Esther Evangeline Post

Esther Evangeline Post 1938-2011 Music-making was as natural to Esther Post as breathing. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Salvation Army officers Vernon and Esther Clara Post, she grew up in a family of musicians that developed and shared its talents in religious services. She possessed a rich, vibrant soprano voice she used effectively as a soloist or in an ensemble. She learned to play a cornet as a child and eventually, every brass instrument. At an 8th grade concert, she played cornet, baritone and tuba in the same selection! Because her family could not afford lessons, she taught herself to play the piano. She learned so well that at Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, she earned a B.A. in music, studying voice and composition but with piano as her major instrument. It was just as natural for Esther to pass on her knowledge and passion for music to others. As a young adult, she earned money to buy a drum set for her youngest brother David, a child with Down syndrome. She helped him learn to play the snare drum so that he became a welcome addition to musical groups. She was a frequent choral conductor at music camps, served as leader of Salvation Army choral groups that provided music for worship services and, for more than 18 years, taught music in Connecticut and New Jersey public schools systems. For several years, she taught music at Sacred Heart School in Boise, then became a sought-after substitute music teacher in the Boise public schools in band, orchestra and choir for every grade through high school. Until a few months ago, she maintained a private piano studio where she taught appreciative students ranging in age from five years to grandparents. Throughout her life, Esther was a valued member of outstanding choral groups, including the famed Riverside Choir of Riverside Church, New York. In Idaho she sang with the Whitney United Methodist Choir, the Boise Opera chorus, the Whitney Women's Chorale and most recently, St. Michael's Cathedral Choir. Remarkable as her musical gifts were, they did not outshine other qualities. Her eyes sparkled with keen intelligence and a lively sense of humor. She was fun-loving, with an infectious laugh. One friend wrote of her, "Esther was bright, talented, warm-hearted and fun to be with. The earth seems like a lonelier place knowing she is no longer here." She took a deep interest in everyone she met. Even in her final difficult days at the Life Care Center of Boise and St. Luke's Hospital, she took time to learn something about each staff member and patient she met. Esther is survived by her siblings, Vernon (Dorothy) Post, Marjorie (Dr. William) Carter, Donald (Linda) Post and a host of loving relatives and friends. Her parents and a brother, David Post, preceded her in death. Her family is grateful to her many friends in Boise who expressed their love for her in practical and meaningful ways, especially at the end of her life. A memorial service, conducted by Dean Rich Demarest, will take place on Saturday, June 18 at 1:00 PM at St. Michael's Cathedral in Boise. Both the Whitney Women's Chorale and St. Michael's Cathedral Choir will participate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Cathedral.