Thomas Kasdorf

I think of Tom often. He was one of my favorite people in Kalamazoo and a favorite teacher at Loy Norrix High School. Robed choir was the highlight of each day for me. Many Kasdorf kids were my friends. I met my future husband in Choir. I was introduced to musical productions, composers and great musical works. I will always feel privileged to have sung in Tom's choir at Loy Norrix, and thankful that he helped me, as a young girl, meet a goal of singing under Tom in his choir.

On my refrigerator I still have a quote that Tom sent to us when he learned of my husband Sid Weaver's diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. The quote is: "Live one day at a time, and at the end of that day, be grateful. Tomorrow we face that day's challenges and joys. Don't get ahead of yourself. It's just one day at a time." So meaningful and such a kind gesture! Sid and I read it often during his illness and I review if frequently. Jayne Nash Weaver

Very sorry to hear of Toms passing. I will miss not seeing him as he strolled through the Bank St. outdoor market.

It is difficult to lose a friend one has known for over 62 years, but that happened a week ago today. As one of the original Kasdorf Kids, I was there when he walked for the first time into that choir room of select Kalamazoo Central High School singers called The Robed Choir. Little did those of us in that first choir surmise that we were the beginning of his lifelong career as “Kalamazoo’s Music Man.”

Once a student was bestowed the name of Kasdorf Kid it became his or hers...

I was part of Mr. Kasdorf's choirs at Loy Norrix High School from 1963 until my graduation in 1966. I was part of his church choir at First Presbyterian Church, downtown, while attending Western Michigan University. I was part of the Starlight Symphony Chorus and the Barn Theatre for one summer. After graduation, I was involved with various choral groups, both at Western and after I left Kalamazoo. I can say with unequivocal conviction that not one director that I sang under came close to...

I have only met Tom once but did share the same last name.

Tom was my Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School music educator when I was a student there in 1968. While I wasn’t his best student he nonetheless provided encouragement for my career in media and the arts.

I became one of the high school’s apprentice stage lighting technicians and was blessed to work with Tom when he and another of Kalamazoo’s performing fine arts legends (Howard Chenery) produced numerous A list Broadway musicals with our classmates.

As has been noted...

I was a member of one of Tom’s early choirs at Central and then followed him to Norrix as a senior. He was an incredible choral director and mentor, exposing us to the finest choral works. How many High School Choirs around the country would even attempt a performance of the Bach Magnificat!!!
He graciously invited me to sing in many of his chorus performances through the years and I came to realize the importance of Gail’s calm influence and organization of these endeavors. Kalamazoo...

My husband, Sid Weaver and I (Jayne Nash) were Kasdorf Kids. We sang with theLoy Norrix Choir in the early 60’s. We were married for close to 54 years when Sid passed. Sid was a member of the Kalamazoo Singers with Tom as the director for 25 years. I know I can speak for Sid when I say we both had so much admiration and respect for this man, our teacher, Director, and friend. We recognized his talent, skill, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed!