Douglas R. McEwen

I played violin under Dr. McEwen`s direction as part of the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria in the summer of 1976. Dr. McEwen was an absolute delight and it was a joy to make music with him. I will always remember him fondly and with great respect. Steven Grant Bonita Springs, Florida

I was in his Concert Choir at Arizona State University from January 1986 to May 1990. What a great man. Sincerely, Steven J. Sopha of San Diego, CA

What a shock! I had the pleasure of touring with Doug and Donna in 1966 with the Roger Wagner Chorale in the Soviet Union. I remember fondly his rich voice, warmth, ready wit, and the difficulty he had managing those long legs in the cramped Aeroflot planes. My heartfelt sympathy to Donna and their children.

Though his musical contribution, Heaven heard the choral news. Now Heaven has the earthly source of choral excellence.
The Lord gave him to us and now has retrieved Douglas to Himself for all eternity.

Dr. McEwen gave me my wings! I was a freshman from a very small town in Arizona in 1972. He gave me a full scholarship and a place in the Concert Choir, as well as the challenge of accompanying the Choral Union. I experienced my first plane ride to an ACDA National convention, something I had no understanding or appreciation of. Now I serve as a leader (over 10 years) in this great organization. He always expected the best from me, yet understood and listened to my fears and concerns. I used...

I was very shocked and sad to hear of my uncle's passing. He was very dear to my late mother Ellen. I have fond memories of looking up to him as a young boy when we would visit the McEwen home in Scottsdale AZ., and when we would go to Lake Ozonia. I know the pain of loss and I know Doug and my mother Ellen are together with their parents now. It is never easy to loose a loved one, and there is never a good time. I pray that we all find peace knowing that they are not suffering anymore.

I have so many wonderful memories of working with Dr. McEwen at ASU during the late 70's and early 80's. My thoughts are with Donna, Liz, Ann and Scott. What a great man!! He will be remembered by many.

I am saddened by the news of Dr. McEwen's death. I had the pleasure of accompanying for him at a choral clinic several years ago. I enjoyed working with him and felt that he was one of the finest conductors I have had the pleasure to work with. I only wish I could have worked with him again. He will be greatly missed.

I studied under Dr. McEwen from 1982-84 at ASU and then continued to sing with him in the Choral Union until he retired. Meeting Dr. McEwen for the first time was a life-changing experience for me. I decided to move to Arizona to get my Masters degree in Choral Music--something I thought I'd never do--and quit smoking, all in the same day! And all because I wanted to study with Douglas McEwen. That move and the subsequent years I spent with Dr. McEwen changed my life immeasureably. I am so...