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Karen DeWeese
November 3, 2009
I had the privilege of kowing "Mr. B" for anumber of years as my band director at Cap High and also as choir director at First Baptist Church of San Bruno. He led by example and was an inspiration that it was not only okay but honorable to do the right thing and stand up or one's beliefs. The musicworld and world as a whole has lost a great man- he will be missed by all who knew him . Karen Travioli DeWeese- class of 1966.
Jim Harrington
October 29, 2009
Mr B,
You impacted so many young people over your lifetime. Your unique style made us work hard to please you and live up to your expectation of us. You were a major influence during a particularly difficult period in my life. Thanks for taking the time and giving us a gift that we could never fully repay. To Ralph and your family....you are in our prayers. All the best to you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim Harrington (Class of 72)
April Lehto
October 29, 2009
Mr. B, you were the best! Thank you for all the wonderful memories in being a part of the award-winning Cap band 1971-75. You will never be forgotten. Ralph and family, you are in my thoughts.
Linda Bush
October 28, 2009
Mr. B was such a wonderful man. He made being in the Capuchino Band a popular thing rather than a "band geek." I was proud to be part of his award winning accomplishments. I have such wonderful memories of concerts, musicals, half-time entertainments, band competitions, Disney Land, and the list goes on. He made music fun. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Linda Bush '69-'73
Anna Keevy
October 26, 2009
Mr. "B" was my first introduction to band music. I joined his elementary school band at Turlock Christian when I was in the third grade. I wanted to play clarinet so badly and he took one look at me and said, "Nope, flute player." He was right! I have always been a much better flute player than I ever was at clarinet. He was an inspiration and made making music a joy. He was one of the main reasons I continued on to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from CSU Stanislaus. He will be missed.
Tish Diaz
October 25, 2009
I was in first grade and saw Mr. "B" and the Capuchino band perform at my school and I instantly knew what I wanted to be when i grew up. Thank you, Mr. "B" for your inspiration and dedication. Aside from being lots of fun, the four years I spent in your marching band, concert band and jazz band helped me cultivate the discipline and determination that has carried me through all these years as a professional musician.
October 20, 2009
My husband and I were very sad to hear that Mr. B. passed away, he was a wonderful teacher. We were both in his ban for four years and we had a great time and won many awards. I know Mr. B is leading a band in heaven now rest in peace my friend. We will never forget you. Mike and Judy Morgan
Diane McIntyre (Capuchino 61)
October 19, 2009
It was an honor to have known Mr. B and to have been one of his students who played in the band that went to Washington, D.C. He was a kind man, and an excellent teacher who always inspired his students to be the best that they could be. I believe that he touched many, many lives throughout his years and that we all became better people for having known him.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Reyanne Freeman
October 19, 2009
Mr."B" will be missed by the music community and all he influnced over his many years of teaching. I will always chrish the memories of my 4 years on the CAP Band 58-62.
What an experience to have marched in president Kennedy's inaugural parade.
My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.
Reyanne Torlucci Freeman
CAP Band
October 18, 2009
Mr. "B" was loved and respected by the entire student body whether or not they were in the band or in his classes. His purity touched all who knew him. His example of a fine and accomplised man will be missed.
Jim Potter, Capuchino (61)
October 6, 2009
AHHH SOOO sad!
Mr. B was such a kind and patient man. In 1970 he was my band teacher and I was such a lousy student. He never gave up on me and allowed me to express myself through music. I will always remember him. I wish we had more like him.
There he goes on angels wings.
God bless you Mr. B and your family and all that were touched by your kindness and direction.
Vince
class of 74
Nadine Pickrell-Marsh
October 5, 2009
Mr. B. had a great influence on the path I have taken in life. Who would have every thought I would be playing a bassoon in the Chowchilla High School Band. I loved the music that he taught and made a part of our lives. I went on to spend almost thirty years working in the office of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra. Then there was all the training we had in singing under him at school and at church. What a blessing he was to Chowchilla during his years of teaching there.
We will all miss you.
Katherine Jones
October 5, 2009
To Mr. B and his family:
This earth has been your home so long,
And you have loved it well,
But one day you must leave it,
Just when you cannot tell.
The hour and the minute
You are scheduled to depart,
Was long ago decided,
And is written on God's heart.
This is a great old world, and how
you wish that you could stay,
But the years keep going faster,
And the hours slipping away.
But as you near the turning
Of the road, you pause to view
The yesterdays you've left behind
And as you journey through
One year into another,
'Til they form a silver chain,
There are things you would do over,
Some you would not do again.
Though "Old sins cast long shadows."
However long confessed,
With all your heart you do believe
You'll find a place to rest
Within the arms of Jesus,
Where no heartache and no pain,
Will ever be allowed to touch
you again.
And throughout all eternity,
Your greatest joy will be,
That the Shepherd left
His ninety-nine,
..To come in search of thee!
You were an inspiring music teacher and the greatest of the great.
Katherine Johnson Jones
Chowchilla Union, Member of
the High School Band member
Fred Tempas
October 5, 2009
When I joined the band in the fall of 1967 I was a scared freshman. That band became my family all through high school, and paved the way for my own 30 year music teaching career.
He was a taskmaster to be sure, but we learned a lot. I'll carry the memories always.
Pam Fornesi
October 5, 2009
I have very wonderful memories of Mr. B at Capuchino and I wasn't even in the band. He always seemed so calm but totally in control. I was in the Show Auntie Mame (before it was a musical)and the Cap band was in the pit creating a wonderful party atmosphere that added so much to our show. It is wonderful to hear that he continued teaching music for so many years. Sympathy to his family and please know how many people mourn your loss.
Rachael Lauricella
October 5, 2009
Mr B was one of Capuchino's teachers I have never forgotten and I graduated in 73! I was a band "Banner Girl" 72/73 and have many fond memories of marching (and winning) in band competitions. Cap had a few gems, and he was one of them. Always fondly in our thoughts...sorry for your loss. Rachael (Rickey) Lauricella
Leslie Anton
October 5, 2009
Mr. B touched the lives of those of us lucky enough to know him in an amazing way. Being a part of the Capuchino Band while he was director, is a memory I will cherish always. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. B's family and friends.
Emily Jorge
October 5, 2009
What great memories! The Capuchino Band was great because Mr. B. knew how to lead the band. The parents and students enjoyed he great leadership.
Tami Turner
October 4, 2009
Thanks for so many happy memories of my childhood from the neighborhood to the Cap Band - you took so many of us along for your incredible journey on this earth.
Rest peacefully and soar with the Angels Mr. B. - job well done!
Ralph you are in my thoughts and prayers.
All Best,
-Tami
Greg Frediani
October 4, 2009
Too many memories to mention here, but I am so grateful for the years I had in the Capuchino Band - and all of its iterations and performances.
Shelly Barlow
October 4, 2009
I am truly sad to hear of the passing of Mr. B. He was a wonderful teacher and I am blessed to have been one of his students. I have wonderful memories of marching band and great concerts. My condolences to the family. He truly was a legacy and the leader of the band.
God Bless,
Shelly Barlow
Modesto, CA
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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