Gail M. Clark

Long-time Broomfield piano teacher Gail Clark peacefully passed away at her home of 63 years on February 24, 2022. She taught piano for more than 70 years bringing the pleasure of music to countless students. Born in Appleton, MN in 1927, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music and English literature from Macalaster College and her Masters of Music degree in piano performance from Northwestern University. After graduation, she taught music at the Bishop Whipple Schools in Faribault, MN for several years. Feeling ready for new horizons, she moved to Casper, WY to teach music in public schools. There she met and married Bruce Clark in 1954, and they raised their daughters, Tavia, Anne, and Marta, after moving to Broomfield in 1959. She was preceded in death by her husband and daughter Tavia. Gail taught private piano lessons in Broomfield from 1965 until 2020, when the pandemic necessitated a stop to in-person teaching. She and her husband were founding members of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday school, directed choir for many years, and was the first woman on the church's Vestry. She was an active member of local, state, and national professional music associations throughout her career. Gail was a founding member of the Broomfield Music Teachers Association (BMTA) and president several times, 1985-1987 Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA) President and held other offices, and was CSMTA Teacher of the Year in 2012. Founder of the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities, she also sat on the Colorado Council on the Arts and Humanities board for several years. Gail founded the Broomfield Piano Festival and managed it for many years, and was nationally certified in teaching at all levels of piano. She also acquired a fine reputation as an accomplished music event judge. Anyone who knew Gail also knew the many standard poodles she had over her life. They were beloved family members and entertaining residents of her piano studio. She truly had a life well lived and touched so many through music. Tom Lehrer, the musical humorist, said, "Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it." Gail played it very, very well. The family suggests donations in Gail Clark's memory to Boulder Area Music Teachers Association (BAMTA) Student Scholarships and Broomfield Meals on Wheels.