Music
Pete Perez
Died February 8, 2021.
Valencia High School, Valencia, CA
Music
Peter Rivera Perez was the first born of three children to parents Jose and Georgina Perez. Peter and his siblings grew up in a wonderful and close-knit family in Oxnard, California. His grandparents, aunts and uncles all lived within a three-block radius, giving way to days filled celebrating family, music, dancing, food, faith, and love of life. Peter always stood out with his red hair, just like his great-grandfather.
His childhood, filled with family and pride of his Mexican culture, led he and his siblings to dance Mexican Ballet Folklorico at various events throughout the region. Not a Cinco de Mayo went by that they were not performing from dawn to dusk.
Peter was the first of the family to pick up an instrument which started their love of music where he, his brother Rafael, and sister Mary Ellen would continue throughout the years to play in marching bands, concert bands, orchestras, jazz bands, festivals, community bands, and at church. He started on the clarinet and then moved to the oboe. His musical talent soared and no matter what instrument he picked up, he had a talent for it.
Peter was an accomplished woodwind player, specializing in oboe, English horn, saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He also played drums in his high school marching band. An alumni of California State University, Long Beach, Peter studied under the directorship of John Prince, Akira Endo and Larry Curtis, just to name a few and performed in the “Big Brown Music Machine” marching band as well as various school groups throughout the United States, Australia, and Scotland. A partial list of Peter’s live performances includes playing with the Joffrey Ballet Company, the Santa Monica Symphony, and the Pageant of the Masters Orchestra. In addition, Peter performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, at the KOOL Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl (now called the Playboy Jazz Festival), the Montreux Jazz Festival, and America’s Youth in Concert-European Tour where he played at Carnegie Hall and all over Europe. He performed in the orchestra for several musical theater performances in Los Angeles including Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and the Nutcracker ballet. He also recorded several motion picture soundtracks and television recordings including Sister Act, The Last of the Mohicans, Jingle All the Way, Animaniacs, and Batman the Animated Series, just to name a few. Through it all, he remained humble and often wouldn’t tell others of his musical accomplishments, enjoying instead to spend time with friends eating great food, fishing, listening to music, or laughing together.
Peter dedicated the majority of his teaching career to the Valencia High School Tiger Regiment in Placentia, California. For the past 30 years, Peter served as the assistant band director as well as the director of the jazz bands and advisor to the combos, earning numerous top awards and accolades with his various groups. In addition to VHS, Peter worked with the bands at Fountain Valley High School, Savanna High School, Kennedy High School, and Kraemer Middle School. For the last 12 years, Peter was a site coordinator with Music in the Parks, a national band/orchestra/choir music festival organization. Peter was a member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), International Association of Jazz Educators and has served as clinician, auditioner, and band manager for several of the SCSBOA’s honor groups throughout his career.
For over 30 years, he influenced the lives of thousands of students as their music teacher. Peter had great success in teaching his students the love of music, jazz and jazz history, and guided his students to earn numerous top awards and accolades over the past 30 years. It was important to Peter to expose his students to career paths in music by facilitating concerts with college and military bands as well as the annual jazz guest artist program, playing with many over the years including Poncho Sanchez, Bob Florence, Barbara Morrison, Francisco Torres, Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin, George Graham, Eric Marienthal, Bill Liston, Sal Lozano, and Alex Hahn to name a few. A consistent participant in the annual International Reno Jazz Festival, the Essentially Ellington – Las Vegas Regional Festival, and many local Orange County festivals, the VHS Jazz ensembles and combos earned numerous high marks over the years. The band has also been asked to perform at various community and school district events. For him, the camaraderie between schools was always more important than winning, often making a point to attend other school’s concerts and competitions as well as his annual dedication to the District-wide Jazz Jam each winter.
However, most would say that he wasn’t *just* a music teacher, but rather mentor, sometimes-therapist, and friend. For many, he fostered an environment that was a safe place where students could be themselves and belong during those turbulent teen years. He served as mentor to many Eagle Scouts, attended many quinceneras, weddings, college concerts, and graduations of his former students.
In 1999, Peter married Jennifer Minor and started a life in Orange County where together they proudly raised two beautiful boys. Being a husband and a father were two of his greatest joys in life. Pete and Jen built a home in Placentia where they infused the foundations of faith, family, laughter, and the love of music, soccer, and fishing. Some of their best memories were playing board games and roasting s’mores in the backyard, taking trips to the Central Coast of California, fishing at Southern California beaches, visiting family, and attending concerts, playing music and soccer together.
Peter was preceded in death by his father Jose Perez.
Peter is survived by his wife, Jennifer, of 21 years and their two boys, Christian-18 and Gabriel-15. He is also survived by his mother, Georgina, brother Rafael (Pamela), sisters Mary Ellen (David), Soledad, and Ana; in-laws Paul and Vivienne, sister-in-law Alison, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Due to the COVID restriction, attendance to the visitation, rosary, funeral mass, and internment will be limited and by invitation only in order to maintain the safety of those in attendance. Masks and social distancing will be required. However, all services for Peter will be live-streamed and a link will be shared via the Caring Bridge website for anyone wishing to participate virtually.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Both will be held at Garcia Mortuary in Oxnard, California. Visitation will be open to all who wish to attend with a maximum of 40 people rotating in the room at a time. The funeral mass will be at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard, California on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., followed by the internment at Santa Clara Cemetery. There will be no reception at this time due to COVID restrictions. The family will host a celebration of life in Orange County at a future date when it is safer to gather for all those who wish to come and honor Peter’s life.
The family is so grateful for the generous outpouring of support throughout this difficult time. If you would like to send flowers or plants for the services, please send to Garcia Mortuary at 629 S. “A” Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. Or, in lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/), Epilepsy Foundation (http://epilepsy.com), or the Valencia High School Tiger Regiment Band and Colorguard (http://www.tigerregiment.org/fundraising/).
Alfredo Valles, 60
Died February 12, 2021.
Guillen Middle School, El Paso, TX
Music
An educator who taught music died over the weekend.
Alfredo Valles died from COVID-19, confirmed his family.
Valles was also known as Freddy.
He was the band director at El Paso Independent School District, Guillen Middle School.
Valles’ niece, Ruby Montana, said Valles died on Feb. 12 after being hospitalized for more than a month for COVID-19.
“We had every confidence he would survive because he was healthy and his lungs were so strong from playing trumpet his whole life,” said Montana.
Montana said Valles had initially gone to Providence East hospital on Jan. 6 and was placed on a ventilator two weeks later.
Valles, who had no pre-existing condition, died at age 60.
He was a family man, adored by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. He was always positive– always had a smile on his face. He was selfless and caring and had a timeless suaveness to him. He never ever spoke ill of anyone, never cursed, and never raised his voice. He was a rare gentle soul.
Proper Print Shop had shirts made in honor of Valles.
The proceeds from the shirts will be given to the Guillen Middle School Band.
An educator from Las Cruces also died from COVID-19. Elizabeth Placencio was 42 years old.
Kellie Mahaney, 50
Died February 2, 2021.
Milton-Union Exempted Village Schools, West Milton, OH
Music, Drama
Kellie (Rose) Mahaney, age 50, of Troy, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek. She was born on March 28, 1970 in Troy, OH to the late John David “Dave” and Geraldine “Jerry” (Wright) Rose. Her husband of 27 years, Paul Mitchell “Mitch” Mahaney, survives.
In addition to her husband, Kellie is survived by one son and one daughter: Keegan Mitchell Mahaney and Karson Rose Mahaney, both of Troy; brothers: Mike (Shelly) Rose of Covington and Mark (Cindi) Rose of St. Paris; and nieces and nephews: Mack Rose, Morgan Rose, Megan Rose, Cael Rose and Allison Rose.
Kellie was a 1988 graduate of Miami East High School. She achieved her bachelor’s degree in music education from Eastern Kentucky University and her master’s degree from Wright State University in education in leadership. Kellie was Choir/Drama teacher at Milton-Union Schools in West Milton for 26 years. She was a member of Miami East Athletic Boosters and Ohio Music Educators Association.
Memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy with Rev. Jennifer Henley officiation. Family will receive friends from 2:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com
Hector Cantu, 50
Died January 2021.
San Diego Independent School District, San Diego, TX
Music Director
The small communities of San Diego and Premont are mourning the loss of a beloved band and mariachi director.
Sunday afternoon the family of 50-year-old Hector M. Cantu took to Facebook to advise the communities of his untimely death due to the coronavirus. The news quickly spread, hitting the hearts of many – from his colleagues to his students.
He is the first teacher from San Diego Independent School District to pass away from COVID-19, according to Superintendent Dr. Rodrigo Pena.
“After winter break Mr. Cantu did not return and we were notified that he had tested positive for the virus,” Pena said. “We got word of his passing yesterday and it’s unbelievable … A year ago he took our mariachi students to state and now we are dealing (with his death.)”
Cantu wasn’t just a teacher in the classroom. He became a part of many families. He was a friend, an inspiration and a mentor to many.
San Diego Band Director Abelardo Perez mourned the loss of Cantu.
“Your fight is over my friend. You get to be in a place free from the nonsense of this world and free from this pandemic that has hurt so many people. The impact you’ve had on countless students throughout the years is immeasurable. You were a great friend, always there for me and my heart hurts writing this. So much to say but I’ll leave it at this for now … rest easy brother, you will always be remembered. Eternal rest grant unto him, o’ Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Requiescat in pace.”
Cantu’s teaching career began over 20 years ago in the Premont School District.
Cantu was interviewed by the Alice Echo News Journal in May 2019, when he was selected as the May Amazing Teacher. He talked about how his passion for music and teaching began.
He said he fell in love with music as a child, but when he took his first high school band class with Mr. Cortez at Premont ISD his love for music and education really began.
Cantu was a Premont grad of 1989, and started his teaching career at Premont ISD, where he taught for 15 years. He began at San Diego ISD nearly six years ago.
“Our hearts are broken with the news regarding Mr. Hector Cantu. Just by seeing the posts on (Facebook) we know that you impacted so many. You were so inspiring to so many students. We always begged you to come back to Premont, but we know your heart was with your San Diego family. You will forever be loved and cherished. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Cantu’s parents, children, family, friends, students and the love of his life, Melissa. We love you sir,” said Premont Band Mariachi Booster Club on Facebook.
He leaves behind his wife, Melissa, his parents, Eloy and Grace Cantu, his children, Michelle and Jake (Raelynn), his sister Shimel, nieces and nephews, countless friends, and students he loved.
“Hector was contagious to all who met him. His smile that he shared … The corny jokes and hand gestures to make you laugh til you hurt … The outpouring love he gave not only to his children and his family but to all those who shared his life with him,” said Michelle Gomes, long-time friend of Cantu.
“He had a love for music I think the moment he came out of the womb. His drive to share that love and to mentor young minds to appreciate and grow in their love of playing music, in marching, in feeling the emotion while embracing the Mariachi tradition. What he shared and what he gave was his all … he’d go beyond what he needed to in order to achieve his dreams, his goals, his love of being that ‘adopted dad and brother’ to so many.”
A GoFundMe account for Cantu has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to donate go to:
In Memory of Hector Cantu – Funeral Expenses, organized by Michelle Gomes
Leslye Ames, 49
Died January 21, 2021.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Montgomery, AL
Music
Montgomery Public Schools is mourning the loss of a Booker T. Washington Magnet High School teacher.
MPS officials confirmed that piano teacher Leslye Ames has died.
“Mrs. Ames was a brilliant and beautiful spirit who was committed to developing the gifts and talents of young musicians. We will never forget the bright light that she and her family provided the entire BTW community and the piano magnet,” BTW Principal Quesha Starks said.
Ames was only 49 years old.
“She was a master pianist,” said Jeanne Charbonneau.
Ames died Thursday after a battle with COVID-19. Charbonneau is the president of FAME, short for Friends Of Arts Magnet Education directly tied to BTW. The loss of a talented instructor is being felt far and deep.
“And she was just thrilled to be here and be part of it. And we were excited to have her; her energy level, her passion, her commitment,” said Charbonneau.
Even though Ames was only at the school for one semester, she left a profound legacy.
“And she took off from the very beginning. The kids saw that, they knew that. They responded to her, and I think she will always be remembered for coming in and just taking over the program,” Charbonneau said.
This was the fourth employee death announced by MPS this week. Robert E. Lee High School assistant football coach Dwayne Berry, Capitol Heights Middle physical education teacher Lushers Lane and Park Crossing High School coach DeCarlos Perkins also died.
Of the eight county school employees who have died recently, five passed away from COVID-19.
Officials said counseling and support services are being provided to students and staff.
Andrew Briggs, 57
Died January 6, 2021.
Community Elementary School, Unionville, TN
Music
Funeral services for Andrew Dale Briggs, age 57 of Shelbyville will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm from the Chapel of Gowen-Smith with Robert Drawdy and Rev. Roger Briggs officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and on Wednesday, January 6, 20201 from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Mr. Briggs passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Stonecrest Medical Center in Smyrna.
He is a native of Marceline, Missouri and the son of Roger Briggs and Jeanette Nash Briggs of Missouri and they survive him.
Mr. Briggs was a music teacher at Community Elementary school and has dedicated his life to teaching children.
Other survivors include his wife: Jennifer Briggs of Shelbyville, children: Charity Ann Briggs of Shelbyville, Rachel Briggs-Smith of Nashville, Alexander Briggs of Cookevile, McKenzie Heflin of Shelbyville and Ryan Heflin of Unionville.
He is survived by one brother: Brian David Briggs of Bloomington, Illinois, Mother and father in law: Jimmy and Wanda Price of Shelbyville and Austin Pressley of Petersburg, one sister in law: Shelly Pressley of Shelbyville, One niece: Kimberlyn Pressley of Flatcreek.
He is also survived by one grandchild: Rylee Isabella Grace Heflin of Unionville, and one great niece: Tayelyn Mae Hampton of Flat Creek.
Mr. Briggs is survived by many nieces and nephews and numerous colleagues and friends.
Gowen-Smith Chapel in Shelbyville, TN. is assisting the family.
Rosemary Caldwell Collins, 51
Died December 22, 2020.
Clearwater High School, Clearwater, FL
Music
A community in Clearwater is mourning the sudden loss of a beloved music instructor and singer.
Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Florida Vocal Association confirmed that Rosemary Caldwell Collins died on Dec. 22. She was 51.
The Tampa Bay Times reported Collins had tested positive for COVID-19.
The Florida Vocal Association said Collins attended high school in Pinellas County and returned to her hometown after earning degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University.
In Pinellas, she taught at Ponce De Leon Elementary, Safety Harbor Middle School and recently at Clearwater High School, where she was the choral director since 2017.
“Rosemary was a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend whose absence will be felt deeply by many. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers,” the association wrote on Facebook.
A sentiment former student, Hannah Zazzarro echos.
“She’s like just one of the lightest people. And she brought so much joy to so many people. She left light and music with all of us,” Zazzarro said of her mentor and friend who had the ability to instill confidence in others.
And while she’s been aware of the heartbreak other’s have experienced through losing a loved one to COVID-19, she says experiencing it first-hand was different.
“So many people are dying from this and it’s a totally horrible thing, but when it happens really close to you it’s a completely different experience,” she said
Collins was also the music director at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The church on Wednesday shared a touching tribute to Collins that includes a song she recorded with another church member last week.
The association said information about services and memorials will be shared as it becomes available.
Robert Freisthler, 64
November 9, 2020.
Perry Elementary School, Lima, OH
Music
Robert “Bob” L. Freisthler, age 64, passed away November 9, 2020, at 9:13 p.m. at his residence. Bob was born May 5, 1956 in Sidney, OH, to Gene L. and Betty J. (Daniels) Freisthler who preceded him in death. On August 26, 1978, he married Cathy M. (Cooper) Freisthler who survives in Lima.
Bob was a 1974 graduate of Botkins High School. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Guidance from University of Dayton. Bob had taught in music education at Jackson Center, Bluffton, Beaverdam and Lima City Schools. He ended his career as an elementary music teacher with Perry Local Schools and was set to retire at the end of this school year. He had also worked part-time as a Lyft driver. No one could get out of his car without learning something about music. Bob was a member of the Shawnee United Methodist Church where he also served as their choir director. He was also a member of The Emmaus Community and was involved many years with the Adult Conference of the Christian Church in Ohio. Bob had a passion for music that he loved sharing with everyone and had an vast knowledge of all things music. He also loved to travel and was looking forward to many more traveling adventures in his retirement. Bob will not only be remembered, but sorely missed for his incredible cooking skills.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children: Julie (Micah) Stoke of Tampa, FL and Lindsay Freisthler of New Albany, OH, a granddaughter, Kayleigh Stoke and a grandson, Cooper Stoke, 2 siblings: James (Sue) Freisthler of Sidney, OH and Donald (Rhonda) Freisthler of Botkins, OH and his best friend, Alex Gonzales and his son Alec who was Bob’s buddy. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Thomas Freisthler and Raymond (Pat) Freisthler.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee United Methodist Church or the family.
Jimmy Hynum, 53
Died October 29, 2020.
Palestine-Wheatley Elementary School, Palestine, AR
Music
Life’s journey for Jimmy Ray Hynum began April 14, 1967 at the McCracken Medical Clinic in Stuttgart, Arkansas. At three days old, he was held for the first time by his adoptive parents, Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr. and Mary Campbell Hynum. Jimmy was an only child, filling the home with joy, as they watched him succeed in the challenges of life. He excelled in the academic world, beginning as a 1985 honor graduate of Stuttgart High School.
He was involved with various clubs in school, but a love for music proved to be his main focus and enjoyment. As a devoted music student, he became 1st chair in the school band, then earned multiple All Region titles. In his senior year, he was awarded 1st band, 1st chair at All-State, declaring him as the best Tuba player in the state, representing SHS and his family with pride.
Jimmy continued education at UCA in Conway, where he participated with the UCA Wind Ensemble, UCA Marching Band and various other ensembles. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1991. His career as a band director began with a one-year position at Stuttgart Middle School, then one year at Gillett. From there, he served six years at Eliza Miller Junior High School in West Helena. Next came fifteen years as Director of Bands for Brinkley Schools. Jimmy was currently teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade music at Palestine-Wheatley School Elementary.
Jimmy began dating Angela Kaye Senko in 1984. They were inseperable. Wherever you saw one, you saw the other. After ten years and 16 days of dating, Jimmy married the love of his life in a nuptial Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Although they had no children of their own, as teachers, God blessed them with hundreds of Hynum Babies of all ages who filled their lives with love, joy, and laughter.
Jimmy was an active member of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Brinkley. He served as financial secretary in the St. John’s chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Arkansas School Baned and Orchestra Association. While living in West Helena, he and Angie were active in the Lion’s Club. Jimmy was currently the interim board president of the Monrow County Human Development Center. He had a strong interest in law enforcement which led him to go through training and volunteer as an auxiliary deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. When Angie asked why, Jimmy said he just wanted to be there to help people in any way he could. Jimmy was compassionate and had a true heart for helping people of all ages.
Jimmy’s hobbies included playing his tuba and euphonium, reading, riding his Spyder, volunteering at Ducks Unlimited events, and spending time with his Love and their zoo–-Mowgli, Ruby, and Mr. Kitty.
At the age of 53, he passed from this life on October 29, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr. and Mary.