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Douglas R. McEwen

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Arizona State University

Douglas McEwen Obituary

Douglas R. McEwen, Phoenix, Arizona, aged 73, passed away - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at his home. He was born in Bowling Green, Ohio, February 17, 1930. Dr. McEwen was the retired director of choirs at Arizona State University and Professor Emeritus at that institution. During a long and succesful career he was in wide demand as a choral clinician and conductor. He prepared and conducted choruses and orchestras around the world to great acclaim. In past years he had been assistant director and soloist for the Roger Wagner Chorale, guest conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and Phoenix Symphony, assistant director of the Meadow Brook Institute, Director of Choral Masterworks for America's Youth in Concert - Vienna, Austria, and conducted more than 60 All State Choruses across the nation. As conductor and educator, Dr. McEwen had a major impact on generations of choral conductors and singers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill C. McEwen and Marcella K. McEwen, both of Bowling Green, Ohio and by a sister, Ellen Burke of La Canada, California. He is survived by his wife, Donna McEwen, three children, Scott McEwen, Bowling Green, Ohio, Elizabeth Morrow, New Bloomfield, Missouri, and Ann Kelley, Scottsdale. Also surviving are two brothers, Stephen McEwen, Bowling Green, Ohio, Michael McEwen, Houston, Texas, and Carol Campbell, Lambertville, Michigan. Visitation is planned for Thursday evening between 6 and 8 pm at Newcomer Mortuary, 6812 E. Thomas Rd., Scottsdale. A memorial service is planned for 10 am Friday morning in the Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel, 7901 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. An invitation is extended to singers who may have sung with Dr. McEwen to join others at 8:30 am Friday morning as they form a chorus to sing in the memorial service. Donations may be made to the Douglas R. McEwen Memorial Scholarship fund at Arizona State University.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 19, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas McEwen

16 Entries

Rev. Dr. Steven M. Grant

October 5, 2024

I played violin under Dr. McEwen`s direction as part of the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria in the summer of 1976. Dr. McEwen was an absolute delight and it was a joy to make music with him. I will always remember him fondly and with great respect.
Steven Grant
Bonita Springs, Florida

Steven Sopha

September 16, 2020

I was in his Concert Choir at Arizona State University from January 1986 to May 1990. What a great man. Sincerely, Steven J. Sopha of San Diego, CA

Jeannine Wagner-Gallardo

July 18, 2003

What a shock! I had the pleasure of touring with Doug and Donna in 1966 with the Roger Wagner Chorale in the Soviet Union. I remember fondly his rich voice, warmth, ready wit, and the difficulty he had managing those long legs in the cramped Aeroflot planes. My heartfelt sympathy to Donna and their children.

Edward Dawson, D.Min

July 1, 2003

Though his musical contribution, Heaven heard the choral news. Now Heaven has the earthly source of choral excellence.
The Lord gave him to us and now has retrieved Douglas to Himself for all eternity.

Mary Purcell Wagner

June 28, 2003

Dr. McEwen gave me my wings! I was a freshman from a very small town in Arizona in 1972. He gave me a full scholarship and a place in the Concert Choir, as well as the challenge of accompanying the Choral Union. I experienced my first plane ride to an ACDA National convention, something I had no understanding or appreciation of. Now I serve as a leader (over 10 years) in this great organization. He always expected the best from me, yet understood and listened to my fears and concerns. I used to get major stomach cramps right before Choral Union rehearsals in Murdock hall, as I tried to play those double thirds in "For Unto Us is Born".
More than my college experience, is my constant reminder of his teaching styles as I embarked into the classroom, finding myself saying the same things he would say to me.
Then, after many years and a Masters Degree, we found ourselves on the same stage as honor choir directors. I remember going to the microphone and telling the audience how honored I was to share the stage with the one person who I know
gave me my wings.
May your wings fly you to the best part of Heaven, and give Donna the peace and comfort she needs.

I love you
Mary Purcell Wagner

David Burke

June 26, 2003

I was very shocked and sad to hear of my uncle's passing. He was very dear to my late mother Ellen. I have fond memories of looking up to him as a young boy when we would visit the McEwen home in Scottsdale AZ., and when we would go to Lake Ozonia. I know the pain of loss and I know Doug and my mother Ellen are together with their parents now. It is never easy to loose a loved one, and there is never a good time. I pray that we all find peace knowing that they are not suffering anymore.

Emily Bedient Bermingham

June 25, 2003

I have so many wonderful memories of working with Dr. McEwen at ASU during the late 70's and early 80's. My thoughts are with Donna, Liz, Ann and Scott. What a great man!! He will be remembered by many.

Lorie Crabtree-Francis

June 24, 2003

I am saddened by the news of Dr. McEwen's death. I had the pleasure of accompanying for him at a choral clinic several years ago. I enjoyed working with him and felt that he was one of the finest conductors I have had the pleasure to work with. I only wish I could have worked with him again. He will be greatly missed.

Claire Herring Volweider

June 22, 2003

I studied under Dr. McEwen from 1982-84 at ASU and then continued to sing with him in the Choral Union until he retired. Meeting Dr. McEwen for the first time was a life-changing experience for me. I decided to move to Arizona to get my Masters degree in Choral Music--something I thought I'd never do--and quit smoking, all in the same day! And all because I wanted to study with Douglas McEwen. That move and the subsequent years I spent with Dr. McEwen changed my life immeasureably. I am so blessed to have known such a talented, sensitive, and caring musician, and to have had access to his considerable knowledge of choral music. I think of him every time I sing and give thanks for all that he taught me. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Lauretta Graetz

June 21, 2003

I was saddened to hear of Doug's passing. It is with such humor and affection that I always think of him...there are many memories all the way from Sugar Hills in 1969 through the many times he visited us in Iowa for workshops and to conduct All-State Choir. This seems a rather impersonal way to express my thoughts and I would like to write to you Donna, if I had an address. My condolences to you and your family. We will all miss him.

Paul Oakley

June 21, 2003

Many of us who make choral music as a profession, had life changing experiences under the direction of Douglas McEwen. His beautiful voice, his caring eyes, and that terrific wingspan of his arms helped many of us to understand the musical phrase. What a gift he was to us all. Thank God for him and for what he gave so willingly to our profession. He was a truly great soul. Requiem aeternam.

Dr. Gary Funk

June 20, 2003

Doug McEwen changed me because of his passion for music, his incredible use of language to get at the expressive content of choral music, his kindness, and most of all, his willingness to give everything he knew away to me. I cherish all that I learned from him and pass it on to my students. I am so sad to hear of his passing but want his loved ones to know that he still lives through his students. I love Doug McEwen. Dr. Gary D. Funk, Director of Choral Activities, The University of Montana

Jake Rittenhouse

June 20, 2003

Dr. McEwen was my mentor and colleague for over 25 years while living and teaching choral music in Arizona. His conducting traits and long-reaching arms left a lasting impression on me. Also, his positive manner of offering help with any aspect of choral music will always remain in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.

Terree Wasley

June 20, 2003

As a Music major at ASU during the 70s, I had the great experience of singing in the Choral Union under Dr. McEwen's direction. I sang the Messiah with him twice, and it was an unforgettable time. Thank you for all the memories.

Steven Kelly Jones

June 19, 2003

I had the good fortune to sing with Dr. McEwen with an All State Chorus and at some reading sessions for Hinshaw Music. He was always a gentleman, very kind and warmhearted. He will be missed.

Charlie Fuller

June 19, 2003

Many thoughts and prayers for Donna and all the family. I have so many fond memories of the countless and continual graces offered to me by you both during my time at ASU. I'm so thankful that my path took me to you guys for those two years. May the presence and comfort of Christ envelope you with peace during these difficult days.

Charlie Fuller

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