Peter Gries

Thinking of Peter and all of his family today. Thanks for being a part of my life! - Lisa

I was one of Peter Gries' students when he taught chorus at Roosevelt Junior High in Port, Washington. It was both of our first years at Roosevelt and both share great enthusiasm for music. He introduced me to French Jazz, which I still love. He was an inspiring teacher. I'm not surprised he went on to inspire so many young people in his career. Thanks Mr. Gries!

Among the many teachers I have had over the course of my ongoing musical education (yes, now in its 50th year), there are three that have had the most powerful impact and influence on me, as a performer and as a composer.

Dr. Gries is one of that lofty (in my heart and mind, at least) triumvirate.

Few music students are fans of theory. I was among the majority - until studying under Dr. Gries' tutelage.

Dr. Gries' approach reminds us that, in ancient Rome...

My condolences to the family. I will cherish the memories of Peter, Clinton White and myself when we attended the Seattle Men's Chorus concerts and many 5th Avenue productions. Peter was a Renaissance man if ever there was one. His presence will be missed by many.

(Shared on Facebook - CWU Jazz Alumni Page)
Peter Gries was truly was a Renaissance Man. He wasn't only a musician, but he was extremely gifted mechanically and with engineering. Did you know he built a solar heating water system for the house and also put in a special sump pump in the foundation because the house had a creek running underneath? There's also the special secret bedroom he built in the dormers in the attic too. Pretty amazing and cutting edge at the time he built it,...

My deepest sympathy to the family. Good memories of playing my violin in the Christmas Eve services at the Ellensburg Lutheran Church during the early 1980s. Peter would organize and orchestrate these wonderful events with his amazing musicianship. There was always a large crowd and it was a blessing to the community.

Dwayne Johnson (Medford, OR)
CWU 1985

I Loved working with Peter in "1776" at VMT in 2014.