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Pedro Cisneros Obituary

PEDRO CISNEROS "MR. C"
McALLEN - Pedro "Mr. C" Cisneros, 72, died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at Alfredo Gonzales Texas State Veterans Home.
Born in Ozona, TX, Pete had been a long time resident of the valley. He served in the Army Military Band based in Washington D.C., and was the band director in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district for 35 years where he was lovingly known as Mr. C. He served as President, Vice President, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Band Director Association, which has over 3000 members and in 2006, he was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley's Band Directors Hall of Fame.
Mr. C will always be remembered as the best high school band director in the valley. He not only made a difference in the lives of young people, but reached out to new band directors coming into the profession. He was fondly known as a disciplined and dedicated musician who demanded the best from his students. The pride he instilled in his students will never be forgotten.
Mr. C is survived by his wife, Armandina Martinez Cisneros of Pharr, his mother, Maria de Jesus Cisneros of Ozona, TX, his sister Paulita Compton of Dallas and a loving extended family.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2007, at Kreidler Funeral Home, 314 N 10th St., with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2007, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens cemetery.
Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.
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Published by The Monitor on Jan. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Pedro Cisneros

Sponsored by anonymous.

55 Entries

Art Reyna

September 29, 2008

To the family of Pete Cisneros:
My sincerest condolences on the loss of one of the most respected human beings this world has ever known. Mr. C. was an educator with some very special gifts. He instilled in all of his students the love of music, the endurance of hard work, and the respect for those in authority and in oneself. The majority of his students have gone on to become, doctors, lawyers, judges and educators that are tops in their fields. I remember full well being at band competitions and being asked by members of other bands, "How can you be in his band, isn't he very strict?" I would proudly answer them by saying, "yes, but that is what makes us so good," and it was. We may have worked long and hard, but we then reaped the rewards of being able to hold our heads up high and proclaim that we were part of Pete Cisneros' Mighty Bear Band. I attribute my professional success and good work ethic to this marvelous man. He will always live in my heart and thanks to him I can honestly say that if I could take any one thing with me to the afterlife, it would be music. Thank you Mr. C. for being a mentor and a friend. Keep a chair open for me in your heavenly choir, until we meet again.
P-SJ-A Class of '78 Tuba

Raul Jr. Soto ( Class of 81 - Tenor Sax )

January 30, 2007

To the Cisneros family & friends:

The most sincere of condolences to each of you upon the passing of a true musical mentor and gentle man. As many have indicated, his sincere passion for things musical provided immeasurable inspiration. To this day, I often utilize the lessons learned & experience of discipline, detail & commitment within the corporate environment. Be it in the US or abroad, I have many a times reflected on the essence of a beautiful song and appreciated its nuances. The textures and the notes aside, it was the true love of music that prevails. For that, Mr C. I am remain a humble student of yours forever. I look forward to additional double time moments & the ever-present twinkle in the eye when competing for the perfection in the performance when we next meet. Rest well, our very own MusicMan !! Vaya Con Dios !!

Rhonda Ramirez

January 24, 2007

I'm sorry to hear about his death.

Tricia Serviere (Lemen)

January 21, 2007

This world needs many more teachers like Mr. C. It would be a much better place. I wish I could be even half the teacher he was. My condolences to Mrs. C and a special thank you to her for supporting him and sharing him with us all these years. Rest in Peace, Mr. C.

Georgina "Gina" Silguero Galvagni

January 17, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved Mr. C.
My sincerest sympathy goes out to Mrs. C. and his family. What a wonderful leader he was!
I remember him from the beginning of my musical interest at Eli Whitney, as the instruments were introduced to all of the 5th graders in the spring. Then on to Edison in the fall, as he reminded us to tap our feet softly. LOL(We walked to the Jefferson cafeteria for band classes.)
The memories of Pigskin will never be forgotten as he always instilled excellence in our performance.
No doubt that he is indeed conducting the band of angels in heaven.
God bless you Mr. C!

Class of 75

Dottie Light DeMange

January 14, 2007

Mr. C was a "one of a kind" person, man, educator, and mentor. I am so happy that my fellow band members and I got to visit him in November. I will forever be grateful for all the many things that he taught us, THANK YOU so much, Mr. "C" We love you. Class of '67

Charlie Coward

January 13, 2007

Pete hired me practically fresh out of college in 1976, and taught me many valuable skills which are important not only for being a successful teacher, but which are needed for being successful in life as well. May you rest in peace Pete.

Jimmie Swofford

January 12, 2007

I remember Pete as a very dear friend, room mate while at Sul Ross and as a teaching collegue at PSJA. It was through him that I learned how our society really functions. His idea of "do your best plus a little more" served me well through out the remainder of my life. What better influence could he have had on a friend? I look forward to working with him in the Heavenly Band.

Jimmie Swofford

Wendy Hallock Zuech

January 11, 2007

My dearest sympathy to Mr. C's family. As you go through school you do not realize the teachers that are truely gifted in what they do. As I have aged, I realize what a tremendous leader he was. He always knew when to be gentle and when to be firm. He was a great man that impacted every student that went through the PSJA band program. As my children go through band, I remember him often and the leadership lessons I learned. Blessings to the family.
1981 Graduate

Mona Escobar Mojica

January 10, 2007

Mr C, what an inspiration you were in the lives of the Escobar children. Because of your encouragement, your belief in us, and our determination, we were able to continue our education and have successful careers. I am so glad I got to visit with you and to let you know you were TOPS. Your wonderful memories will forever be in my mind.
With deepest sympathy,
Mona Escobar Mojica
French Horn, Class of 1967

Gloria Martinez(Lara)

January 9, 2007

My memories of Mr.C will always remain in my heart. I remember his reassuring smile/touch of his hand on our shoulders as we made our way to the field. It was that special night of pigskin(1974). I realized his hard practices/sweat/tears and relief of accomplishment with that last song(He's got the whole world in his hands)and the stands came alive with applause as we exited and who could we thank for all this? MR.C! Thanks for leaving us a small bit of your love with us & memories of your love for music! Class of "77"

Linda Moncada (Schultz)

January 9, 2007

It is hard for me to express the feelings that I have held in my heart all these years for Mr.C. Besides my parents, he has definately been the most influential person in my life. He inspired us all to be better people for our band, our community and our lives. I can truely say that to this day his teaching influences me. I want to be a better person because he instilled that in me as a kid. I wonder if he ever knew how much he influenced generations of kids and now even beyond the boundaries of life? God Bless you Mr. C and all your family.

Class of 1981 french-horn

Leslie Hunter (Lemen)

January 8, 2007

I will never forget Mr. C!! To this day he inspires me to be the best that I can be. I loved being a part of The Mighty Bear Band and "double timing" to the delight of the home and visitor fans. I often look back at my high school years and marvel that I was a part of such a wonderful and successful organization and realize what a rare experience that is. I thank Mr. C for that and consider him the best teacher I ever had. My condolences go to his family.

Steven Trammell

January 8, 2007

High school and Band afforded many opportunities to realize personal goals, and Mr. C and his staff were always there to support us. He could be a strict disciplinarian at some times, and jovial and joking with us at others; but he always was there as a mentor. I’ll attribute much of my drive towards educational and career success from lessons learned from Mr. C and experiences in the band.

Many teachers throughout our early education years made impressions on us, but none greater than Mr. C. Band was always a welcome outlet, where spirited competition was fostered and lifelong friends (and future spouses) met.

God Bless you Mr. C.

Steve Trammell (percussion, class of ’76)
Linda (Frasier) Trammell (clarinet/twirler, class of ’77)

Mitchel Cortino

January 8, 2007

Mr. C was an inspiration to me from the first day I met him through the day I graduated from P-SJ-A in 1972. My condolences to the family and friends. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Linda Maldonado Mata

January 7, 2007

My respects to the family of Mr. Cisneros. Mr C., a wonderful teacher, friend and most definitely a "legend". My family has very fond memories of Mr C., and would love to say that on behalf of my family, 6 out of 8 children of the Maldonado family were educated musically by this wonderful man of excellence. Beginning in the 60's throughout the late 70's, my family, Isabel (clarinet), Rosa (flute), Sylvia (sax), Dr. Luis Maldonado (baritone), Linda (clarinet), and Carmen (flute), had the pleasure of being under the direction of Mr. C. We will never forget the endless practices of excellence, the marching band (pigskin) memories that we were all so proud of being a part of. I salute you, Mr. C, with the utmost respect on behalf of my family, you were truly an inspiration to us all. May God bless you with the angels in heaven, you will be missed.

Doug Bowe

January 7, 2007

The best high school band directory in the valley? You bet!
Mr. Cisneros taught us the discipline and dedication it took to march and play toward that #1 rating.

January 6, 2007

Band member or not EVERYONE loved Mr. C You will be missed May God Bless Your Family

George Martinez

January 6, 2007

This Nation, which is currently being tested, can rest assured it will be able to meet its new challenges because "A Man" like Mr. "C" was here earlier to instill within its children both character and values which will forever be carried forward even after "he" is gone from this earth. To you “Sir”, from this one now inactive "United States Marine Officer", I salute you, your history and your surviving Family - Semper Fi.

Carmen Guerra

January 6, 2007

Pete was the quintessential music educator and made PSJA High School the band powerhouse of his day. May he rest in peace.

Elvia Palacios

January 6, 2007

My deepest condolences to Mr. C's family. I remember hearing of him as a beginning band student in 6th grade and I couldn't wait to be under his direction....a part of the Mighty Bear Band. I so treasure my experiences in band and they're still an intricate part of my high school memories because of him. Everything Mr. C did was his 110%, and he taught us all to do the same. Rest in Peace, Mr. C. You'll always be remembered.

Phyllis Henke Prycer

January 5, 2007

What special memories I have of band. Mr. C 'graduated' with us! He was our director from jr. high, moving up with us to high school! We were a challenge, I'm sure. But he was up for that challenge. The love of music that he encouraged has traveled with me. My daughter followed my footsteps playing the flute and we still follow our local band to competitions and state marching contest.... but nothing is like Pigskin or the weekly changes of the routine.
Several of us visited him in October at the VA; you could see his recognition of us and his frustration with trying to communicate. We all loved him and his dedication to us kids!

Belia (Bee) E. Escobar-Thompson

January 5, 2007

Mr. “C” was an inspiration to me. He always took us to higher levels as a band and individual players. The band program helped to make me a better person. I also gained many wonderful memories and friends for a lifetime. As a public school principal, the music programs at my school are as relevant and important to the education of my students as their academics because I know what it does to their esteem and thinking. God bless you, Mr. Cisneros, for having touched the lives of many in a positive way.
Class of 1976

David Sandoval

January 5, 2007

My name is David Sandoval. I am a graduate of PSJA High School (Class of 1976) and a former member of the Marching Bear Band. I have learned that Pete Cisneros ,“Mr. C.,” just passed to that great big band hall in the sky. There is little doubt that the heavenly trumpets are in better tune now and that angels are keeping a steadier stride.

We have all experienced teachers as children and as young adults. Many of them are memorable. There are few, however, who transcend to the level of importance. I am certain that Mr. C. was important.

Important as a lasting influence far beyond classroom musical lessons. Important as one who sought to make a connection between the quest for musical perfection with the potential for success as an adult outside of high school. His lessons of perseverance and commitment to far-off, but definable goals, have served me, and I am certain countless others, to be better human beings than we would have been otherwise.

Better to others; whether as a friend, a teacher or a parent.

Or better simply to ourselves. The time he allowed music to fill our young souls allowed other experiences to become precious human moments: the utter exhilaration of hearing “One!” at the end of marching contest, the soulful dizziness of playing a 3 a.m. gig at an outdoor music festival with the band I played with in college, or attending a Miles Davis concert and naively, but nevertheless wonderfully, thinking that I “understood.” These are but a few of my moments. I am again certain that the world of others was similarly enhanced.

Mr. C., that you taught us to appreciate music, made us appreciate life! What more important thing can you say about a teacher!? About a man!?

Beth West

January 5, 2007

My two sisters, Jamye West-Campbell PSJA 1968 and Elaine West PSJA 1974 and I enjoyed band so much, all due to Mr. C.

Betty Musch

January 5, 2007

Pete was always such a gentleman and I will remember as such.

Patricia Musch (daughter of Betty & Charles Musch)

January 5, 2007

It's so sad to see another member of the old guard pass away. We moved to Edinburg in the 70's where my dad joined a great group of directors all over the Valley. My sympathies to the Cisneros family.

Robert Rubio

January 5, 2007

My deepest symphathy to the Cisneros family.

Kathy Trammell-Elliott

January 5, 2007

Mr C was my neighbor before he was my teacher. How many Girl Scout cookies did he buy from me..who knows! When he did become my band director he never gave up on me. My love for music began during those years and continue today. I hope that I treat the youth I work with every day with the persistence, patience and respect he showed me. May God bless the Cisneros family and give them peace.

Marvin Miller

January 5, 2007

Pete hired me in 1975. It was my first job out of college. Now 32 yrs later Im still teaching. I have many fond memories of my yrs at PSJA as a percussion instructor.
Rest in Peace, Pete.

Beatriz L. Paz Robles

January 5, 2007

My deepest sympathies go out to the Cisneros family. I was so sad to hear of Mr. C's passing. I first met him when I was a sixth grade student at Fulton Elementary School in Alamo, Tx. (now known as Farias Elementary). I was determined to play the clarinet but when he saw me he said, "you look like a flute player". I tried both instruments and the flute was the one that suited me best. I still play my flute today, in church and at home for pleasure. I am honored to say that he was my band director until I graduated in 1980. He was very disciplined but that is what made the Mighty Bear Band the awesome band that it was under his direction. I would like his family to know that he influenced my life in so many ways but the one thing I remember most about him is his discipline. Today, as an educator myself, I try my best to instill the same type of discipline he taught me in my students. I will always remember him fondly. May God Bless you "Mr. C". You will be dearly missed!

Laura Todd

January 5, 2007

I think I have known Mr. "C" all of my life. Most of my older brothers and sisters were in band before me. It was such a Privilege and honor to be taught by such a wonderfully gifted man. Through his teaching of music, he also taught dedication, perseverance, commitment, perfection, appreciation, discipline and so much more...Back then, I had no idea Mr. "C" was preparing us for life! Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

Laura Garcia

Raquel Villarreal Sanchez

January 5, 2007

Mr. C. as his students affectionately called him will be greatly missed. I was a student of his from 1977-1980 and have never come across another band director like him. My children are now being taught by directors that started there when I was a student as PSJA under his direction. He demanded perfection from his students and although I know sometimes I hated it it taught me a great lesson in life to always strive for the best. Although my class is now in their 40's we often remember him when we get together and talk about the great fun we had during our band years. This man is and always will be "The Best Band Director" of the valley. Good bye Mr. C. may you be directing the great band in the sky.

Kay Shurtleff

January 4, 2007

Pete hired me at PSJA a year after I graduated from college. He was kind, funny, and very persuasive! I have such fond memories of him and of my time at PSJA. He'll be missed.

Ruben Adame

January 4, 2007

Mr. C, as he was fondly known, touched many hearts and minds as a band director and as a person at PSJA High School. As a 1979 graduate, I have many fond memories of Mr. C and the passion he displayed for music everyday. I owe my carrer and my success much to the inspiration that was instilled in me by Mr. C. I consider myself to be one of few lucky individuals who had the opportunity to experience having Mr. C as a teacher and as a Music Supervisor when he employed me as a Head Director at a Middle School in PSJA. Thank you Mr. C for everything..for your love of music..and for your inspiration. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Odis A Claxton Jr.

January 4, 2007

One of the first coustomers at the newly opened Claxton Music Company in Pharr was Mr. C. He used to 'hang out' there in his spare time. Both Bob Goza (deceased)and I will miss him very much. He was a real friend.
My sympathy to his family.
Odis

Iris Gonzalez

January 4, 2007

I was a 6th grader at Edison 6th grade campus when I first met Mr. C. We had clarinet class in the old cafeteria at Jefferson Jr. High and actually walked to another campus for class. He listened to us one at a time... I was so nervous. What he said to me changed my life... "this girl will be an All-Stater some day". How did he know? He inspired me and encouraged me. That is the kind of band director he was and I worked to become. Mr. C. taught us to be diligent and strive for excellence which carried over into my academics. I passed on medical school to be a band director. So many students of his became band directors following Mr. C and his staff's influence on us. Of the podium, Mr. C had a fun natured side to him. We were fortunate enough to have a water gun fight with Mr. C on one of our trips. He was human!
I'll never forget my freshman year in college desperately looking for Casper mouthpieces and came to see him during spring break and he pulled out 2 Caspers for me. I still have them today! He was a true warrior of the band world and only our best was allowed as far as he was concerned.

I will always have a special place in my heart for Mr. C. He will get that band of angels playing those Sousa marches and Paso Dobles in no time I'm sure of it! The only regret I have is not being able to have him guest conduct my band at Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 1996. The highlight of my career concert was dedicated to him, my mentor and fearless band leader. I will never forget you.

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Cisneros (Mrs.C) and family. Mrs. Cisneros, your son was truly an inspiration and special person to so many students for so many years. Thank you.
Iris Gonzalez
Class of 1977

Nicky DeLeon

January 4, 2007

I have Mr.C to thank for the music he taught me as a kid, and also to pass down to my children. I wasn't the best band student, but I do continue to make music to this day. I was also his paperboy for many years. Thank you Mr. C.

Rudy Salazar

January 4, 2007

Mr. C was more than a band director or teacher to many students. One of his legacys is the high number of his students that pursued band directing as a career. When we step on the podium for that first rehearsal this semester he certainly will be in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

Janice Foster Culver

January 4, 2007

Mr. C was my beloved band director from beginning band in Jr. High all the way through High School. While at my 40th high school reunion in October, some of my friends/former band members and I went to visit him at the nursing home. We hugged him, thanked him, and told him how much we appreciated him. We also told him that our best memories of high school are of band. He couldn't talk, but we could tell that he recognized us.........we were members of his first band at PSJA.

I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell this wonderful band director what a difference he made in my life. As it turns out, I'm not only a piano teacher by profession, I'm also a flute teacher.

Over the years, while he was still directing at PSJA High School, I would stop by and see him when visiting my mother in the Valley. Today I'm learning of Mr. C's passing on my birthday, which saddens me, but I'll always be grateful that I got to see him that one last time.

Class of 1967

Mary Lou Robles Doeppenschmidt, PSJA Class of '76

January 4, 2007

I am saddened to hear that our beloved "Mr. C" has passed on. He was truly a wonderful human being, and a great teacher to the many young people who had the privilege of being his students.

I recently had an opportunity to reunite with my classmates, and we spent quite some time sharing our memories of Mr. C, and our years as proud members of the PSJA Band. For indeed Mr. C instilled in us a sense of pride -- the sense of pride that can only be achieved through hours and hours of hard work.

Mr. C lead us with a strong, strict, firm hand and demanded that we always give "one hundred and 10 percent!" He implemented a "no pass no play" rule long before the UIL did, and taught us to always strive for excellence. Most importantly, he taught us that "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." All important lessons that surely have carried over into our adult lives.

To the family of Pete Cisneros: While Mr. C has gone on to direct a Band of Angels, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

David Hill

January 4, 2007

I had breakfast with Pete at TBA on several occasions during the 1990's. We were both early risers and breakfast eaters, and usually found ourselves assigned to the same hotel. I enjoyed listening to his insight on band directing, since he had one of the most successful programs in the Valley, and also about 20 more years of experience than me at that time. I write this to let his family know that Pete was well respected throughout the Valley and the State. There are many of us directors who will miss him and feel fortunate to have known him as a friend.

Victor Lara

January 4, 2007

Pete hired me right out of College. I learned alot from Pete. Some of it I learned the hard way as most young teachers do. He would shake his head and say, "No Mr Lara, you are going to do it the way I say!" Eventually I would see he was correct. I still use skills he taught me today. God Bless you Pete.

Linda Whistler

January 4, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mr. C was my band director from 1962-1967 and we all loved him very much. He was a wonderful teacher and we tried his patience often, but he never gave up on us. When I think of Mr. C it makes me smile. I hope his family knows how many students were touched by him. God Bless.

Randy McDonald

January 4, 2007

I graduated from PSJA in 1965, and have many good memories of Mr. C. My Dad, T.M. McDonald, was also principal during that time and always had the highest respect for him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Rene' and Linda Guzman

January 3, 2007

Pete Cisneros was a kind, decent man who inspired many young band directors and students to be the best musicians possible. He was one of the giants who made a difference in Valley Bands. We will truly miss this gentleman and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.
..... Rest well, Pete

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