Earle Raymond McKeever Jr.

Earl was a great man and he played along with your good clean fun. Anyone who was in the Nampa high band in 64 65 and 1966 will remember McKeevers tomato heaves! Jim Voyles both played alto sax during the time During some really aggressive classical music Earl would really get so into to music that his hair would be flying all over. Everyone got a real kick over it and Earl would laugh. Jim and I got the idea to go to every store where you could buy the red rubber catsup holders that were...

Earle McKeever was a dedicated disciplinarian. He was a terrific teacher that demanded respect and returned much more. He controlled the classroom with his stare. You were in your seat with your instrument ready to play when the bell rang or the stare told you "not acceptable." I do not ever recall him raising his voice and I am sure that I gave him several oportunities to do so during my three years in the Nampa High School band (56-58). He made band a fun experience and an example to...

I met Earle McKeever in the Fall of 1954 when he poked his head into Mrs. Frost's 4th grade class room and informed us of the first meeting to be held for those of us who wanted to be in the band program at Lake View Elementary School.

Mr. McKeever (later I knew him as Mac) was my private trumpet teacher when I became a 9th grader at Central Jr. High School and was my band director at Nampa Sr. High School.

He inspired me to a level of excellence that I didn't know was possible...

I respect Earle's commitment, dedication and
profound positive influence. Being one of those (private music) students, I have an even greater respect for him. His creation of music was supernatural ~ he was a fantastic musician, like no other person I've ever heard. Earle could pick up any piece of music and play it with ease. Earle told me stories of his musician's union days, and other musical encounters. Earle helped shape me as a musician and as a person. I am honored to have known him.

When I met Earle McKeever at Pleasant Hill High School in 1986, it was clear that he genuinely cared about music and music students. Sharing his love for music--as well as that great smile--just seemed to come naturally for him.

A few memories stand out in my mind: Lessons on violin basics, the time he gave me his pale green wool sweater because I had commented on liking it so frequently, and seeing him in the audience at my senior voice recital for my Bachelor's degree in vocal...

To "The Music Man"
Earle, thank you for sharing your wonderful music-making with all of us at Pleasant Hill High School. You were such a good friend to Mike Wiggins,and he was so grateful for all you contributed to him and his program. I am fortunate to be on the receiving end myself,sharing the love and commitment to music education you continued to offer to all those interested.
Your love and music live on in all those you've touched.
Now you and Mike get those bands warmed...

I met Earle by having my son referred to him for private lessons from 2002-2004. I have fond memories of chilling out @ Earle's while he and my son Cims delved into the world of trumpet playing. That "kid" is in college now~ still playing trumpet (8 years), and a member of the U of O Marching Band. Earle was a gentleman, and pleasure to know. We will miss you Earle, but are glad to have crossed paths in life, and in music.

I met Mr. Mckeever when I was in 6th grade out in Pleasant Hill. Mr. Welch and Mr. Wiggins saw there was a going to be a shortage of trombone players and asked if I wanted to switch from alto sax. I said sure and was introduced to Earle and the first thing he said smiling was "thats nice you want to switch but is your arm long enough?" I studied with him privately for seven years until I graduated in '95. Mike Wiggins at the High School often told my parents that he couldn't have had such...

Mr.McKeever made us answer roll call by singing a song when I was in the 7th.grade and I hated it then ,but now I know he was helping us to grow. Thank You, Mr.Mckeever!
Vince West