Marice Wilbur Stith

I was a retired Associate Professor of Surgery (Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand) Cornell undergrad and Cornell Med grad who came back to Ithaca to help build Ecovilllage at Ithaca and was looking for a trumpet teacher when I was fortunate enough to find Maurice. I took weekly lessons at his house and had a ball. Not only did he help me improve my embouchure, and found me a spot in the Ithaca concert band but we traded "old man stories" during lessons, which were always joyous, fun, full of...

I studied trumpet with Prof. Stith at Cornell from 1983-76. He was one of the kindest, most graceful people I've known in my life, as well as a fine musician and teacher. I continue to play trumpet as a proficient amateur, and I owe a great deal of my happiness in that role to his mentorship.

Thinking about your family today

Every time I pass the road he lived on I think of him and then remember his enthusiasm as the music professor while I was a SU student! He was joyful!

I send deep sympathy and appreciation for Marice's life and the influence he had on my own musical career. Through many years of playing in the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at Cornell through undergraduate and graduate school, I got to see firsthand Marice's musicianship, humor, and deep dedication to his students. I'm very grateful for all of it, and I know the memories of so much music in me and all his former students mean he is living on still. The Carnegie concert in 1989 was a...

Dear Family, I played baritone with the SU marching band fall of 55-to spring of 59.Also sang with the SU glee club under him.What fond memories I have of those years and of the years spent under his dircetion. Bless you all. I will never forget him!

Mr. Stith was a major influence in my decision to become a professional musician. The music program at West Genesee was a huge accomplishment. I evidently was an early participant (1964-66) and yet those 2 years for very important for me musically. My condolences to his family, and especially Gary who I knew in band. And thanks Mr. Stith for your huge contribution to music in America!

Dear Shirlee, Gary, Tom, Susan and Kathie, I am sorry to hear of Marice's passing but may he rest in peace with the LORD. I know he will be given a Gold Staff and a Silk Robe when he meets St. Peter at the gate..... Bless Marice, he was thee best teacher, musician, and a friend to so many. His mark of excellence has influenced many and those that worked with him and/or knew him were inspired by his infectious love for people. His joyful laugh and smile will always be in my mind. ...

To Mrs. Stith and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Marice was my trumpet teacher and Marching Band Director ("100 Hundred Men and a Girl" '58 -'62). I have such fond memories of him in our lessons and rehearsals and have used his techniques in my own career as a Band Director. My classmates and colleagues still talk of our wonderful times with Mr. Stith and our Marching Band days. He was such a wonderful, caring man and will always be in my thoughts. Rest in...