David Lyman Buttolph

David Buttolph was the BEST choral educator I have every worked with. Although his best efforts failed to make me a timpanist, I continue to add my voice to others as a result of his ministration. I remember his wife Janet, his son Peter, his eulogy of Leon Glow, and his expressive eyebrows.

B allowed me to join his wonderful Harpur Chorale in 1986. I learned from him a deep beauty of music I had never known. His kindness, great warmth and true beauty have never ever left me. It was a great honor to sing under his direction, to travel with him to Poland, Hungary and Austria and sing the Carmina Burana. I tell people about the time at the Black Madonna Shrine how he was trying to remember the beautiful melody we heard there. He did it by translating it into solfeggio. I felt...

It was my honor to have known David through four years of Harpur Chorale and University Chorus, and on the 1988 tour to Poland, Austria and Hungary. He was a wonderful, warm, and talented man, and we were lucky to have been able to work with him. I had not seen him since 1988--but suddenly the world is a colder and emptier place knowing that he is gone. Still, what a pleasure to read about how full his life was after retirement. My (belated) thoughts are with his large, loving family.

David, "B", was like a father to me during my years in his Harpur Chorale. From our first meeting in January, 1984 at my audition, he embraced me both as a singer and as a person. Over the years he became my friend. When he left on sabbatical my senior year, there was a hole in my heart. "B", know you have been thought of over the years warmly, always wishing you lived close enough so that I could drop in and visit with you. You will be missed, but you will always be loved. My...

Mr B was my conductor in the Harpur Chorale many years ago, and his dedication, musicality, and enthusiasm helped make that one of the best experiences of my life. He will be missed.

What a privilege to know David, and both of you. An extraordinary life! Our love to you, Ewa.

I was fortunate to have studied percussion with David at Binghamton University in the early 70's. His passion for music inspired me and I use many of his methods as a teacher and as a performer to this day. His interest in the Kodaly method was so helpful to my ear development, too. I wish all of his family my sincere condolences.