Charles O. DeLaney

Charley was a wonderful person and friend. He knew just what a student (Me) needed, and knew just how to bring out the music inside us. We have lost a giant of the flute world. RIP,Charley.

I wish to send my sympathy to Sue and her family. I studied with Charlie for a total of 7 years and was greatly influenced by his teaching. His tone was so beautiful, and I have always tried to emulate it. I'll never forget his performance of the Chaminade Concertino, as well as other pieces he played. I bought his recordings of Flute Contest Music and still play them for my students.
He organized a flute trio with Judith Tracy, Janice Corum and myself, and we played for the service...

Charlie was a wonderful flutist. I'll never forget his solos with the Champaign/Urbana Symphony, especially Brahms First -- the best I've ever heard them played. He had such a beautiful, huge tone. I also remember performing with him several times. He was a truly great artist. I also still remember several of his favorite puns, and I remember having to play tag at his picnic for his college students. I appreciated so very much his willingness to fill in to conduct the Illinois...

I was very sad to learn of Charlie's passing. My wife and I visited with him about six years ago when we returned to FSU. I was a MM student of Charlie's from 1985-1987. Mr. Delaney taught me more in two years than all of my other teachers combined. The most important lessons learned were that one should excell in all and never give up! He had a great passion for all that he did and had an incredible impact on everyone he taught. Charlie will be missed! We have lost a great musician...

I was saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. I was fortunate to have had him as my flute professor at the Univ. of Illinois from 1956-1960.His influence and inspiration have been a part of my own teaching since that time.Charlie's gift of humor and love and joy of music will be passed on to others from those who were fortunate to have known him.

How wonderful it was to know Charlie. It was never a dull moment with him, and of course the 4 months on tour in South America were very special. His solo in the Brahms First Symphony was electrifying. He was one of the great influences on so many, and he had the most memorable tone on his flute.

I was a student of Charles Delaney at Transylvania Music Camp - also second flute and piccolo in the Brevard Festival Orchestra when he was principal. His superb musicianship and glorious tone still live in my memory. He was not only a superb teacher but also a friend and mentor. The flute world has lost a treasure.

Though 46 years have gone by since I last saw Charlie at Brevard, his influence remains continually with me. He truly taught through example the real eternals: God's vision of music, laughter, and love. What a blessing his life has been and will continue to be!

Prayers are surely with all his family.

To thousands of former campers and faculty at that special place in NC, Charlie was the most loved person and musician there. We were privileged for so many years to listen to that marvelously beautiful and energetic tone and to his many tales. Sue, I wish I had gotten to know you and the family better, but you have my sympathy and appreciation for caring for him for so long. He has already been a legend for over half a century.