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Larry McGriff Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry McGriff
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Jere Lull (hornist)
March 3, 2023
I was in the MN band when he transferred in from Littlestown. SUCH a nice, hard-working guy who brought out the best in us, keeping us amused at times with witticisms from central PA, etc, (I guess)
Donna Klein McDermott
August 16, 2021
Mr. McGriff taught us that the pursuit of excellence made one proud. He challenged us to be the best we could be.
So on that June night in 1970 at Virginia Beach we won the Outstanding Band in Parade Award performing to....March Grandioso, of course!
And because Mr. McGriff stressed to us the supreme importance of the contribution of each individual, over 50 years later that award remains one of the greatest thrills of my life.
He was like no one else I ever met!!
Rita Turner
December 5, 2019
I can't believe it's been a year already since Mr. McGriff's passing. I wanted to relate to everyone that I've started back playing flute again after 40 years! Playing in the Huntsville Concert Band! It's thrilling to be back playing again!
Scott Thomas
January 7, 2019
Mr. McGriff (I too cannot say Larry) was the greatest impact on my musical career. I started with Trumpet lessons in 6th grade both at his office at the High School and his home office, second floor, observable from outside on Eastburn Avenue. I live a few blocks away and always point out this room to my family when we pass by and can still smell the Cherry tobacco from his pipe.
"Band" life was my best memory of High School. His commitment to discipline and excellence was second to none. We would win competitions because we played Sousa marches while others played pop tunes. The Guillotine, Hawaiian War Chant and his "Half Note" ending to field shows I can still see in my mind. I am proud that my daughter won the Worrell school "Larry McGriff Music Achievement" award and have the plaque displayed in our home. I ran into him a few years ago and he seemed not to have aged at all, he looked the same as he did in the 70's.
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O LORD, And let perpetual light shine upon him.
Roxanne Liebermann
December 21, 2018
Roxanne & Gina & Wanda offer our sympathies for a life taken too young!
Barbara Kuzan
December 13, 2018
You continue to light our way with music
Barbara Kuzan
December 13, 2018
Mr McGriff, I wish that we could have had more marching opportunities, of which many hours were spent in practice so we could blow away the competition! I recall you saying so many times Katie bar the door!!. Yes, all those times I was sitting in the French Horn section, I was happy to be able to be part of such an amazing talented group of students. I will never forget how hard you worked to make us great as students, musicians, and especially decent individuals. Music was an essential part of a bandies' life. There is no question that you made us better as performers than we could have imagined. From concert band, marching band, jazz band, solos on the field, we excelled. Thank you Mr. McGriff! You will always be remembered. Thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you, you are the best!
Alice Lenthe
December 13, 2018
Simply said, Larry changed my life. He accepted me into the band as a junior with no experience playing a band instrument. He taught me enough French Horn to march with the great MN Senior High band and then in my college band too. I met my husband in that college band so, without Larry's faith in me I would not have my family. And then, he taught my son to play trumpet; what a thrill that was! Thank you Larry for your lessons of excellence, hard work, and caring. You were one in a million. My most sincere sympathy to Tari, Lisa and all of the family.
Paula Schipchak McMichael
December 12, 2018
Of all the teachers I've had he was the most compassionate; requiring self discipline and responsibility. I was a sophomore at MNHS when he first arrived. Because of his drive and love for music and his students, our band rose to excellence and I am personnally grateful for having known him.
Debbie (Blose) Murphy
December 12, 2018
A great man has moved on, and I hope his family will be comforted and know you will see him again. I will never forget his wonderful talent, sense of fairness, and teaching us a solid work ethic. Myriads of people were positively affected by himeven many he never met. As an MN Band alum, THANK YOU!!!!!
Joan Sandberg
December 12, 2018
Sincerest sympathy to the McGriff family for their loss. Mr McGriff was an inspirational man and a positive influence in so many lives.
Beth Tengdin Jones
December 12, 2018
When The Music's Over
I first met Mr. McGriff (he will always be Mister to me) in middle school. I approached him after a recruiting performance asking to join the high school band the next year.His first question- what band instrument do you play? My response-none, Take a Chance on Me. He never batted an eye, didn't suggest joining the awesome band front, gave me 2 choices of instrument to learn. I made my decision and was off and running. (Just to put in context how important band was to my life-I told this story at my father's memorial this year.)
Band was so much more than the music we performed. Mr. McGriff provided so many opportunities to students to learn and grow- teamwork, leadership, setting and achieving personal goals, deadlines, how to be part of a community, how to fundraise-or everything isn't going to be given to you. (I even learned a quick way to core a head of iceberg lettuce making hoagies!) As a painfully shy fifteen year old, band was a respite from the craziness of being a teenager. Mr. McGriff was there for his students more than just at practice before and after school. I spent all my free time, by choice, in the band room and I am a degreed math geek. My section was relegated to bus travel with the drummers. There, I learned tolerance ;). Seriously, I learned how to work with lots of males-I work in a male dominated industry today.
My family recently was evacuated during the CA wildfires. After the important papers, deciding what to take with you is a dilemma. My band clock made the top 3- right after my children's baby pictures. We are home safely and the clock has returned to its place on the mantel.
As I looked for pictures from those days, the memories washed over me. Bandarama, Band Drivers, Sousa marches, Holst, field shows-guillotine is still my favorite move, Altoona Halloween Parade. Funny- the Circle of Life. Now, instead of Saturday, Football and drummers- I am back to watching football with a bunch of drummers-just now it is on Monday nights.
With an apology to Don Black and Mark London and Lulu.
How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume.
It isn't easy, but I'll try
If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high
To Mr. McGriff, With Love
Beth Tengdin Jones
Band 2, 3, 4
JKH/JW
December 12, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the McGriff Family for the loss of your loved one, Larry, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91;2.
Carol Russell
December 12, 2018
I loved being in the MN High School Band with Mr. McGriff as the director! He was such an organized and disciplined director, but with a great sense of humor. He knew all the kids by name, and was so personable with each of us. He made the marching band great by demanding hard word, commitment, and a sense of community. Thank you, Mr. McGriff, for instilling a love of music in me, which has followed me throughout my life! My deepest sympathies to his family at this time of loss. Praying that God's peace will surround you and give you hope.
Rita Kuzan-Turner
December 12, 2018
Mr. McGriff had a profound impact on my life. He instilled discipline in us in a loving manner. He expected the best of his students, and I believe everyone tried to rise to the occasion. I really enjoyed the competitions and parades. We will miss such a great man who happens to share a birthday with another great man, my dad! RIP and hopefully you're leading the band in heaven! Class of '78
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