Charles Beeler

Mr. Beeler was a significant influence and cemented my love of music, which I carried on as a music major and lifelong amateur musician. As a young person, playing in the concert band, wind ensemble, and summer band ('82-'86) was perhaps my most important experience. Mr. Beeler had high standards, provided valuable guidance, and went above and beyond by introducing me to Wagner, Tanglewood, and Bach. I know he's in a better place, playing a concerto alongside two big black labradors.

He was a true inspiration to me. He crafted the best music program for high school in all of Western Massachsuttes. Thanks for all of the great memories.

Dear Mr. Beeler, was so very honored to be in your band for 4 years. I´m approaching 60 and still have cassette tapes of the music we did. Thank you sir for being Director at MRHS.

I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mr Beeler. He was our band and orchestra conductor at Van Sickle Junior High School In Springfield probably in 1961-1964. Being a 13/14 year old, l had a major crush on him. He was the kindest most compassionate teacher l had ever met. My deepest condolences to his family.

Charles Beeler was quite a memorable teacher. I graduated from Minnechaug High School in 1973 and played flute in the band. Our band was the best because he was the best. He was very strict and put up with nothing and his standards were very high but it really showed in the music we put out. The world lost a great man!

Mr. Beeler was one of the most influential people in my life. As a young saxophonist in his Minnechaug band he inspired me to become a great musician. He was strict, and sometimes opinionated, but held music in his high regard...always. When I left MRHS I studied at Westfield State College and became a music teacher in 1992. I then went on to earn and Masters degree and Doctoral studies at Boston University Since graduation I have been a public school music teacher for the last 30...

My sympathy is extended to Charlie's family. Charlie became a great friend to my late husband, Steve Perlaky, while he served as Director of Music at Saint Mary's, Longmeadow. Charlie's standards were high and the sacred music was excellent. Charlie was great company many times in our home and he reciprocated in kind. We enjoyed lots of dinners together and talked endlessly about music and our shared love of dogs. He was a kind man even in the midst of personal suffering.

Great man. Great musician. Great teacher. Best band director I’ve ever known. I Taught music with Charlie at Minnechaug as choral director for years. Proud to have been his colleague and friend.

So sorry to hear of the loss of Charlie. I taught with him at Minnechaug and know first hand what a special musician and teacher he was. The excellent student Swing Band he created and conducted was famous throughout the area. Never any doubt that the performances would be sellouts!! I kept in touch with Charlie throughout the years when he was our summer organist at First Church in Longmeadow. He would be so happy to see all the grateful comments from his former students. Rest in...