Frank B. Wickes

I know this is way late, and I hope I mentioned it to him the last time I saw him in the mid-10's. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me as an applicant to USAF Officer Training School. He certainly didn't have to, as I was neither a superior student of music, or a superior person. His words were carefully chosen, and even at 24, I understood how he had word-smithed it carefully to make the best presentation of a sometimes less then steller human being. I respected him tremendously.

We both had roots in New Jersey to cement a great friendship. He had great recognizable talent, and very comfortable socially, and a joy to know! Overall, Frank had a hugh positive impact this world and will be missed by the multitude of lives he touched. Peace and Blessings, Frank

Frank Wickes was the finest teacher I have ever known, in any subject, at any level, at any institution. I was fortunate to have him as my Band Director, both at the University of Florida and at Louisiana State University. At Florida he was also my saxophone teacher. At LSU he was my major professor for my masters degree in conducting. He always had extremely high musical standards and knew exactly what I needed to become better at my craft. I will remain thankful, always, that our paths...

Drove me and my drums to school many mornings only way I could get them there for rehearsal. Above and beyond rare hero. A I DuPont High School 1965-1969

Finest person in the world. At A I DuPont high school came at 7:30 am and picked me and my drum set up whenever necessary because I had no way to get them to school.

He was larger than life. And he consumed my life for three years. I had always had a sweet spot for him. How could I not? For three years I had sat at his feet for two hours a day, directly under him with my head tilted back watching his every move as his over six-foot-tall frame loomed over me from where he stood on the podium inches away from my feet - making him even taller. Plus the outdoor practices in the parking lot and the dress rehearsals on the football field! And even more hours...

In 1959, Frank had recently graduated from college and was my music and band teacher. He started me on clarinet when I was in 3rd Grade at Greenville Elementary School and later was my band teacher for 3 years at Alexis I. duPont High School, both in Wilmington, Delaware. Frank made sure we always had a well rehearsed and prepared Concerts, Ensembles, Marching Band Halftime Shows, Drum Core, Precision Drills, Pep Bands, Jazz Band, Orchestra, he did it all! The tuba player and I were seniors...

I am so sorry for your families loss. I was lucky to have spent five years with Dr. Wickes at LSU. I learned so much from him as our band director. Such great memories I have of him and band.

An awesome director that made my transition from high school to college band a smooth and exciting one by using humor and tenacity mixed with love for his students. I will always be grateful for his service to the students and LSU.