John F. Briscoe

In Loving Memory of JOHN F. BRISCOE Oct. 31, 1934 - July 19, 2005 John was born on Halloween in 1934 in Montana and grew up in Casper, Wyo. He died after a battle with heart disease. He was 70 years old. John completed his bachelor's degree and earned post-graduate degrees in music education and engi neering from Northwestern University. He took his first teaching position at South High School in Bakersfield, California before coming to Glendora High School in 1976. He directed the Glendora Tartan Marching Band from 1976 through 1981. He was affectionately called 'Irving' by his many students at Glendora High School. Under John's leadership the Tartan Band earned many honors and invitations to perform throughout California and internationally. In 1980 the Band and Drill Team traveled to Geneva Switzerla nd, by invitation, to perform in the 'Fetes De Geneva', in Montreux and many other venue throughout Switzerland. They also marched in the Pasadena Rose Parade and hosted and housed numerous performing musicians from many schools. This included a Japanese high school band, 'The Young Americans", international singing group and Musicians from the University of the Pacific. John returned to Bakersfield after a few years off from teaching. In Bakersfield he not only directed the music program at the South High School but helped create the Bakersfield Music Theater and Summer Music in the Park. "He was a character," said his wife Betty Briscoe. He lived to play music and to teach. He was mischievous and he had a laugh in his eyes all the time. Betty and John met through a Thunderbird enthusiast club and were wed in 1999. John also loved cars, motorcycles, fishing and camping. He was often included in outings with the families of his students in Glendora. He is survived by his sons, Brad and David Briscoe, and a gr andchild. A memorial service, including live music performances, will be held in his honor at 2 p.m. August 14 at the First United Methodist Church on Stocdale Highway. It is his bequest that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bakersfield Music Theater in the memory of John F. Briscoe, 1931 Chester Avenue, Bakersdield, CA 93301 or call 661-325-6100. For those who wish to send cards to Betty and Family the address is 8536 Kern Canyon Rd., #110, Bakersfield, CA 93306.