Stanley-Ackerman-Obituary

Stanley M. Ackerman

Buffalo Grove, Illinois

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Buffalo Grove, Illinois

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Stanley M. Ackerman, passed with dignity at home on Friday January 11, at the age of 78. He admirably faced kidney dialysis treatments for the last 16 years of his life. Beloved husband for 53 years of Charlene (nee Berger). Loving father of Bruce and Michael Ackerman and the late Shari Leah...

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It is with great sadness that I came across the announcement of Mr. Ackerman's passing. I was a member of his orchestra(s) at New Trier 1969-1970 and it was truly one of the most important musical experiences of my life. While mostly a pianist, I played violin and (at Mr. Ackerman's suggestion) viola during my years at New Trier. We did such extraordinary music! Selections from Carmina Burana, Beethoven, Mozart and Sibelius symphonies: looking back it seems impossible now. We did Beethoven 5...

Mr. Ackernam was the orchestra conductor at New Trier East High School and later my violin teacher at the North Shore Music School. He was an amazing influence to all of us and an inspiration to me. He challenged the orchestra with fabulous and difficult works. Thanks for everything, Mr. Ackerman.

Celebrating Anniversaries Together

Stan and Ted had known each other since high school drawn together by their mutual pursuits in the field of music. Both were violists and teachers. As couples we celebrated many happy occasions together over many years. We visited them in California and continued a close relationship upon their return. Ted enjoyed the challenge of playing tennis with Stan. He fondly remembers of often being the victim of Stan's killer serve with lots of top spin. Our children grew up with their children...

I think it says a lot about Mr. Ackerman that so many who played in his orchestras and quartets have kept in touch with him and with each other for decades. There are also at least two FaceBook tribute pages for Mr. Ackerman: "The Legacy of Stan Ackerman," with over 100 members, and "Mr. Ackerman Students, Strolling Strings, & Waukegan Orchestra/Ensembles," with over 50 members. And we all owe him so much.

I don't think I would have survived high school without you, Mr. Ackerman. Thank you for being such an incredible teacher, and providing the amazing experience of playing in your orchestra. I miss you and will always remember you. (NTE '80)

RIP, Stanley Ackerman. We were friends, colleagues, fellow believers in that higher standard. Back then, of course, there were no New Trier High School Concerto Competitions as there are now, but that did not stop you from graciously aski...ng me to solo on several occasions. There were a small cadre of us at New Trier who loved classical music, and you were the nerve center of that cadre. And it was amazing to see how much New Trier offered by way of orchestras, and smaller ensembles. It...

It is so sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Stan, my high school buddy, my Northwestern roommate, and my fellow music-maker both in high school and in the Northwestern ensembles. Our careers went in different directions but we both benefitted from the inspiration of making music from the early days, which we shared with many others. My sympathies to Charlene, Bruce and especially Mike, a fellow trumpet player. We all treasure the memories of knowing Stan.

How very sad I am to hear about the death of Mr. Ackerman. I played bass clarinet in the orchestra at New Trier in the 75-77, and always valued his humor and making us feel like budding professionals. I was JUST thinking of him this week! I still miss Sam Mages, another fine New Trier conductor, and have continued with a lifetime career as a performing musician! Warmest thanks are always in my heart to this charming man.

Mr. Ackerman continues to be a great inspiration to me, although I have not pursued a career in music. He taught me more about leadership than anyone I've ever known. Please accept my condolences.

Andy Gedo
NTE class of 1975