ALBERT R. "BIG BAND LEADER" "AL RAYMOND" STREIT

I knew Al for many years. When I was Park Superintendent for the Norristown Farm Park, I started the Summer Concert Series. Al and his big band came and played for us for years. Loved hi on the trumpet and his war stories. Sad to hear. RIP Al. Missed you.

Al was the nicest man, He helped me out in the early 90's selling me some of his big band arrangements. I was just recently thinking about him and googled him.
He'll be missed. Henry Prego (Palm Springs CA)

Mr. Streit was my mentor. He probably never knew that. If it was not for him I would not have developed a love of music and had an amazing career in music education. He helped me appreciate what big bands were all about. He helped me become who I am today. Dr. Jim Capolupo - former band director Upper Darby HS; Superintendent Springfield SD ( Thanks Al.....Jimmy)

I had the pleasure and honor to have "Mr. Streit" as my bandleader at Beverly Hills Junior High School in 1962. As a new student, I entered the band room on that first morning of practice and was immediately given a warm welcome by Mr. Streit. He gave me a tenor sax seat on the concert and marching bands shortly after starting to practice with the band, what an honor!
He was always ahead of his time and started the school's first dance band later that year. After the lead alto...

Thanks Al for being very supportive and giving me the opportunity to play and grow within your groups. You were always very professional and will be missed.

Mr. Streit was also my music teacher at Darby-Colwyn. He taught me to play the trombone in the 3d grade. By the 6th grade I was already playing in the HS band. I continued to play thru HS. He was a great teacher and mentor.
Lee S. Dewald, Ph.D. Lexington, VA

Al's wife, Florence (Betsy) is a relative. She was named for my grandmother, Florence Van Note Fraser who was her aunt and godmother. Every Christmas, Al and Betsy would come to our home for Christmas dinner. My grandmother would play the Steinway piano and we would all sing. The highlight was Handel's Hallelujah chorus - my grandmother would call out all the parts and fill in if we were weak in the tenor section. Betsy's mother, Marie, a beautiful singer, would sing The Christmas Rose. ...

During my junior and senior years at Darby High, Mr. Streit was the conductor of the school band and orchestra. He encouraged me to take up the alto sax. Although I knew he had his own dance band, I had no idea he had such an impressive resume. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and I wish his family the best.

Mr. Streit was my band teacher at Darby High School. His enthusiasm for music was contagious to those of us who were fortunate to be students of his. I enjoyed reading of his travels and doings over the years, of keeping the "Big Bands active.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Carol (Rickner) Ash