James Clute Obituary
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Larry Nothwehr
May 16, 2012
I was priviledged to have studied with 'Mr. Clute' as he was known to all of us who hung out at the 'Music Annex', which was located on the two floors above the old 'Campus Cobbler' shoe store in Dinkytown.
Those were heady times during the years 1969 - 1973 for sure, but 'Mr. Clute' always had a sincere fondness for all his bass students, and definitely served as a personal confidant and friend beyong his role as a dedicated pedagogue of the instrument.
I still look back at my four years of undergraduate study at the U of M as the absolute best years of my life.
This is due primarily to the influence of 'Mr. Clute' on my life at that time, not to mention the glorious banquet he threw every spring for his students at his favorite Lebanese restaurant.
Rest well, 'Mr. Clute'...
Bonnie Knapp
April 13, 2012
So wish I could have been at the memorial. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher. He will be missed
Martha Murphy
April 8, 2012
My husband was a bass student of James Clute back in 1970. I was a violin student, and ended up becoming a high school orchestra director. To this day, I still use techniques I learned from Jim. What I recall most vivdly is his patience and wit - especially when we had to learn to memorize certain classical pieces for the "drop the needle test". Jim had the BEST lyrics to many familiar pieces, and I still hear them in my head when I hear those pieces. Thanks Jim for devoting so much of your life to inspiring young musicians!
March 29, 2012
Jim Clute had his patience sorely tested when he
agreed to teach me, a complete beginner, in '73.
The two + years I studied with him gave me a
tremendous advantage in my career as a professional musician. I will always be grateful to him for his insight, kindness, and grace.
Heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Glenn Worf
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Elizabeth Masoudnia
March 26, 2012
Jim Clute was an extremely devoted teacher, orchestra committee man, and friend. He had a beautiful house lovingly decorated with 100s of antiques. I will always remember his kindness, humor, hospitality, and scotch and cheese on cold winter nights in Minneapolis.
Terry & Nancy Slobodzian
March 26, 2012
I still remember my first bass lesson with Mr. Clute. He made house calls back in 1962 much like the family doctor. I recall, he did have his own leather physicians' bag that contained his appointment book, a copy of Simandl and a cake of his favorite rosin. Who knows what else?
Jim, my sympathies to your Family and thank you for being my teacher and our friend over the years.
Mark Foley
March 26, 2012
Jim was a great teacher to whom I owe a huge debt. He has an influence on my personal and professional life every day.
James VanDemark
March 25, 2012
Jim Clute was a truly remarkable teacher, friend, wit, and scholar. He had an enormous influence on me as a player and as a person. I was lucky both to have studied with him and to have shared his friendship. He will be sorely missed.
Bonnie Knapp
March 25, 2012
Jim was an encouraging teacher, sharing so much about how to teach over the years. I feel honored to have known him and to have had the chance to share the love of teaching with him.
March 25, 2012
Jim and I became fast friends in the 70s when we were delegates to ICSOM together - Jim from Minnesota and I was in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I always felt lucky to have his friendship. Don Muggeridge, Rolling Hills Estates, California
March 25, 2012
Jim was intelligent,witty and talented.He was a tenacious negotiator who devoted many years working for and with his peers helping make the Minneapolis Symphony/ Minnesota Orchestra one of the leading orchestras in the United States regarding salaries, working conditions and above all year round employment which ultimately helped lead to the engagement of the best musical talents available in this genre. His presence will be missed.
Carl Nashan, retired violinist Minneapolis Symphony/ Minnesota Orchestra '62 to '96
Craig Rifel
March 25, 2012
I was a Double Bass student of Jim's in Eau Claire WI from 1971-75, and have played in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 30 years. He was an engaging and caring teacher and I will always remember him fondly. My sympathies to his family and friends.
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