BILL MORRELL

One of my fondest memories of my years in band occurred during my Junior year when our stage band went to Spokane and played at Expo 74. I can still see and hear Mr. Morrel on his Flugal Horn playing his rendition of “When Sonny Sings Blues.” An artist himeself, you didn’t want to let him down which motivated you to play better. He often saw things in us we didn’t see in ourselves - and then he was able to bring that out. And as it has already been mentioned, Mr. Morrell’s presence will...

I only had Mr. Morrell for one year(82), but that year had a lasting influence on me. I remember his grin and his passion for music. I had him for stage and pep band and I can only imagine how many times he heard us do "Tequila". I now work for a school district and one of the things I tell kids when I see them in band class is for them to stick with it--and enjoy it. Music is one of the things that I still use (and enjoy) from high school and that is the result of Bill's teaching and...

It has been many years since I have seen “Uncle Bill” Morrell, but clear as day I can see him casually slouched on his stool with that just-swallowed-a-canary smirk on his face before counting off, “12! 9! 2! 8!” (you know, in lieu of “1,2,3,4…”). He was my band director in 7th and 8th grade when Rogers High School was brand spanking new, and then throughout high school for Symphonic Winds Ensemble, Stage Band, and the BEST pep band around. (I remember the 1973 Rogers basketball team during...

I was an orchestra student at Rogers in 1974 who longed to play in the band - Mr. Morrell filled the longing by making me his teacher assistant during my senior year. I'll never forget his passion for music, great talent and "cool" style. We had the best bands around and it was because of him. Praying for God's comfort for all of his family and for happy memories of the man we called "Uncle Bill"

From the time I could remember, it was always the Morrell's and Markum's. The Morrell family were our first neighbors in the valley and we were all very close. I will always remember the trips to Grayland every year, the late night get togethers, the Christmas Eve gatherings. Watching myself around school so "Mr. Morrell" wouldn't "see" anything and my parents finding out. I have very fond memories and will always hold Bill Morrell close to my heart. Carol, Jeni, Jana and Jason, I'm so...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Morrell was a huge part of my high school experience in the mid-80s. Stage band, concert band, pep band, band trips...he provided constant, positive influence at a time where everything in life seemed to be inconsistant! Some of the lessons he taught were not easy to learn at that age, but they have stayed with me to this day.

As many others have already said, Mr. Morrell nurtured my love of music. It started when I was not yet in school and he allowed me to sit with, play with, hang out with, and direct the band. It continued in elementary school where he was my first band teacher and then later in high school where he taught me to play jazz. Music is still a cherished part of my life. I owe much of this to Mr. Morrell - Thank You! His spirit continues in the many individuals whose lives were touched by him.

Carol & family, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a grand trumpet player. I enjoyed having him as teacher at Rogers. I also enjoyed him more taking private lessons at your house, I got to see more of private side of Bill & family. He did make you want to play better but also wanted me to enjoy what I was doing. That enjoyment has stuck to this day with wide array of music I listen to. As the years went on I was also able to see him play with different bands at local venues....