Paul Alan Shaghoian

To the Shaghoian family,
I am very sorry for your sudden loss, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was a student of Paul's during my four years at San Joaquin Memorial High School, and he left the same year I did. We were sorry to see him go, yet it was completely understandable that he needed to be in a place with better resources so he could make the best use of his talent. He was an accomplished musician, and I feel very fortunate to have been his student. I can still remember...

I'm sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He made a large impact in my appreciation for the art of music. I remember staying late at Buchanan High School some days just to listen to him play or watch him direct the band. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

My heartfelt condolences go to the Shaghoian family. Paul profoundly influenced me as a musician and as a person. In the few wonderful years we had performing together in Fresno, I was mightily impressed by his talent, and greatly admired his sincerity, humor and humility.

Last year, when we had a chance to visit briefly during the Reno Jazz Festival, it was as though we were picking up the strands of a conversation that we had begun seventeen years earlier. It was also obvious...

Everyone always said that when you were at North Texas, you learned more from hanging out and practicing with the other students than from taking classes. Paul was always in the thick of things with learning. I always felt an insatiable thirst for knowledge of music and life coming from him. We all learned so much from him even if we were peers. Anytime I tell stories about my time in Denton, there is invariably a story involving "Shag". My sympathies to his family and I know that he is truly...

This is truly a great loss.

Paul was one of the best friends I've ever had, and I've been blessed with many. We met at North Texas shortly after his arrival and became instant "Hangin' Buds". His energy and love of life affected us all and I feel lucky to have been so close. As a fellow trumpeter and member of Jake's "Secret Society", Paul was inspirational. Anytime you played with Paul it was like plugging into an electrical socket. He made everyone around him play better.

He will be sorely missed by all...

To the Shaghoian Family,

I am grateful for the opportunities throughout the years I was a music student in Fresno to be directed and taught by Paul in Honor Jazz and when he came to guest conduct at school. It was also an honor to play in bands with him upon occassion. I was never a full time student of his but he helped me to learn what it meant to be a musician. To show up, play your part, do it right, and have fun with it--to make music. I will miss him. I can not know what...

My condolences to the entire Shaghoian family. I pray the love, peace and comfort of the Lord be upon you.

My deepest sympathies go out to Paul's family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.