Curtiss K. CHASE

I am very sorry to learn about the passing of Mr. Chase. I was one of his trumpet students at Twin Village Music in Lancaster. He was a fantastic teacher, tremendous trumpet player, and a great role model. I have very fond memories of our lessons and many conversations. My condolences.

Kurt was a legend as a performer and teacher. I worked with him and loved to listen to him jam with his play along accompaniments. We exchanged CDs while discussing favorites, and not so favorites. He will truly be missed. With love, the Docenko family.

My good friend Curt Chase was the Amherst High School Band Director plus a Jazz trumpeter, Nyssma judge and also a good friend. We had breakfast these last 8 years, every other week, often inviting musicians and retired teachers. Curt would often visit my store, Northtown Music. He would share his brilliant knowledge of trumpet. Curt also enjoyed his years teaching trumpet at Twin Village music store. Curt was a strong hearted Navy man. He also loved his Michigan sports. He will...

I remember Mr. Chase loving what he did, and sharing what he loved. He had so much joy in his face all the time because of his love for music. We were so fortunate to have a teacher in our school who brought that much knowledge and appreciation for music and the arts into the classroom.

Curt Chase struck the right balance between band director, fundraiser, and student-supporter. He let us kids be kids...for me, the biggest highlights in the band were annual exchange trips and of course unloading the citrus truck every winter! Greg Barrett '79. [Prof. of Clarinet, Northern Illinois University]

Mr. Chase taught me to love jazz music. I can still remember playing a Benny Goodmen song and getting lost in the moment. This is the spirit of music. Class of 1983.

I remember Mr. Chase, during the so many musicals and other events through the time that I was in my high school years at Amherst Middle School and Amherst Central High School. I always enjoyed going to those events. I remember him very well at these events and plays too. I remember shaking his hand a several times in different places through the time when I was in school. I graduated Amherst Central High School (June 1995.) My sympathy and care go out to the family during this time....

Curtiss and his wife Ivy were good friends when my husband Al Blickensderfer taught orchestra/strings for the Amherst School District. I remember one snowy afternoon going to a Xmas tree farm on Partridge Tree Rd. with our children to cut down a Christmas tree. Such fun to share this experience. His wife, Ivy and I were both stay-at-home moms the time. Such sweet memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Shirley Ann Blickensderfer