Samuel Kephart

I met Sam Kephart when we lived across the street from each other on West 10th Street in the West Village. We ran in the same circle. I remember his kindness, serenity and intellect. As a Latino, I was impressed and very flattered that he spoke Spanish so well and had such a deep understanding of our culture. Most of all, I recall hanging out with him back in the 1990´s in his apartment and he said he had to practice an allowed me to stay. He played professional quality, classical viola on...

Passion flower. Play on

I knew Sam Kephart while we were students at the North Carolina School of the Arts, and later at Juilliard. Sam played in the National Orchestral Association (near Carnegie Hall) which was conducted by Leon Barzin. Leon Barzin had been first stand violist in the New York Philharmonic when Arturo Toscanini was music director. I understand that Toscanini encouraged Barzin to conduct orchestras during that time. Barzin knew Sam well. I subbed in the National Orchestral Association orchestra's...

Miss your music and laugh, Sam. Many of your flowers grow on. The music you made will reverberate through this universe forever. See ya!

The last time I saw Sammy play was with several other musicians at Roanoke´s Unitarian Universalist Church at an evening recital. Another time he had me visit at his home. His mother had two female Siamese cats at the time and all I remember was how very vocal they were.

Sam and I graduated High School at the North Carolina School of the Arts. I was a year ahead of him so we knew each other for two years. Sam took off for New York and our ways parted for many years. We met again not long ago over a concert with the Symphony. It was like we had never been apart. Sam had a wonderful way of making you feel instantly comfortable. I miss him.

The heavenly orchestra has gained an extremely talented new member who will graciously share his gift to all who love music. Sam and I have known each other since we were of pre-school age playing make-believe games indoors and outdoors and eating tuna sandwiches under shade trees. We lived across the street from each other in the Grandin Court area of Roanoke. Sam left our neighborhood to attend the NC School of the Arts knowing he would become an incredible musician with his God given...

I had the honor of knowing Sam for many years and enjoyed his magic of music at my home and around friends and watching him on stage. He will be surely missed by many. Thanks for the memories!!

Dear sweet soul, travel free and light. I am grateful for all you have been for us, combined and amplified with the memories we are now sharing. What a blessing. Thank you, Sam.