Keith D. SHAWGO Jr.

Mr. Shawgo was my choral director. He once told me he had been offered a conducting position at the University of Hawaii. I asked him if he was going to take it. He said no, and when I asked why, he said "because I love it here". He truly did love teaching us, and I will always remember his example as one of the most generous people I have ever known. I can't here a choir without seeing him smiling in front of it.

Keith was my friend in college, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was on a Masters degree in organ performance and church music while I was majoring in piano. I can easily picture him swinging his sportcoat away from the organ keyboard as he readied to play. He was very musical, and a warm human being. Both qualities I valued in him. After we each finished our degrees at Drake I never saw him again; I wish I had known him better. I'm glad to find out what he did with his gifts...

For some reason, out of the blue, I was thinking of a song we played in the Middlesex Jr. High School Stage Band. That prompted me to look you up and find this sad news. I'm sorry I missed you.

I love music so much, but I've only now stopped to realize where much of that love was instilled--in Mr. Shawgo's class. Though I know he had a love for the classier stuff, shall we say, his accepting and serious approach to pop and rock opened my eyes and ears to their joys and legitimacy. Thank you, Keith, and rock on.

Keith Shawgo was a fiercely devoted teacher and mentor. He introduced me to the greatness of classical choir music and how to share with others. I'll never forget the day he hugged me to tell me I made it into the all-state choir. He was as thrilled as I was. My love and thoughts go out to his family. Keith, you will be missed.

As a teacher, Mr.Shawgo inspired us towards music. He suggested that there was something behind its construction, something deeper than its intellectual nuts and bolts. Something that we could feel before we would understand. By example, he encouraged us to explore these feelings. As a friend, Keith treated me with respect and honesty. I am forever grateful for the time we spent together.

My sympathy to the family and friends of Keith. I'll remember him as a strong advocate for his students, and for the important place of music in the school curriculum and in our lives. He was always kind to me during my brief stay as a colleague at Darien, always willing to offer advice and a kind word. May he rest in peace.

Keith´s influence as my high school chorus teacher helped set the course of my musical life and it´s hard to imagine being a working musician today without his support and encouragement. Rest in peace, Mr. Shawgo, and thank you.

I feel deeply blessed to have been his student, to have been inspired by his passion, and to have learned from his wisdom and commitment to others.