Director of Bands at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
Professor Jorgensen’s work as a dedicated and devoted musician and educator lives on through the thousands of students he taught and influenced throughout his career.
John Randolph “Randy” Storie (Alpha Psi) 1949-2015
John Randolph (Randy) Storie died May 11, 2015, in Midland,TX. He was born in Odessa, TX, February 10, 1949, to Prebble Hortense Brannon Storie and Dale Storie. After graduating from Odessa High School, he attended West Texas State University in Canyon where he earned both a Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree in 1978.
Mr. Storie began his 45-year teaching career in Plano I.S.D. as an assistant director, followed by positions at McDonald Middle School in Mesquite (1972-73), Fort Stockton Junior High (1973-1976), and San Jacinto Junior High in Midland (1976-1980).
In 1980, he was named Director of Bands at Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, a position he held until the fall of 2014, when he was promoted to Coordinator of Music for Midland I.S.D. He was a highly respected and sought-after clinician and adjudicator.
During his time as director of his beloved Mighty Rebels, he served terms as chairman and president of Region VI Band Division of the Texas Music Educators Association and was elected vice president and chairman of the state organization for 1996-1998. Other professional honors and memberships included the Legion of Honor (1996), Texas Bandmasters Association, National Bandmasters Association, and American Bandmasters Association. He was a member of Phi Betu Mu Bandmaster fraternity and life member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
During his 35-year tenure at LHS, he and the Rebel band were without question the “heart and soul of Lee High School.” It would be nearly impossible to cite all the awards and recognitions Mr. Storie and his band have earned, but several made him especially proud. First of all, under his direction, the Rebel Band earned 35 consecutive sweepstakes awards in UIL competition. In 1992, the band was the recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Sudler Flag of Honor. His bands were invited to perform at two gubernatorial inaugurations (for George W.Bush in 1994 and 1998), and three presidential inaugurations in Washington, D.C., including those of Ronald Reagan in 1985, George H. W. Bush in 1990, and George W. Bush in 2001. In 1998 his band performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. His bands also received invitations to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade 1993 and then again in 2015. Since 1984, they have been consistent top 10 finalists for the Texas Honor Band.
Mr. Storie was preceded in death by his parents, Prebble Storie and and Dale Storie. He is survived by his cousins David Rhoads (Rebecca) and Mary Rhoads Routh of Wimberly, TX; Marsha Wolfe (Roger), McCamey, TX; Heavia Doyle (Jerry), Floresville, TX; Gerry Patterson (Suzanne), Georgetown, TX; Mike Patterson, Houston, TX, and Buenger Dickson (Sally), Austin, TX.
He was an honorary uncle to and hand-picked by Melissa Moore, Lori Kuhl, Melainie Lauderdale, David Rhoads III, and Jonathan Rhoads.
He is also survived by his very special friends, Bob and Billie Vick, Midland, TX as well as more than 9,000 students whom he loved and taught over the years, including more than 60 whom he influenced to become music educators or professional musicians themselves. He also leaves behind countless parents of band students who have remained close to him throughout his career.
Viewing will be Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, 2015 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St., Midland, Texas. The family will receive guests Thursday, May 14, 2015 between 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the family plot in East Hill Cemetery, Fort Stockton, TX with his cousin David L. Rhoads officiating.
James Ralton Shirley, Jr. (Zeta Chi) 1953-2014
James Ralton Shirley, Jr., 60, of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Bluffton and Irmo, SC, passed away at home on June 25, 2014. Jim was the beloved husband of Jo Shirley; father of Abbie Shirley Warren (Jason), James R. (Trey) Shirley III (Ashley), Kristen Martin (Chase), David Rosati, and Lauren Rosati; brother of Dot Shirley Hardin (Allen); uncle of Kathy Brown Bowie (Brad); brother-in-law of Robert Brinkmann (Lisa), Jean Brinkmann, and Beth Brinkmann; and grandfather of Hunter, Caroline and Jackson.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, June 30, at the McEwen-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made, in Jim’s name, to support cholangiocarcinoma research at The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202.