Thomas J. Gallion

Rest in peace Mr G! Know that you made a difference for me (and I am certain many others). I will always be grateful for the time you spent with me as I struggled as many students do with who I was. My escape was in music and you helped to enable and inspire that. A crazy drummer that looked to band as a way to get through high school with little plans thereafter. I remember visiting Parker four years later sharing the news with you that I went on to college and actually graduated. The...

As a Cambria-Friesland graduate, I can fondly remember Mr. Gallion introducing our Junior High band to "The Blue Rock" which became the finale for many of our practice sessions. He may have come to regret that. While I gave up the tenor saxophone upon entering High School, as a basketball player we had the pleasure to have our Stage Band perform Woody Herman's "Woodchoppers Ball" as we came onto the court for opening game warmups. That band was the best in the conference, hands down! ...

I had the privilege of sitting next to Tom during Monday night rehearsals of the Communiversity Band. He was a delightful stand mate, a lifelong learner, great musician, and man of integrity . I have missed him! My condolences. Tom studied how to play better and play on better reeds, but he mused how I could merely play on whatever reed fell out of the box. Truth be told, I wasn´t as discriminating as he was.

My parents Nancy and Merlyn Voss were good friends with Tom and Doreen dating back to their days in Cambria. Their D&D group enjoyed many parties and weekends together for more than 40 years!

Mr. Gallion is on a very short list of most influential Band Instructors that I´ve had over my lifetime as a musician. I owe him and all of my instructors over the years many Thank You(s) for everything they´ve done for me. The opportunities he and others on my list presented me over the years made me the musician I am today. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Mr. G for EVERYTHING! Rest In Peace Mr. Gallion. Those of us that had the opportunity to be taught by you will carry the fond memories...

Mr. Gallion is on a very short list of most influential Band Instructors that I´ve had over my lifetime as a musician. I owe him and all of my instructors over the years many Thank You(s) for everything they´ve done for me. The opportunities he and others on my list presented me over the years made me the musician I am today. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Mr. G for EVERYTHING! Rest In Peace Mr. Gallion. Those of us that had the opportunity to be taught by you will carry the fond memories...

Mr. G was an incredible teacher who shared his passion for music with all of us. His dedication, quirky sense of humor, and talent will stick with me forever. My condolences to his family.

Rest in peace Sir. Your impact on many many students can never be measured. Very few people have such an impact in the world. Condolences to the family.