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Luana M. Hiteshew
Luana M. Hiteshew
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Luana Hiteshew Obituary
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Nick Jacobs
October 15, 2009
Thanks for the Memories
As a young music professional, one of my goals was to get a Masters Degree. It was to have been a stepping stone to my eventually becoming a university professor. During that quest my graduate trumpet teacher suggested that I finish my degree by playing a concert. The fear and trepidation that this suggestion initially caused in me was overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, I could play a solo with the best of them, but an entire concert of me? The fear of failure, rejection, or recognition of a talent void gripped me like the stomach flu. There would not be enough Imodium in the world for this task.
Not unlike being a professional anything, this type of performance was all about perfection. It would not be good enough to get the notes right, to play perfectly in tune, or to perform all different styles of music, you also had to add the soul part where people were emotionally stimulated by your talent. It also wasn’t enough to play this concert on a regular trumpet either, you were expected to play on all types of trumpets, and each one of these instruments was unique like brass snowflakes.
The requirement was not only that you had to practice for a year on those trumpets, you also had to have an accompanist, someone who would spend that year with you playing all of the orchestral back-ups on the piano. It had to be someone who could help you understand the complicated nuances of the music; someone to help you get it together.
As you might imagine, a 24 year old teacher didn’t make much money in 1972, and to hire an accompanist was out of the question. The other complicating problem was that my house was not close enough to the university to allow me to tap into the talents of another graduate student for this mission. So, I started to inventory my peers. Finally, after several weeks of focusing on this dilemma, we found someone who was not only willing to help me every week for 52 weeks, but who was willing to host me in her private studio as a friend and musical partner.
My accompanist was a few years older than me, but when she began to play, it was not the age difference that was obvious, it was her incredible talent. She was gifted in ways that regular musicians could only dream of, but, completely unlike many high quality musicians, she was also humble, kind, and understanding.
Our musical journey together included practice sessions in weather that ranged from blizzards where neither of us should have been on the road to scorching nights where even air conditioning didn’t help. Along the way there were lots of other normal, messy things that are part of being alive. Yet our partnership prevailed.
My favorite memories of that time together were the water boarding sessions where my notes just didn’t go with hers. You see, her special gift included something called absolute perfect pitch whereby she could hear in her head every note the way it should sound before it was played by either of us. Unfortunately for her, my trumpet professor had picked one selection of very modern music that was the equivalent of her having to listen to fingernails on the chalk board. You could see her pain when she had to play those horrible, atonal notes together, but we would laugh and push onto the ending.
Well, Luana died today, and the planet will forever be changed. Her grace, her talent, her love, and her music will always be in our hearts. Thirty seven years after she helped me get my first Master’s degree, the memory of her kindness is still deeply embedded in my soul. This kind, wonderful person volunteered her music everywhere and made us smile through her gifts and her warmth. We will miss you, Luanna.
Vaughn Micklos
October 13, 2009
Save a good spot for those of us who loved you.Your great talent was enjoyed by all.
Myrna Gilbert
October 13, 2009
Dear Hiteshew family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the death of Luana. She was a lovely lady, very kind and gracious. She certainly will be missed. She was very talented musically and shared this talent with many people over the years. In your heart you will keep forever the memories of her caring and the times you shared together. May God minister to all your needs in these days. Our hearts are with you and we share in your grief. Charles and Myrna Gilbert
Sharon McCoy
October 13, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the Hiteshew family and friends of Luana.
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Kelsi Yingling
October 12, 2009
As a member of the Aubrey Singers and Bishop McCort Musical Cast, I was so fortunate to have Luana in my life. She was always so selfless and humble, and always encouraged us, individually and as a group, to share our love of music and talent with others. She was truly a great role model and friend. She will be missed very much.
Mike Lashinsky
October 12, 2009
My condolences go out to all of the Hiteshew Family. It's always a tough time for us who are left to say good bye.
~Mike Chops Lashinsky
Trish Beatty
October 12, 2009
The world is a poorer place without Luana. Her friends were fortunate, as were her students. Our local musical life was honored and enriched by Luana, and she will be sadly missed by those of us lucky enough to know her.
Carol Hickman
October 12, 2009
What a beautiful obituary. It caught the essence of Luana - giving, gifted and generous. I knew Luana through her work at the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church and she taught my children at Meadowvale School. She lived her faith. So talented, so humble, so special. Heaven is indeed a better place because Luana is there.
Helen Gall
October 12, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the Hiteshew family and friends of Luana.
Christopher Davis
October 12, 2009
I recall many wonderful days and time spent at the Hiteshew house "hanging out" with Brent, and with both Luana and Homer. It was like having an extra set of parents when growing up. Luana WILL be sadly missed!
Jack & Carolyn Byers
October 12, 2009
Please accept Carolyn's and my deepest condolances at the death of a most wonderful and talented lady.
She and Homer were a wonderful part of my life since early days at Camp Harmony and other events of that era, as well as their being closest friends and neighbors to us for the ten years we were at the Rummel church while our children were growing up.
We felt a part of their family, with Carolyn's secretarial work with Homer and my knowing their families for so many years.
I know that each of you, her family, know the joy and happiness of Luana's long and productive life and of sharing her exuberant personality for so many years.
It is as such a time as this that we are glad that we will share the joy of the presence Luana and Homer in another place in the future.
Melissa (Gindlesperger) Holbrook
October 11, 2009
I got to know Luana through the District Youth Choir and Camp Harmony's PAC program. She was a kind, funloving, energetic, patient director who touched the lives of so many youth. Condolences to her family. Look out Heavenly Choir, here she comes!
Bob Jamison
October 11, 2009
I remember Luana as always gracious, lovable, and upbeat. She was humble about her considerable musical talent and always encouraging to others. I cherish her memory.
Rick Jamison
October 11, 2009
Luana was a very loving person who befriended my entire family. We will all miss her.
George Lucas
October 11, 2009
My memories of Luana are as the youth choir director for Church of the Brethren. I have fond memories of our performances, especially the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh in 1980. Visits to her home were always special as were the numerous pool parties. She taught me a lot about music and singing which I still employ today. Thanks, Luana. I will miss you. My sympathies to the Hiteshew family.
Bonnie Seidel
October 11, 2009
Luana was a special teacher that I worked with at Meadowvale Elementary. She let so many children have a chance to shine on stage. She was a gifted, caring teacher. Our community lost a wonderful person. Your family has my deepest sympathy.
Rowland & Ellen Bostock
October 11, 2009
Luana will be sadly missed... I remember how kind she was (and what she had to put up with) allowing Mark Ruffner, Tony Sutor, and the rest of us to swim in her pool. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Harriet Zierer
October 11, 2009
What a wonderful person Luana was and so talented.
My thoughts are with you.
Harriet (Horner) Zierer
Carrie (Mangus)Wilson
October 10, 2009
In the early 1970's at Meadowvale Elementary School Mrs. Hiteshew was my music teacher she was one of the inspirations in my life with music, singing mostly. Excellent teacher! My heart and soul go out to the family members. She can now play her music in Heaven as she did here on earth.
Mary Ann Jacobs
October 10, 2009
What an amazing friend, musician and teacher. I had the priviledge of working with Luana at the Meadowvale School in Johnstown several years ago. The only others more fortunate than I -- to be in her presence back then -- were the young boys and girls who sat in her classes. I last saw her about a year ago....she was still volunteering her time to assist in a symphony event. I am so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her. Rest in peace my friend!!
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