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Gary R. Zolman

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Ball State University Indiana University University of Richmond

Gary Zolman Obituary

Published by Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger on Mar. 6, 2004.

Gary R. Zolman, 55, of Woodbridge died Thursday, March 4, 2004 at his home. Gary Zolman was the director of bands at Stonewall Senior High School in Prince William County. He taught in Indiana, Maryland and Virginia, and was in his 31st year of public school education. He taught in the areas of band, choir, orchestra and jazz band. Mr. Zolman was a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and had earned his master¹s degree from Indiana University. Mr. Zolman¹s band had earned eight Virginia Honor Band awards and had received numerous superior ratings at district concert festivals. They have twice performed at the Virginia Music Educators State Conference, have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and for President George Bush and former President Ronald Reagan. His marching bands have performed at the Hall of Fame Bowl, the Peach Bowl and have made two Gator Bowl appearances. Mr. Zolman served as a guest conductor and adjudicator at district band and orchestra events in Virginia and Maryland. Mr. Zolman was the recipient of the National Band Association¹s Citation of Excellence, chosen last fall through the University of Richmond as a musical ambassador to China, was a past District IX instrumental representative to the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director¹s Association and was a member of the Music Educator¹s National Conference, Virginia Music Educator¹s Association, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the National Band Association. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Zolman. He is survived by his loving wife, Bridget Zolman of the home, father, Richard Zolman of Warsaw, Ind., daughters, Megan, Tyes and Jeanette Zolman, and sister, Charlene Wurtsbaugh of Mishawaka, Ind. Friends may call at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, Sunday, March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. A rosary service will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 8 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 14160 Ferndale Rd., Dale City. Interment will take place Monday at Calvary Cemetery in Oil City, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prince William Music Department through Fred Milbert, supervisor of music, at (703) 791-7240. Sign the guestbook at http://www.potomacnews.com or http://manassasjm.com

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Recent Activity

April 26, 2004

Jim Agnew posted to the memorial.

March 22, 2004

Carrie Jensen (Pritt) posted to the memorial.

March 21, 2004

Christina White posted to the memorial.

23 Entries

Jim Agnew

April 26, 2004

I just heard the news today of Mr. Zolman's death, and I am in total shock. Sometimes you never realize how important someone is until you find out they're not around anymore. As a high school teacher myself, now, I am that much more appreciative of the dedication and commitment Mr. Zolman made to me and the other members of the Potomac High School Band during my years there in the early 90's. I only hope that I can live up to the example he set for me. You will be missed terribly.

Carrie Jensen (Pritt)

March 22, 2004

I was a student of Mr Zolman's at Potomac Senior. He was a very talented man and an amazing teacher. I will never forget how hard he would push us as students because he new what we had in us. I am very honored to say I was apart of his band when we won many competitions My sincere condolences to the family.

Christina White

March 21, 2004

Condolences to Mr. Zolman's family. I am a student at Stonewall Jackson High, and these past 3 years, Mr. Zolman has been our band director. Words cannot describe what he meant to us, and to me. He taught me love, and passion, music, honesty, humor, strength, rewards. He taught me so many lessons, not only in music, but in life. He was such a fighter, such an inspiration. He paved the way for my future, I plan on graduating in '05, and pursuing to become a band director myself, and its because of him I found what makes me happy...Mr. Zolman is the greatest man I have ever known, and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity. Heaven has a new conductor for the angels symphony. I love you Mr. Zolman.

Paula Hogsett

March 20, 2004

I am very shocked to hear the news of Mr.Zolman's passing. I was a student of his orchestra class at Potomac High (class of 97).He was a great teacher and he had a great passion for music. My prayers are with his family during this hard time. you are in my thoughts....

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James Caudill

March 19, 2004

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Mr. Zolman. Gary was a major influence in my life and I am sad to receive the news of his passing. I was a student of his in marching band, symphonic band and jazz band while he was at Potomac. He taught me an important lesson that there is no challenge that can't be overcome. I can only hope one day I am as passionate and sincere as Gary was.

Carollee Bouffard

March 15, 2004

Our condolences to the family and may you rest in peace Gary.

The Bouffard family

Jennifer Sorrell

March 13, 2004

I want to express my condolences to the Zolman family. He will be missed greatly. I was a student of Gary Zolman at Potomac High School (class of 98).

Donna Ferguson

March 12, 2004

Thanks to Gary for being my friend and bringing out the best in me

Dr. Kevin Bartram

March 12, 2004

Dear Bridget and Family,

My heart is heavy at the news. I was Gary's student at Crossland High in 1980-81, his first teaching assignment out of college. He made a tremendous impact then as he did throughout his career. I will remember the great times- our band performing "Capriccio Italien" at festival, Gary helping me write my first marching band show as a new teacher, and later, directing in Europe together. The greatest lesson he taught me is one I now pass on to my music education students: teach all the time, even outside the classroom. Be a teacher of life, not just music. Gary was a true teacher, rare, disciplined, and caring.

Love to the Zolman Family,

Dr. Kevin Bartram

Coordinator of Music Education & Orchestra Director, Mary Washington College

George Leach (class of 98')

March 10, 2004

I just wanted to send my condolences to the Zolman Family, you will be in my prayers. Mr.Zolman was the best teacher I ever had,and my heart felt like it stopped when I heared the news. He tought me a love for music that I didn't know I had. The 4 years of band and marching where the best 4 years of my life. I now compose my own music thanks to his teachings. He will be greatly missed.

Ken Lipscomb

March 10, 2004

I was very saddened to hear about Gary. As a Band Director I realize what a great loss this is to his family, his school and to the state of Virginia. Teachers and leaders will be missed, but Gary's influence on his fellow musicians and his students will last forever.

Penny Anderson

March 10, 2004

Mr. Zolman did so much for students in class and in the Mighty Viking Marching Band!!! Fond memories abound when fellow classmates reflect on our years at WSHS (especially class of '86). Mr. Zolman was missed when he left Woodbridge High School and leaves a bigger hole in the music and education world now. Mr. Zolman was a teacher, friend, mentor, and fellow music lover- he will be greatly missed!

John Taschek

March 10, 2004

I will never forget "Mr. Zolman." His first year teaching at WSHS was my senior year. He brought incredible enthusiasm and energy to the bands (Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz) he conducted. A person may only have one or two teachers that change their life in a positive way. Mr. Zolman is one--all of us who knew him should consider themselves to be lucky.

Jackie Pleasants

March 10, 2004

I just wanted to offer my condolences to the Zolman family and say thank you and goodbye to a very special teacher. I have fond memories of Mr. Zolman from my days at Woodbridge High School (Class of 1982). His love of music will live on through all the students he touched. I have a degree in music and have been a music therapist and teacher now for 18 years. You can see he was a positive influence on my life.

Jeanette (Jankowski) Bull

March 9, 2004

Mr. Zolman made a difference in the lives of his students. I will always have great memories of him and his “Mighty Viking Marching Band.” He will be missed.

My deepest sympathies to the Zolman family.

Nicky Resch

March 9, 2004

Bridget and girls,

I am so sorry to hear about Gary. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely, Nicky

Debbie Ogden

March 9, 2004

I just wanted to say what a shock it was to hear of Mr. Zolman's passing. I knew him from Woodbridge Sr. High when I was in the choir. You have my deepest sympathy. Take care.

Kevin Garlow

March 9, 2004

I was a student of Gary's at Woodbridge (82-84) We didn't start off to well together but as time went on we sort of grew on each other and had an outstanding time in Europe with Music Abroad program. My condolences to the entire Zolman family.

Lianna Meyer LaLiberte

March 9, 2004

Dear Zolman Family:

Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of [Mr] Zolman from my senior year at Woodbridge High School (Class of 1982). We had a lot of fun. He expected alot from his students and most of the time we rose to the challenge. I learned alot about myself and others through him. He was one of the few teachers that made an impact on my life in general. I'll always remember him for that.

Barbara Yow

March 9, 2004

I will remember Gary for his passion for his craft and his students. He was a great role model for students, staff and families. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Edith Donahue

March 8, 2004

Dear Bridget Zolman and family:

I will always remember the good times I had with Mr. Zolman as a teacher. He taught me that anything is possible if you just try your best. I will remember all the marching band competion honors I reiceived as one of his students. I was probably remembered by Mr. Zolman as the female student who could not tell the difference from her right and her left foot to save her life. Truthfully I am not much better at it now. I will miss Mr. Zolman dearly. May god bless you and your family in your time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey through this trying time. I am a graduate of Potomac Highh School class of 1997.

Jordan Edwards

March 8, 2004

I was a student of Mr. Zolman's both at Woodbridge HS and during my American Music Abroad tour. As a favorite teacher of mine I will always fondly remember my times with him. He will be dearly missed.

-Jordan Edwards

Tracy Johnson

March 8, 2004

What a vibrant, kind-hearted man Gary was. My son, Josh, and my two exchange students, Misha Tchudin and Sam Hardy, were privileged to have him as a band director. He gave such love and respect to all of his students, and taught a deep appreciation for life and for music, by his daily example. His legacy will live on in the many children whom he taught!

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