NEIL G. AUSTIN

Mr. A was a huge part of who I am today, inspiring both my life-long efforts toward excellence and my appreciation of fine music. Rest in peace!

By now, I've lost a number of close relatives and friends, but Neil Austin is one think of almost daily. Every time I hear a piece of music we sang in RHS Chorus (many can be found at youtube.com) fond memories of RHS Chorus & NJ All-State Chorus, especially rehearsals where we interacted personally with Mr. A, flood back. I really miss him but his music and memories live on!

For years singing in his chorus @ Ramsey High School (1958-1961) Neil inspired in me the pleasure of listening to good music and, more importantly, the pure joy of singing in a chorus, especially a Capella! Sometimes, the harmony is so rich that it becomes quite emotional. God bless him and his family, may he rest in peace!

I, too, give complete credit for my love of music to this wonderful teacher. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of something he taught us. I was a good student but I lived for chorus. 8 semesters of HS and 2 electives each semester gave me a strong love of music and harmony. He was by far my favorite teacher.

My love of music, inspired by Mr. Austin, prompted me to join the Radford University Chorus for their presentation of Mozart's Requiem. As was the case with RHS Chorus, the rehearsals were more fun than the actual performance. Singing with a "real" chorus again after so many decades produced in me some intense nostalgia for RHS Chorus and my long friendship with Mr. Austin. At times, I felt he was watching ... and listening. Thank you, Mr. Austin! You will always be in my thoughts &...

One way or another, Neil and I would reconnect at Christmas time, usually with a long phone call, reminiscing about Ramsey High School chorus and our long-time friendship. For me, he was a life-mentor, imprinting upon me his passion for excellence in all that one does and his love of fine music. I think of him often.