PROFESSOR GAIL B. POCH

Great and energetic instinctive musician and choral director possessing a sharp wit and irrepressible sense of humor. He is missed.

My heart is heavy with the news of his passing. He has long been the voice in my head, guiding and encouraging me through my life. Mr. Poch was a mentor and teacher to me during a very difficult period of my life. He was so kind and generous with his time and talent, I'm honored that he took me under his wing. I've delayed googling him for this reason, my condolences to all of he Poch family. He spoke of you with love and pride, and I often pray for you all when I pray for him. Thank...

I was a double bass major at Temple University in the late 60's/early 70's, and elected to take Mr. Poch's choral conducting class. One day, he asked me to stand and conduct the entire class in a choral piece. I was terrified! After a while, he smiled and stopped me, saying that I conducted "just like an instrumental conductor. Now, put your hands behind your back and start again!" When I finished, he scratched his head and said, "I'll be darned. He DID it!" The whole class cracked up...

I am so saddened to read that Mr. Poch passed away by seeing an email from Temple's Boyer College of Music about a tribute concert to him. I was a cello/Music Ed double major at Temple. We had a choral class requirement. I had such a blast in University Singers under his direction that I continued to participate as long as my schedule permitted it. I was also sad that Mr. Poch wasn't able to attend the Choral reunion of a few years ago because I would have loved to have seen him. Rest In...

I only just now learned of Professor Poch's death. I sang in the choir from '69 to '72. I so much enjoyed the experience. He was such a wonderful and kind person; the fact that he let a less-than-capable bass to participate says quite a bit (as a math major, I didn't fit in as well as the music majors, but they made an exception). My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

So my college roommate, friend, colleague Gail Poch has passed away. I will miss you sorely my friend - you were a true inspiration to all that you touched. So many memories of our great times at ENMU, the Shy Guys and reconnecting as we both ended our careers in choral music. An angel choir is waiting for you to lead them.

I just learned of Professor Poch's passing and am so sad. I was a member of the University Singers when the group was under his direction at Temple University. I won't ever forget the joy I felt performing with them! I learned so much from him and still incorporate his vocal warm ups into my daily vocalizing. I've thought of Professor Poch often throughout the years as the time spent in his classes gave me some of my favorite memories of my undergrad experience. He gave this theater major a...

Nancy, Our hearts weep. Gail was an inspiration to so many. I will always remember his charm, smile, and laughter, in addition to his musical leadership. Through his support, Berks Youth Chorus [formerly Berks Classical Children's Chorus] made a name for itself soon after it was founded in 1992. This year, the chorus is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Gail truly played a major role in the early success of the chorus. The chorus is dedicating its fall concert, Sunday, November 13, 2016 to...

To the Family: I thought of him today and wondered... saddened to read that he had passed. He was a terrific conductor of Reading Choral Society for which I was a member under his direction. Wonderful times working him. He has been missed since he left. Did you ever stop smoking? That was our break during rehearsals. Fairwell and rest easy.