PROFESSOR GAIL B. POCH

My heart is heavy with the news of his passing. He has long been the voice in my head, guiding and encouraging me through my life. Mr. Poch was a mentor and teacher to me during a very difficult period of my life. He was so kind and generous with his time and talent, I'm honored that he took me under his wing. I've delayed googling him for this reason, my condolences to all of he Poch family. He spoke of you with love and pride, and I often pray for you all when I pray for him. Thank you Mr. Poch, Thank you so very much.

I was a double bass major at Temple University in the late 60's/early 70's, and elected to take Mr. Poch's choral conducting class. One day, he asked me to stand and conduct the entire class in a choral piece. I was terrified! After a while, he smiled and stopped me, saying that I conducted "just like an instrumental conductor. Now, put your hands behind your back and start again!" When I finished, he scratched his head and said, "I'll be darned. He DID it!" The whole class cracked up as he slapped me on the back on my way back to my seat. For a long time after that, when we would pass in the halls, he would laugh and shake his finger at me. Gail Poch was a wonderful musician and a huge influence on my conducting singers years later. I have just learned of his passing, and so saddened. I send my most sincere condolences to the entire Poch family. And to Professor Poch: Thank you for sharing your talent, your humor, and your generous spirit with me and all of your students.

I am so saddened to read that Mr. Poch passed away by seeing an email from Temple's Boyer College of Music about a tribute concert to him. I was a cello/Music Ed double major at Temple. We had a choral class requirement. I had such a blast in University Singers under his direction that I continued to participate as long as my schedule permitted it. I was also sad that Mr. Poch wasn't able to attend the Choral reunion of a few years ago because I would have loved to have seen him. Rest In Peace and now sing with the angels.

I only just now learned of Professor Poch's death. I sang in the choir from '69 to '72. I so much enjoyed the experience. He was such a wonderful and kind person; the fact that he let a less-than-capable bass to participate says quite a bit (as a math major, I didn't fit in as well as the music majors, but they made an exception). My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

So my college roommate, friend, colleague Gail Poch has passed away. I will miss you sorely my friend - you were a true inspiration to all that you touched. So many memories of our great times at ENMU, the Shy Guys and reconnecting as we both ended our careers in choral music. An angel choir is waiting for you to lead them.

I just learned of Professor Poch's passing and am so sad. I was a member of the University Singers when the group was under his direction at Temple University. I won't ever forget the joy I felt performing with them! I learned so much from him and still incorporate his vocal warm ups into my daily vocalizing. I've thought of Professor Poch often throughout the years as the time spent in his classes gave me some of my favorite memories of my undergrad experience. He gave this theater major a true appreciation for classical music. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Nancy, Our hearts weep. Gail was an inspiration to so many. I will always remember his charm, smile, and laughter, in addition to his musical leadership. Through his support, Berks Youth Chorus [formerly Berks Classical Children's Chorus] made a name for itself soon after it was founded in 1992. This year, the chorus is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Gail truly played a major role in the early success of the chorus. The chorus is dedicating its fall concert, Sunday, November 13, 2016 to his memory.

To the Family: I thought of him today and wondered... saddened to read that he had passed. He was a terrific conductor of Reading Choral Society for which I was a member under his direction. Wonderful times working him. He has been missed since he left. Did you ever stop smoking? That was our break during rehearsals. Fairwell and rest easy.

Well Gail sorry to see you go..I first met you as a freshman just down the hall from me at Roosevelt Hall in Portales, New Mexico. We had a lot of good times in the music department at ENMU 1954-1958... and of course our recording of The Girl With The Flaxen Hair with The Shy Guys..also our subsequent tour in January of 1959..It was terrific to hear our record being played on the radio stations..You were a great talent and it was a priviledge and a pleasure to know you..Your friend.
Jim Slone