Michael Porter

I met Mike Porter when I was in high school, and he was a special teacher. Not officially, but I was playing in the UA Studio Jazz Band and taking lessons there, too. I was extraordinarily blessed with all I received at that age. Mike´s gifts were unique, tho. He was into concepts/harmony much further along jazz´ timeline in tsc. I often think of a pivotal moment in my musical development sitting in Mike´s living room of magnepan speakers when he played me my first Eric Dolphy. All of a...

Mike was a dear friend who I miss greatly. His commitment to the honest realization of his art was and is inspiring. He brought humor and grace to his music, his daily life, and to his illness and death. I am honored to have known him and to have shared music with him. As I said, I miss him greatly.

Mike's music and his life were filled with humor, a striving for excellence and quality, and love. He inspired me and I miss him greatly

As a jazz musician Mike was and avid fan of the greats: John Coltrane, Gene Ammons, Cannonball Adderly, Wagne Shorter and many more, but he didn't just imitate them. Mike took their styles and created his own sound. He was one of the most original and exciting sax and clarinet players I have ever heard.

More than that Mike was a good and generous friend. I miss him

As a jazz musician Mike was an avid fan of the greats: John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter. Gene Ammons, Cannoball Adderly, Monk and many more, but he didn't just imitate them, he took their styles and created a sound all his own. In his prime he was one of the most interesting and exciting sax and clarinet players I have ever heard.

More than that, Mike was a good and generous friend. I miss him.

A Reminiscence

YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.

May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast...

Mike was widely known for his musical accomplishments. But to many of us in the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at the University of Arizona, he will also be remembered for his wonderful support of our students and research programs as an administrative assistant. Ben Sternberg, UA, MGE

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.