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Rubin Sher Obituary
He was a native of Louisville, born February, 11, 1917 to the late Leah and David Sher. He attended Julliard School, graduated from University of Louisville School of Music, received Master of Music from Butler University and was a US Army veteran of World War II.
Rubin was a member of the Louisville Orchestra for over 30 years. His first jobs were as staff violinist at both WAVE and WHAS radio. He began teaching at Southern Jr. High School and later at Manual High School and Highland Jr. High. At both schools, he developed award winning groups. In 1963, he started the string program in New Albany that grew from eight students to over 700. He also founded the Louisville Youth Orchestra, the Floyd County Youth Symphony and was the conductor of the J.C.C. Orchestra for many years.
Throughout the years, Rubin received numerous honors and awards for his work in the community and with children. Most notable being awards from Bellarmine University and the Jewish Community Center. Recently, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Indiana Arts Council, was inducted into the Manual High School Hall of Fame in 2010 and the New Albany High School Hall of Fame in 2012.
In his youth, Rubin loved to play tennis and in his later years, he enjoyed watching basketball, football and loved to travel. His greatest achievements was touching, inspiring and bringing joy to the thousands of students he influenced throughout the years. He took pleasure in hearing from his former "kids". He genuinely loved his life, enjoyed people, loved a good story and always had a ready smile.
He was a member of Temple Shalom, both Indiana and Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, a lifetime member of Louisville Federation of Musicians and Hobart Beach VFW Post and a Kentucky Colonel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Nancy Sher; his children, Michael (Paula) of Long Island, NY, Martin (Kerry) of New Albany, IN and Sam of Los Angeles, CA; and his grandsons, David (Yukiko) and Benjamin (Denise).
Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, October 28, 2013 at New Albany National Cemetery with military honors.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Scholarship Fund in Memory of Rubin Sher c/o Herman Meyer & Son, 1338 Ellison Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rubin Sher
Sponsored by Jennifer Marshall .
Kenneth Knott
November 29, 2017
I just now saw of his passing. I have wonderful memories of Mr. Sher and the Louisville Youth and Chember Orchestras. Mr. Sher was a true master teacher and deeply instrumental in the lived of so many! Playing viola under his mentorship was critically important in my life. Nancy, you and Rubin will always be in my prayers.
December 17, 2016
my mother is 76 yrs old and has alzheimers. she can hardly remember anything, but she sure remembered mr. sher as being her favorite teacher. i am assuming i have the correct fellow. sorry to hear of his passing but it was just beyond me how she remembered this man....he must have made a very lasting memory for her and i thank him for that. she smiled the whole time she talked about him and that is something she doesnt do that often these days.
thank you mr. sher
sincerely
gina estes
May 29, 2014
Michael
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. I would like to express my sincerest sympathy. Hal Wallace former roommate from EKU 513 560 5000
Christopher C Tew
May 16, 2014
Rubin, I've never forgotten all the many kindnesses you showed me. It was always enjoyable, inspirational, and educational to play under your baton. Nancy, I'm most glad that you and Rubin had so many years together. Laura also sends her thanks for many happy memories and best wishes.
Marc Cummings
February 10, 2014
I was at the KMEA state music concert this weekend. Each Youth Performing Arts School student was listed as YPAS. The Youth Performing Arts School needs to be christened "The Sher Center" and I shall write to the JCPS to urge that new name. --Marc Cummings, Cello, Highland.
Nancy Sher
February 9, 2014
February 11, 1917.......Happy Birthday Rubin! You would have been 97. We miss you!
Michael Sher
January 29, 2014
"My father, my mentor, my teacher, my model, my idol, my hero, my family's leader, and by far the greatest man I have ever known. We will miss you every day, but we will always try to make you proud."
Thank you everybody for writing.
Carole Traster-Wilk
December 24, 2013
To the family of Rubin Sher... because you are such wonderful people, I know that,if I had ever been fortunate enough to have met Rubin, I would have thoroughly enjoyed him and felt lucky to have him as part of my life. I am so sorry for your loss, my wonderful friends Michael, Paula, and Ben.
Ruth Evans Mount
December 6, 2013
When Mr. Sher introduced me to the cello and the JCYO, he made a tremendous impact on my life. He was a wonderful man who sincerely cared about his students.
Nancy Sher
November 28, 2013
I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the beautiful tributes that have been left for Rubin on this site. Especially thank you to Jennifer Marshall for making it permanent. I do remember most all of you and I know Rubin meant a lot to many people. You should all know that you meant the world to him too. He was always so proud of his "kids". He loved hearing from and about them. On this Thanksgiving I wish each of you a wonderful day. I am so thankful to have had so many incredible years with my Rubin. Thanks again
Cheryl Minor Stewart
November 9, 2013
Thank you Jennifer Marshall for making it possible to keep up this Guest Book for Mr Sher and all of us. It is wonderful to hear from friends from long ago and to hear how Mr Sher continues to influence us even today because of his work with us in those formative years.
David Silberman
November 8, 2013
Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I never can forget playing under Rubin in the Jewish Community Center Orchestra. He gave me some of my first opportunities to direct an orchestra. He will be greatly missed!
john grammer
November 6, 2013
my sincere condolences to you, nancy, and all of mr. sher's family. also, to offer sympathy to the entire greater louisille musical community. i was conducted by mr. sher in the jcc youth orchestra from 1967-1971 as a percussionist and french horn player. he has been an strong influence in my career both as a professional musician and as a teacher. his influence and presence will be both remembered and missed.
November 6, 2013
Nancy, I remember meeting you, Rubin and your son years ago when you adopted a dog "Franny" that I had fostered for many months. So sorry for your loss.
Robin Louis
November 6, 2013
Mr. Sher was my first violin teacher at Longfellow and then later at Highland Jr. High. Both of my parents played in the Louisville Orchestra with him for all those years and our family photos include pictures of the orchestra heading to Carnegie Hall with several members of my family and Mr. Sher right in front. He was truly a wonderful teacher and friend. He made making music fun and the end result was that many of his students went on to professional careers as musicians. What a legacy!
Kathleen Louis Kee
November 6, 2013
Hearing of Mr Sher's passing has brought back many wonderful memories, as has reading all the great tributes written here by so many people I remember! Mr Sher first put a cello in my hands at Longfellow Elementary when I was in the 6th grade. I instantly fell in love with the instrument and have spent my life performing (in the Atlanta Symphony for 34 years) and teaching. I only hope that I have inspired some young musicians as he inspired all of us. Thanks, Mr Sher!
Daniel Kininmonth
November 5, 2013
I remember Mr. Sher fondly as our violin teacher during a summer session in 1960 at Hazelwood Elementary School in Louisville. I was a member of the Southern Junior High School Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Walter E. Toole. I remember going to making music concerts at Memorial Auditorium and seeing Mr. Sher and Mr. Toole playing in the First Violin Section of the Louisville Orchestra. Mr. Sher was a great musician and a great human being.
November 5, 2013
Rubin Sher was the main reason that I have enjoyed an amazing professional career. He along with Raymond Bruce, principal at Grantline Elementary went out of their way to enroll me in Orchestra. Rubin,s influence on kids were unmatched by anyone. Nancy take care and God Bless You.
Michael DeLuise
November 2, 2013
Few good people are gifted with a century of opportunity. Fewer are willing to share their gifts and opportunities. Rubin Sher spent a most wonderful life sharing. He added joy, inspiration, mentorship, love and music to countless others. Now in the hands of his loving family, friends, colleagues and students the good life of Rubin Sher continues to add strength, happiness and music to our world. May those he cherished and loved so dearly share their opportunities and continue Rubin's good work forever.
Jeffrey Goldberg
November 2, 2013
I played cello for Mr. Sher in the JCC Youth Orchestra. Even in retirement, he shared his passion for music and his amazing ability to inspire youth. I am very grateful that he was so generous with his talents, and that I was one of the many, many people whose lives he impacted in such a positive way. My condolences to the family, but please know that he was truly blessed to not only live a long and productive life, but also to have left such a remarkable legacy with the lives he touched. We should all hope to do so well.
Randy Farb
October 30, 2013
You have our deepest and sincerest condolences. Rubin's mother and our grandfather were brother and sister. We always enjoyed seeing each other at concerts and other events.
Jennifer Marshall
October 30, 2013
Rubin Sher was my first violin teacher. If I had never met Mr. Sher my life would have been very different. He opened a whole new world for me through the violin and classical music. There were no musicians in my home and no classical music. My life has been so enriched because of this very special man. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing but I know he lived an inspiring life touching the lives of all of the many children he encouraged. He will be greatly missed.
Linda K. Seligman
October 29, 2013
An addendum to my entry...Rubin gave me my start at 8 yrs old at Longfellow Elementary School, and then on to Highland Junior High in Louisville, KY. Linda Kay Seligman
Brook Bigler
October 29, 2013
Ah Mr. Sher. How many times I can still hear you as I rosin my bow. He was my teacher/mentor in 4th grade at Slate Run Elementry to New Albany High School. Took us to Chicago to cut an album when I was in 9th grade. Lighting up a cigareete in the orchestra room in high school was just Rubin. My condolences to Nancy, Michael and the rest of his family. RIP Rubin. You had a great ride!!
Cheryl Minor
October 29, 2013
i just realized I didn't sign my entry of a few days ago so here it is again. Love reading yours.
I will always attribute my solid start in music to Mr. Sher. I first encountered him at Longfellow Elementary in the string orchestra and then on to Highland and Youth Orchestra. What an inspiration he was to all of us. I'll never forget his Hot Canary which he played every time he had a chance! It was always great! It was those years with him that inspired me to become a professional violinist. I always remember Mr Sher with love and appreciation along with all the wonderful memories I feel so blessed to have. Thank you for everything you did for all us kids Mr. Sher.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/louisville/guestbook.aspx?n=rubin-sher&pid=167712048&page=3#sthash.tPgztU43.dpuf
October 29, 2013
I moved to Louisville mid year in 1957 and attended Manual High School. As a shy eight grader not knowing anyone, I joined the orchestra under Mr. Sher. He was a wonderful caring person and made me feel so welcome. He always encouraged me to challenge my way up in seating in the cello section as he had more confidence in my than I had in myself.. He always told us that cello players should always wear full skirts as anything else would hamper the correct way to play the instrument; also, absolutly no long fingernails for the same reason. He encouraged me to try out for the first Youth Orchestra and I enjoyed it so much and it played a big part in my particapating in three local community orchestras after 25 years after high school. I ran into Mr. Sher in a mall some 25 years after graduating and he call me by name before I ever saw him; what a memory! He lived a long and productive life and will be remembered for many years for all of the many joys he brought to all of his students.
Linda Browning/Nally
Ruth Drye
October 28, 2013
What a lovely man. He treated young children as musicians, showing us that yes we COULD make beautiful music. That gave me the confidence and drive to keep at it. I'm 60 now, and I still think of him as one of the most inspiring teachers I ever had. Prayers for him and his family.
Carolyn White
October 28, 2013
I feel truly blessed to have been taught by Rubin Sher. He was so encouraging and positive and is responsible for introducing me to the double bass, which after 3 weeks, I knew would be my profession.
In his career he certainly spread the love of music and support for the arts far and wide. He will be greatly missed.
Nancy Drye
October 28, 2013
As a violinist at Highland and later a violist in the LYO, I credit my lifelong love of music to Mr. Sher and his colleagues. (Blessings on those who can stand to hear young string players!) We took such pride in our performances, and I hope he'd be pleased to know that I'm still playing in community orchestras. THANKS, Mr. Sher!
Bettye-Rurh Groom Hill
October 27, 2013
I was priviledged to have Mr. Sher as orchestra teacher at Southern Jr. High and Manual, private violin teacher, and conductor of the JCC orchestra.
He promoted a sense of comraderie among the orchestra players and sent us to the Louisville Orchestra concerts. He cared for each of us and worked with us to be the best we could be. Does anyone remember the exercises for orchestra that he wrote?
It is because of him that I have had a life long appreciation of music.
He was a dedicated and special musician.
Helen Bohannon
October 27, 2013
I had the honor, for a few years, to be concertmaster of the JCC Orchestra under Rubin. He valued every musician and knew that each member played an important role in making music.
Marsha Ingle Colbert
October 27, 2013
Mr. Sher was a wonderful mentor to many young musicians. He was a very vital influence and teacher on my sisters Lisa and Robin. Even though I was not a student of his he always remembered who I was and asked how my sisters and parents were. He was a great creative force in Southern Indiana and Louisville. He was a kind and gentle man who inspired many people both young and old.
Helen Nightengale
October 27, 2013
Rubin Sher inspired so many young people to understand music in a way that they wouldn't necessarily have experienced elsewhere. He made it accessible, fun and most important, taught each one of us that music, as a form of communication, will take us through life better than most other forms. He loved it, he loved us. He made us all better people and inspired us to do better not just on the stage making music, but off the stage in the rest of our lives. His care and attention to detail, from our home lives to our musical lives was unique. Whether you were 5 or 15 , he knew what to say and how to make you feel as if you COULD. In a small town across the river from a much larger and more well known town, he put us on the map with his desire to have the world know us. From NY to Romania and beyond, we owe it all to Rubin Sher. Thank you, Maestro, for giving this young violinist the inspiration to go find that world of music so far away from where I started. Rest in peace, dear Rubin. The angels have a real treat in store for them.
Charlotte Harshfield Gonzalez
October 27, 2013
Mr. Sher was a gem. He shared his heart, soul, and passion for music with his students for decades, and made a positive life-long impact on hundreds of us fortunate enough to play under his baton.
Marc Cummings
October 27, 2013
A giant in music in the Louisville area who encouraged, especially, string players and with Gene Davis and others built the youth orchestra. He always challenged his musicians to do their best--even having his Highland orchestra play the last movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony! He gave his players the gift of his love for music. My best memory is his comment to the cello section when they said some music was just too fast to play: "Put some soap on your bows and saw furiously away and nobody will know the difference!"
Whitney McCurdy Lyvers
October 27, 2013
This man helped me become the musician I am today. Heaven's orchestra just got better. God bless the Sher family! :)
October 27, 2013
So sad to hear. He was a master and a mentor to me. He gave me my start as a flutist when I was 8 yrs at Highland Junior High School in Louisville, KY. He was also a close family friend for all of my years. I am sure he was happy with his life, and it was always a pleasure to have him in my presence and in life. He will be missed. Linda Kay Seligman
Allen Alt
October 27, 2013
He inspired many youth who went on to be professional musicians .Rubin was a great man .
October 27, 2013
I will always attribute my solid start in music to Mr. Sher. I first encountered him at Longfellow Elementary in the string orchestra and then on to Highland and Youth Orchestra. What an inspiration he was to all of us. I'll never forget his Hot Canary which he played every time he had a chance! It was always great! It was those years with him that inspired me to become a professional violinist. I always remember Mr Sher with love and appreciation along with all the wonderful memories I feel so blessed to have. Thank you for everything you did for all us kids Mr. Sher.
Steve Willis
October 27, 2013
You will be missed. I Will always remember your talent and kindness.
Jeri Trent
October 27, 2013
Mr Sher was indeed the wind beneath our wings! We soared to new heights in music class@ Highland jr. High during the early 60s. With joy and enthusiasm Mr Sher shared his knowledge and wit with us and still today I smile remembering 'Carmen Jones!'
ethel wishnia
October 27, 2013
Mr. Sher was my teacher in my years at Manual High School. He was a great mentor in my deeds in later life...will always remember and continue to think of our exciting times together
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