Elvo D'Amante

Mr. D'Amante got me started on the tenor saxophone, which I'm still playing today, nearly 50 years later. He was always positive, encouraging and fun to be around, not to mention a ball of energy! The students loved and respected him! I remember him like it was yesterday!

I studied with Mr. D at Laney in 1974. He was a profound influence and a marvelous teacher. His enthusiasm of music and his energy captivated the interest of all of his students.

Mr. "D" was an inspiring teacher. He, Ed Kelley & Dave Mirigian created a warm, challenging atmosphere at Laney. I remember seeing Dizzy Gillespie perform. Pharoah Sanders, Rhasaan Roland Kirk, Vince Guaraldi, Carol Kaye, Hampton Hawes, stopped by to play and inspire the students! He introduced me to books by Oliver Nelson, Lennie Niehaus. He was a tireless motivator, the lessons were always energetic and you didn't want to let Mr. "D" down! He had a profound effect on me for my entire life...

I studied with him at Laney in 1974-75 and he was an inspiring teacher-everybody loved and respected him!

Mine is the same experience as that of Luis Gamboa (above). Mr. D'Amante was a wonderful teacher, and an even more wonderful person. We adored him, and will always revere his memory. Thank you, dear, inspirational man; for all that you gave, and continue - through your students - to give.
Margaret Farrell

I was privileged to be one of mr. D'S Students at Laney. I live in Mexico now, and wanted to see what I could find about my beloved teacher in the net. My heart was deeply moved when I first saw the obituary notice, but rejoiced seeing his unforgetable smile

I remember watching and listening to him play the sax and clarinet in a small dance band at an Italian-American club in Oakland as a young boy. I took up clarinet and sax in grade school, and then there he was as my band teacher when I got to High School at Acalanes in the early 60's. I'm sorry I lost touch with him in latter life; but remember him fondly.

Mr. D. was my favorite teacher at Acalanes. I was in his office when we heard that President Kennedy had been shot. His severve sorrow and reaction indicated the magnitude of the event.

My uncle Elvo was a great man and I miss him dearly, but it lifts my heart to know he is in heaven making music with angels now.