Norman L. Brooks

Brooks, Norman L.

Norman L. Brooks, 81, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away on Jan. 10, 2014. He was born in Port Chester, NY on Feb. 21, 1932 to Marion H. and William Brooks. He attended schools in Port Chester, NY graduating in June of 1949. Norman attended Potsdam College and graduated with a B.S. in education and studied music at their Crane School of Music. He received a master's degree at Teacher's College and his administrative certification at New York University. He taught music in Port Chester from 1954-1957. He was a member of the Collegiate Chorale (New York City) and worked under Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozava and Abraham Kaplan. Norman began teaching music in New Rochelle in 1957 and became Supervisor of music for the New Rochelle School District in1969. He retired from this position in June of 1994. Thereafter, he taught music part time at the College of New Rochelle and Manhattanville College in Port Chester. Norman started piano lessons at age 5 with Kramer Neumann and continued on in the Port Chester High School band and competitive music events throughout Westchester County and the state of New York. He was an active member of the NY State Music Teachers Association. He became president of the Westchester Music Teachers Guild during this time. Norman was known to concertize throughout his career. In the spring of 1974, he orchestrated a trip with his students from New Rochelle to California. They played at various schools and concert halls. In the 1980s, he established cultural integration programs one of which was a music concert at a church. In addition, Norman participated in the Water Front Festival committee which brought more music culture to the City of New Rochelle for 2 consecutive years in the 1980s. During the mid-1980s, he became Rotary Club president for 2 years. He received the Paul Harris Fellow in 1994 for dedicated service to community. He moved with his wife, Barbara to Sun Lakes in April 2004 and taught music, "In Our Lives." It was a part time course at the Mercy Gilbert College. Norman continued to be a Rotarian until the time of his death. Norman and Barbara, for the past 3 years, through The Sunshine Angles, provided Christmas gifts for 300 children ranging in age 18 years to 3 years. In the spring, there will be services at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the charity of your choice.