Paul Edward Bicknese

Skip not only taught music, he modeled effective teaching methods to his colleagues without even trying. Because of him I learned to exhibit enthusiasm for my subject matter in order to "infect" my students with that same feeling. I learned the art of self-deprecating humor as a way of making my students become more comfortable with who they were from his examples. All in all, Skip was a model teacher, a model citizen, and an all-around fine human being. I will miss him greatly. The music...

To the Bicknese family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Skip. He impacted so many lives. My fondest memories came from band during my Fruitland HS days. I am unable to make it to the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tracey Matsubu Wade, Boise, Idaho

Although I was never a student of Mr. Bicknese, there is a huge hole in my heart over his loss.
It's true what the comments said, music surrounded him always and it was a part of him. His actions were always upright- when he judged my groups he always took the time to find just the right words- he was more interested in inspiring students unlike others, showing how much he knew and how little he did. He had a keen sense with young bands what to say and how to say it. This was his success....

Bicknese family,
I was so saddened to hear about Skip passing away. He was my band director from 5th grade on thru high school. I have so many fond memories of Skip and I will truly miss him. All of us, from the Huff Family, express our condolences. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.
Chad Huff and Family

Sometimes a person doesn't realize how many people he has touched and made a difference in their life. For me, Skip gave me an appreciation of
different genres of music....not just the rock and roll of my high school days. Because of him - I discovered how relaxing classical music can be or how uplifting hymns and gospels are. Thank you Skip - you made a difference in my life. I send prayers and strength to his family.

Dear Carol and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Skip passing away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. The community will miss a wonderful human being, a fabulous teacher, and a very talented musician! Carry on his incredible legacy!

From the Heart,
The Ruth Sasaki Family (Cathy, Patti, Leland, Ellen, and Mike

BEST DAMN MUSIC TEACHER I EVER HAD THE HONOR AN PLEASUER OF HAVING AT OHS MADE ME EXCITED TO GOTO SCHOOL WHEN I HAD TO GO SING AN HAVE AN AMAZING TIME SUCH AN ANIMATED MAN ALWAYS ABLE TO FIND THE TALENT IN ANYONE SUERLY MISSED HOPE HE IS HAVIN A GOOD TIME AN WITH LOVED ONES PASSED BEFORE

Blessings to Skip's family. I took flute lessons from Skip starting in the summer of 1969. He shaped my life far beyond music. He taught me that encouragement and positive feedback result in far better results from people than criticism and complaints - which I had experienced from another music teacher. I have shared that story often with managers that I mentor. Through Skip's expert teaching, a flutist from little 'ole Huntington High School qualified for the State solo contest and had...