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Columbia University Hofstra University Manhattanville College

WALTER EHRET Obituary

EHRET--Walter, passed away on November 16th, 2009 at the age of 91, after a long, happy, and productive life. He left a great legacy as a teacher who touched many students' lives. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Beverly, his wife of 62 years, adored father of David Ehret and Christine Marver, and daughter-in-law Pamela Ehret, and the proud grandfather of Jeffrey, Julia, and Sarah Marver. Mr. Ehret was born in New York City in 1918 to Adele Tonies and her husband who tragically died in the flu epidemic of that year. He was later adopted by a kind stepfather, Charles Ehret. Walter Ehret was a graduate of the Julliard School of Music and Teachers College, Columbia University. He has served as an adjunct faculty member of Hofstra University, Manhattanville College, and Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, he taught instrumental and choral music in several New Jersey and New York school systems for over 40 years. In 1984 he retired as District Coordinator of Music for the Scarsdale, NY Public Schools. Choral groups under his direction have performed with distinction at contests and at other award-winning occasions. They have performed in Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, as well as on radio and television. His organizations have been invited to sing at New Jersey and New York State School Music Association conventions, divisional meetings of the Music Educators National Conference, and the first American Choral Directors Association National Conference. He was a past president of the Music Educators Associations for Bergen, Nassau, and Westchester Counties. He was a former Vice President of Choirs for the New York State School Music Association, a former State Chairman of Junior High School Music of the New York State School Music Association, and a past member of several MENC committees. He was a founding member and first New York State president of the American Choral Directors Association. He is well known as a clinician, conductor, and choral literature specialist, and has functioned in these various capacities at over 300 workshops in some 30 states. He is one of the nation's most prolific and respected choral editors and arrangers, and has over 2000 publications in print. In addition, he is co-author of Growing with Music, a basic music series for grades K-8, co-author of Functional Lessons in Singing, a class voice textbook, author of The Choral Conductor's Handbook, and co-author of The International Book of Christmas Carols. As per his wishes, his body was donated to medical science. His family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at a future date. Contributions to his memory may be made to the Eye Research Institute, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114.

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Published by New York Times on Nov. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER EHRET

29 Entries

Carolyn Hewitt Spiegel

April 12, 2025

The best part of high school was this man and his music.

Peter Buechler

November 25, 2023

Singing in his choir was one of the positive and enduring parts of SHS

Ek Prengel

November 16, 2023

2023 and I still remember Mr Ehret from my one year in the Scarsdale High School Concert Choir 1960-61.

Margaret Budge

February 20, 2022

The Ehret legacy lives on.

Walter Ehret's family may never receive this note but none the less I feel compelled to write it.

I sing in our church choir and we began to practice a piece arranged and edited by Mr. Ehret called, "Lord, At All Times", part of a Mendelssohn composition called, "Lauda Sion". I was spiritually touched by the arrangement and therefore decided to learn about Walter Ehret. What a truly gifted person he is and what great service he gives to those he taught and those who listen or participate in his creations. His legacy lives on.

Karen Kapel Astrachan

December 22, 2009

I have such fond memories of Mr.Ehret. He clearly loved the music and the kids at Scarsdale High. Always inspiring, encouraging and spirited. I was in the choir, Choraleers and a pianist who often accompanied. On one occasion, he asked me to play the base line during rehearsal. Somehow I didn't hear him and kept playing the soprano part. As a teenager I was mortified about the miscommunication, but he made light of it in his kind way. I never forgot that! As demanding as he was, he understood how to work with kids. He encouraged a love of music (I majored in music in college)and was one of those special teachers who truly had an impact on his students. My deepest condolences to the family.
-
SHS'77

Charles Bridley

December 11, 2009

Thank you Walt!
Walt gave us an appreciation for all music - classical, modern, Broadway shows,religious,in various venues - octets (Jubileers),acapella,concert choirs, etc. He worked with us individually and collectively to bring out the best in us, and I thank him for instilling in us a lifelong love of music. It was great to see Walt and Beverly at our 50th in 2006. I miss him and will always remember his influence in my life. My sincere condolences go out to Beverly and all the family.

Stefanie Diamond

December 2, 2009

I was a Choralette, in the chorus and even made it into madrigals if my memory serves me well. That was a big deal as here I was this Jewish girl singing Christian and pagan songs. But the lesson was not what the music lyrics were about, it was how it felt to be one of many and to realize that the whole can be much larger than the sum of its parts. There was a magic to those performances which was unique. There was joy, fear and soaring rolled into one. I still recall my vocal exercises, singing nee-ah--nee ah and doing my scales. Mr Ehert was demanding, exacting and put up with no nonsense. This too helped me to realize the arts and music were at least as important as my other classes.
And thanks to him I learned the real beginning lyrics to a White Christmas. Those four years left me with a lifetime of memories. My sympathy to the Ehret family and thanks for sharing such a unique teacher.

Class of '68

Richard Pomerance

December 1, 2009

He put me in touch with my voice, in more ways than one. A long way back, SHS circa 1957, but never forgotten. A fine, committed professional and a good man.

Deborah Dentler

November 30, 2009

He recruited me to sing in 8th grade, and I kept singing throughout high school, no matter how I otherwise felt about school or myself, or life in general. He taught me to show up on time, for one thing, and he taught me the importance (and joy) of working "in concert" with others. And this, too: he gave teens in the late Sixties a healthy way to experience and express extremes of emotion through sound. He modeled a way to make a living doing something one is passionate about. I'm 57 and have never forgotten the harmony lines or the way he beamed at his choir students at the close of a performance. And I don't believe I ever worked harder to meet someone's high standards than I did as a 15 year old during choir practice with Walter Ehret.

November 30, 2009

I graduated from SHS in 1958, and I have to say that Mr. Ehret was the best thing that ever happened to me there. I'm still singing, currently with the West Virginia Symphony Chorus. I can honestly say, however, I've never had a conductor like him. He instilled excellence and perfection, and everyone wanted to do the very best for him. He was truly a gift to the world of music. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and am certain they know what an exceptional person he was.

Joy Kleeman
SHS '58

Ek Prengel

November 30, 2009

In 1960, as an exchange student from Germany, I was able to be part of the Scarsdale High School Concert choir and remember Mr Ehret well. Even today I still have that song in my ear and heart: "When Johnny comes marching home again". His was a good life, I'll always remember him.
Ek Prengel, Frankfurt, Germany

November 30, 2009

I had Mr. Ehret at Scarsdale High in the early 1970's and he solidified my love of choral singing. I still sing in choirs regularly. A candidate for a choir director position in Colorado 15 years ago was asked her favorite vocal arranger and she said "Walter Ehret" without hesitation. I recommended her for the job! Carol Swingle

November 29, 2009

Walter Ehret made our days bright with music. I was in a choir that went to the New York State choir competition and performed with distinction. It was a wonderful experience for this young girl that fostered a lifelong love of music. Sunny P. Lewis Class of 1959.

Jean Haig (Harris)

November 29, 2009

Mr. Ehret's rehearsals were a breath of fresh air during the day! I still remember much of the music we sang and the special ways he coached us.

Dan Grossman

November 29, 2009

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Ehret family. While I haven’t had any contact with any of you for at least 45 years, I have vivid memories of Mr. Ehret and all of you for that matter. I lived on Fayette Rd. right behind your house on, I think, Lebanon. I believe Chris was a classmate of mine and David was a few years older. I recall a brief time when I had a crush on that very pretty little girl Chris which, at the age of 6,7,8, or 9-whenever it was-was very confusing. Since I had three brothers it wasn’t unusual to be involved in some game or sport involving a ball and more often than not that ball would be hit or kicked over the ten foot wood fence lined with bushes and end up in Mr. Ehret’s flower garden. We had a secret way of getting onto your property to retrieve the ball. I would have expected this to cause him great consternation since we probably trampled on his flowers as well. Maybe he complained bitterly to his family but I never saw it. When I did see him there was usually a smile on his face. I recall a similar smile on Mrs. Ehret’s face when I would play with Chris. Since I only recently became a dad, I now recognize that smile as the smile an adult has when confronted by children-as long as the children aren’t being too destructive which, G-d knows, we had the capacity to be. Still, I have only he warmest of memories of your family and that time long ago and when I heard the news from the Scarsdale Alumni Association I felt a need to write something. Maybe it’s because I lost my father a year ago today at the age of 92 and I’m just feeling nostalgic. The problem with losing a parent at such an advanced age is that you’ve had them for so long you really expect them to last forever. Since we know that’s not an option I guess we should just be exceedingly grateful to have had them in our lives as long as we had and any pain we now suffer will hopefully be balanced, at some point, by the trunkful of memories we have and hold dear.

My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. Best wishes to all of you.

Robert M. Shulman, MD

November 29, 2009

I always enjoyed playing in the orchestra, but could never sing worth a ... "Mr. Ehret" didn't care. "Drafting" me into the choir my senior year as an alleged second tenor was, in retrospect, a wonderful gift. My appreciation of music was greatly enhanced and I will be forever grateful to this teacher. He made the music come alive for us. He made us sing.

Ron Ostrow

November 29, 2009

Choir was probably the most significant class I took at Scarsdale High School. Without it, I never would have had the foundation or desire to pursue a career in entertainment. Mr. Ehret was a constant source of encouragement, humor and support. He was truly a very special individual and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Susan Baron

November 29, 2009

It seems like only yesterday that I was in Concert Choir. Mr. Ehret taught me how to sing and to enjoy singing even until this day.
He was inspiration to us all. How lucky I/we all were to have a music teacher like Mr. Ehret.
My condolences to his family.
Susan Baron, Weston, CT

Jeff Baron

November 29, 2009

Mr. Ehret could take a hundred silly, hormone-infected teenagers and get them to produce great music -- a feat he repeated each year I knew him at Scarsdale High. We took on a part of the profound love and enthusiasm he had for the music, we accepted the idea that he could get us through works that did not come easily to many of us, and we succeeded because he got us to work hard while we had tremendous fun.
I was never tremendously talented, as some of my classmates were, but Mr. Ehret had faith in my possibilities and those of all the other singers. He is a major reason that, at age 54 and no longer a baby tenor, I still sing in a choir and aspire to make great music live.
My condolences to the Ehret family and good wishes to those who remember singing for a great teacher.

Jay Shulman

November 29, 2009

Walter Ehret inclusively encouraged talent in those who had it and developed it in those who lacked it.
He made membership in the Concert Choir 'cool,' and all who entered his domain in the Music Tower, welcome.
I retain to this day his 1967 advice to me to 'always have a program ready.'
Condolences to Beverly, David and the family.

Jehed Diamond

November 29, 2009

I was lucky enough to be in the first group of Choralettes, "Mr. Ehret" established. Although I didn't have a special voice - just strong, on key and low - he made me feel that I could contribute to a group of talented singers. He taught me what it meant to work together to build a finished song and the thrill of that journey and its culmination. More importantly, he taught me that striving for excellence was the only worthwhile path.
My mind has retained the memories of that group and the work we did together for all of these years. I even still have the vinyl we made at the music educators convention- and can sing my part.
I so regret not knowing about the visits others made one or two reunions ago.
Thank you for sharing him.

November 29, 2009

Lunchtime in The Tower with Mr. Ehret - one of my favorite high school memories. He gave me such confidence as a singer and musician - and he pushed me. His enthusiasm, passion, love for music and all his students, and his willingness to put up with us interrupting what should have been a quiet lunch hour will always be part of my memory of my years at SHS. - Patsy Kimble Brunner SHS '69 (Sedona AZ)

Art VanDeWater

November 27, 2009

Walt instilled in me the idea that music was special and something to be enjoyed not only by the listener, but the performer. I credit him for starting me on a life long journey of music as an avocation. It was great seeing him again at my 50th high school reunion.

My prayers and condolences for the Ehret family.

Maxine Chadwick

November 24, 2009

To Bev and family: Your husband and father left a wonderful legacy to all who passed through his decades of creativity. Over the years, I often reminded him how his teachings had enriched my life. Exceptional teachers can do that.
My condolences to you.
Maxine Groscost Chadwick BHS 1948

Mary-Lou Leidheiser

November 23, 2009

I am savoring glorious memories of many Bogota High School (NJ) choral productions and the man who challenged us to be better than we knew we could be. Some 60 years later, he graced our reunion class with his presence, his poise, his charisma, his joy of making wonderful music.
Mary-Lou Springhorn Leidheiser BHS 1948

Walter and Beverly with a couple of Jubileers - 2006

Tom Griffin

November 23, 2009

Everyone Loved Walt,
He was a wonderful, inspiring passionate teacher as well as a great mentor and friend. In 1956, he helped us found "The Jubileers" - 8 guys with more enthusiasm than vocal skill - but the best of friends. Fifty years later he joined us at our Scarsdale High Reunion to help us celebrate. As the picture clearly shows, he was clearly enjoying being there - and we all loved reconnecting with him.

God bless you Walt, and all your family.

Thea McGee (Schoos)

November 23, 2009

Dear Ehret family:
Your husband, dad, granddad was an amazing teacher and friend to my sister Yvonne and I.
We graduated from Scarsdale High in 1967 and we still laugh when we hear a singer/or speaker who doesn't ANNUNCIATE.
My sincere condolences to the entire Ehret family. He was an awesome person.

Josephine Caruso

November 22, 2009

Walter Ehret was a model music educator, an icon, who I respected and tried to emulate in my own career. But more than that, he was always a good friend, always generous and helpful in any stressful situation.
He will be greatly missed by many.
My thoughta and prayers are with Beverly and all the family.

Karen Pfeiffer Jones

November 22, 2009

As a Scarsdale High School graduate, I have many happy memories of Walter Ehret. My group of friends was very involved in music and drama, and Mr. Ehret's office in the "Music Tower" was our hangout during most of our free hours. He never seemed to mind being surrounded by teenagers while he was trying to work; in fact he seemed to welcome our presence (although he did put us to work folding flyers!) He was a wonderful teacher and friend to us all. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

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