Charles-Gouse-Obituary

Charles F. Gouse

New York, New York

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New York, New York

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GOUSE – Charles F., passed away March 11, 2009, at 78 years old. Charles was born to Frederick Jacob Gouse and Frieda Van de Water on February 16, 1931 in Mineola, NY. He most recently lived in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife, Audrey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Audrey and his children...

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Charles Gouse was a galvanizing, deeply nurturing, heartwarmingly magnificent musician, mentor, and role model. I remain forever grateful to have been his fortunate trumpet and conducting student and will be eternally grateful for his hugely inspiring example, surpassing kindness, and unstintingly warm-hearted generosity. Heartfelt thanks always, Charlie, for your patience, rare insight, and unexampled beneficence.

I was in the community orchestra in 1976-77 - 1st clarinet. Charlie was a wonderful conductor and humorous, kind person. I definitely improved my musicianship under his baton. I am very sad to see that he had passed.

On a whim I looked up Charlie on the Internet, and I was shocked to see his obituary appear - shocked because it was awhile ago and because we're not supposed to be getting any older. I played tuba in the Hicksville Community Orchestra, which was to me a mixed group of green aspiring high school musicians and working and retired people who couldn't get music out of their blood. When I think of the sounds that emanated from all of us in early rehearsals of, say, Shostakovich 5th (a Community...

I have many fond memories of playing flute in Hicksville with Mr. Gouse as conductor. I remember his fine musicianship and his encouraging and inspirational personality. He had a good sense of humor, too. One day he tacked a Bandaid to the bulletin board in the high school band room, next to a piece of paper on which he had written, "This band needs" and an arrow pointing to the Bandaid. It makes me laugh to this day.

Charles Gouse, D.M.A.

Just today I learned of Mr. Gouse's passing. I remember clearly when he took over the Hicksville High School band from Miss Spink. It was his sheer energy that brought the band to great ratings at NYSSMA festivals when I was in high school. I too have had a lifelong involvement in music in no small part because of Mr. Gouse's inspiration. I was able to go back and visit him only once after my graduation in 1959 but still remember with great fondness his leadership and musicianship.

I was terribly saddened to learn of the death of my beloved teacher: conductor, trumpet player and educator Charles F. Gouse. He was a devoted, profoundly ennobling mentor of unparalleled influence. Dr. Gouse's uncommon benevolence, gentle wisdom, rock-solid guidance, and passionately life-affirming spirit kindled in me a vital energy and touched the lives of many. He was a luminous, cherished role model. As a music educator for more than 35 years, I've been animated by and have sought...

Charlie was an inspiration to make music which I have done all my life. I played tenor sax in the band until some more sax players came up from junior high and I wanted to play another instrument. He said it was his choice this time and so I learned the bassoon.... well I haven't played bassoon since but recently have taken up tenor recorder with a local group and still thank him for his encouragement. I will miss you. Thank you for all you touched.

Charlie was without a doubt the greatest teacher I ever had. I've spent my life as a professional musician and a public school music teacher in no small measure because of him. I remenber him taking out his trunpet during lunch and him and I playing tunes and imorovising for the period. He instilled a love of music that I kept with me my whole life. He was a wonderful musician and teacher but even more, he was a wonderful human being. I will miss him.