Alan Drake

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Dr. Alan H. Drake, Professor of Music Emeritus, Augusta State University, died on August 19, 2015, four days after his 86th birthday. Dr. Drake served as chairman of the music department of Augusta College/ Augusta State University from 1982 - 1996. Dr. Drake received his Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of Miami in 1951, Master of Music Education from Florida State University in 1957 and Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education also from Florida State University in 1965. He served as Director of Bands in Belle Glade, Florida and Pompano Beach Senior High School from 1951-1964. Drake quickly built one of the top band programs in the state of Florida. His college career included Assistant Director of Bands at Purdue University, Director of Bands and Chairman of the Music Department at the University of Southern Mississippi, Director of Bands and Chairman of the Music Department at Ohio Northern University and finally Chairman of Fine Arts and Director of Bands at Augusta College/Augusta State University. In addition to Dr. Drake's conducting successes, he remained a world-class clarinetist, performing with the Ft. Lauderdale Symphony and the Augusta Symphony as well as an active recitalist. He was also deeply involved in the Augusta arts community. In 1992, he resurrected the Augusta Concert Band and served as the conductor until 2002. From 1992 - 2009 he served in various capacities with the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society: on the Board of Directors, as Vice President, President and Artistic Director. Dr. Drake is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evalyn, his son Bruce and daughter Christina. Four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive him. A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Rd., at 1:00pm on Tuesday, August 25th. The family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to either the Symphony Orchestra of Augusta http://soaugusta.org/ or the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society http://www.hjcms.org/ in lieu of flowers. Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com Platt's Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave., Augusta, GA 30904 1929-2015