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T. James Hallan

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Lincoln School

T. Hallan Obituary

HALLAN, T. JAMES, 90, died peacefully at home on Nov. 20, 2007. He was the husband of the late Evelyn Bradley Hallan. He is survived by one son, T. James Hallan, Jr. and his wife, Doro; three daughters, Susan Ballou and her husband, Sonny, Linda Hallan, Deborah Hallan-Hennig and her husband, David; 9 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Mr. Hallan was an organist, music educator, and choirmaster for over 60 years. During his career in Rhode Island, he served as choirmaster at St. Dunstan's School; he founded and directed the RI Boy Choir; he was the music director at Lincoln School, Wheeler School, Moses Brown, and Providence Country Day; and he was the organist and choirmaster at St. Martin's Church in Providence where he served for over 40 years, and at St. Michael's and Grace Church in Rumford. Mr. Hallan is best known for his work at Lincoln School from the 1950s through the 1980s where he directed the Glee Club and founded and directed the Lambrequins. The Lambrequins travelled and performed throughout southern New England and extensively through Europe. In 1969 they competed at the International Eisteddfod in Wales finishing in third place in a competition which included 27 groups from throughout the world. Through his music and his love of life, Jim Hallan enriched the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders.

A memorial service of music and celebration will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin's Church, Providence. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island or the T.J. Hallan Fund for Music at Lincoln School. Condolences may be sent to MonahanDrabbleSherman.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Nov. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for T. Hallan

Sponsored by Mary Lewis.

15 Entries

Gregory Sadovnikoff, M.D.

December 1, 2007

I am happy to count myself among the multitudes who experienced Jim's tutelage; in my case this included both instruction at Moses Brown and time in the RI Boys Choir (live on closed circuit TV at the NY Worlds Fair, no less). My fondest memories of Jim, however, come from learning of another sort. As our families were close, my mother having been his colleague, I had the distinct pleasure of receiving driving lessons, on dirt roads, at the wheel of his magnificent, gold Plymouth Satellite convertible. This must have been the Summer of '71, when I was fourteen. Unforgettable.

Linda & Myles Marsden

November 30, 2007

Mr. Hallan was my choirmaster at St. Dunstans in the early 50's. He also served as President of the State Ballet of Rhode Island from 1964-66 when I was Artistic Director of the Company. My wife Linda and I would like to give our deepest condolences to his family, he will be truly missed.

Jennifer Wells

November 28, 2007

Mr. Hallan was an inspiration to all who knew him... I was a Lambrequin from 1983-1985 and treasure the memories I have of studying with such a wonderful teacher. He will be missed but will live on through the music he taught us.

Ann (Bonte '68) Hackett

November 27, 2007

Is there anyone who hears the Moldau by Smetana that doesn't think of Mr. Hallan? It was a composition he exposed in music classes at Lincoln. Because it is requested so often on our public radio station, I frequently think of Mr. Hallan when I hear it. In addition 31 years after our Lambrequin trip to Wales, I was able to relive the experience with my daughter whose choir also competed in the International Eisteddfod! What a talented teacher and genuine person he was! His family is in my prayers.

Whitney Hough Wiener

November 27, 2007

I had the honor and pleasure of having Mr Hallan play at my wedding in 2001. Unfortunately it was the las time I saw his radiant smile. I too was a Lambrequin and Mr Hallan "graduated" with my class in 1986. Being a Lambrequin was an experience I was able to share with my mother and we both reflect back on our experiences fondly. Mr Hallan taught us so much more than how to sing, his goal was to make us well-rounded, cultured women. I think he succeeded well. My deepest sympathy to his family. The choir of angles will be singing better than ever under his direction.

Mark Howe

November 26, 2007

I owe Jim Hallan a great debt of gratitude. I sang under him in the choir at St. Martin's Church, and when I had studied piano long enough, he took me on as an organ pupil. He was unyielding in his insistence on self-discipline, whether in singing, liturgical decorum, or organ practice. Whether he knew it or not at the time, he was an example and a role model for me, and I absorbed from him both attitudes and skills that remain with me today. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Mark Howe
Canon Precentor and Director of Music, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, Vermont

Margaret Hall Donabed

November 26, 2007

Mr. Hallan was a gift to everyone who knew him. I am proud to have been a Lambrequin. He taught me so much about music - how to read it, make it, appreciate it, respect it and love it. He taught me just as much about life too. I am grateful for the genuine love and caring that he showed me for many years. I am also thankful that I was able to tell him all this at his 90th birthday last year. What a guy! I have vivid memories of him directing us as we sang or played the bells....his arms moving, his eyebrows going up and down, his smile, his pride. Thanksgiving hymns and Christmas music always make me think of him. This was his time of year! My love to the Hallan family.

Lauren Swick Jordan

November 26, 2007

I sang in the Lincoln Glee Club and Lambrequins from 1984-86, and have such wonderful memories of Mr. Hallan. My favorite is the glowing smile on his face as we sang with the St. Martin's Choir at Advent service - he beamed as the amazing sound reverberated off the church walls at the end of the Halleluja Chorus. I'll remember his kindness, guidance and generous spirit for the rest of my days. All my sympathies to his family - please know that Mr. Hallan was loved by everyone who knew him.

Susan Elson Neale

November 26, 2007

I just received word from Lincoln about Mr. Hallan.I knew this day would come and my deepest sympathies go out to all of you. I loved Mr. Hallan and he taught me so much about growing up and life in general. I was one of his Lambrequin flock and they were the best times of my life at Linclon. I will sing for him on Friday with all my heart. My prayers are with you all especially you Debbie
Susan Elson Neale class of 1978

Janet Savoie

November 26, 2007

I was in glee club and the Lambrequins in the 1960's and it was one of my favorite memories of my 10 years at Lincoln School. The last time I saw Mr. Hallan was at a Lambrequin reunion about 10 years ago, which I attended with my sister Paula who was also a Lambequin. He was still witty and wonderful. Jim Hallan was an incredibly gifted musician and teacher. He always inspired everyone to do their best and the success of the Lambrequins is a testament to that.

Beverly J. Cook

November 26, 2007

Jim Hallan and his family lived on same street in Rumford as we did and all were close friends. As my second organ teacher and mentor, he made it possible for me to attend music college. He will forever be in our memories as a great musician, educator who used his special gifts to make the world a better place.
To Jimmy, Susan, Linda, Deb & Chauncey, may God bless you in your time of sorrow. Ken & I send much love.

Linda Shires

November 25, 2007

I sang as a Lambrequin at Lincoln School (class of 1968) under Mr. Hallan's direction. He did so much for music in RI! One of my fondest personal memories is his teaching us how to read symphonic scoring--a lasting gift. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Dr. Leonard Nyberg, Jr.

November 25, 2007

I sang with the St. Dunstan Boy Choristers under T. James Hallan from 1949 through 1951. Later when I was in high school he made a valiant attempt to improve my piano technique. The last time I saw him was in the 1960's when Dr. Alex McCurdy, one of my organ teachers, gave a recital at St. Martins. He will be missed.

richard Phelps

November 24, 2007

Mr. Hallan was my choir master at St. Dunstans for three years. As a very young boy he taught me disipline and how to stay on task. He has always stood as an example of what a truly fine person is.

Donna (Russo) Cummings

November 24, 2007

Jim was my choir director when I was a teenager, and later we became colleagues at St. Dunstan's School. He was also wonderful friend and neighbor in Rumford. My deepest sympathy to you all.

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