Ruth Lee Still

Richard Moore I studied with Ruth at the University of Kansas in the 60´s upon her arrival, and my experience with her has always been remembered as the most valuable part of my education there in Music Ed. She was an extraordinary teacher, rarely ever using her trumpet... I was the one there to play. She was an incomparable player, the best possible teacher, and a never forgotten friend. And, of course, all the fabulous stories of New York City. Though I lost track of her some time ago,...

I met Ruth and her dear friend Betty Scott, while I was a graduate student at FSU. These two wonderful and inspirational role models were among a small number of people who changed my life trajectory. I came to realize the effects of not only their teaching, but of their bravery and courage, after I left FSU and travelled to Boston to Study with the principal trumpet of the Boston Symphony while a graduate student at The New England Conservatory of Music, where I, through serendipitous...

Some of my favorite memories of my time at Brevard College are sitting with her on the porch behind Dunham, before and after lessons, talking about music (and everything else). I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. I hope her and David Kirby are somewhere playing a great gig in the sky together.

I barely knew her. We never spoke. I observed her from a distance. I marveled at her ability to keep an instrumental music program at Brevard College alive and vigorous. When she retired the prorgram went into a steady decline. I am rarely amazed but I will admit that she had to be an amazing teacher.

Ruth touched so many lives. So many students. So many memories to take with her. What a wonderful soul, and I am so very grateful she was in my life.

Ruth was my trumpet and all around life teacher at Brevard College from 1992-1997. She is responsible for every good musical career decision I made during those years and afterwards. I was among that group of Navy musicians trained by Ruth. She literally changed my outlook on what was possible in a musical career. She was also one of the best trainers of classical musicians in the world demanding the absolute best from us all the time. God bless you all and rest in peace Ruth.