In Memoriam: Donald DeRoche
These “in memoriam” posts can never really do justice to the influence the memorialized had on our program and my teaching. It’s not an exaggeration that our program wouldn’t be where it is today if not for Don DeRoche.
I was beyond lucky to have Don as a band parent when I started teaching in 1996. He was Director of Bands at DePaul University and was willing to be as involved (or uninvolved) as we needed. Several things jump out remembering those days:
- He loved this. All of it. Music, band, orchestra, chamber music, performing, rehearsing, listening, teaching
- He had the best stories. From his time as a student in Verne Reimer’s legendary York High School Band, to his time as a student at Northwestern University, to his first teaching job at Willowbrook High School, to his work at DePaul University.
- Don was always teaching.
As a young teacher, this was exactly what I needed when I needed it and he had a tremendous long-term influence on my teaching both pedagogically and philosophically. I can’t remember a single time I asked Don for help and he didn’t jump in with both feet, even well after his son Jeff had graduated. He was in our band room often, and his ability to make the kids better was inspiring. I think of him often.
Don was a guest conductor for both of our Midwest Clinic performances. Conducting Henry Fillmore’s Orange Bowl in 2006 (bringing down the house) and Paginini’s Moto Perpetuo in 2013 with Jeff as guest soloist.
- In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Donald DeRoche
- Moto perpetuo, Op. 11, MS 72 (Arr. D. Hunsberger for Wind Ensemble) – 2013 Midwest Clinic (McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band, Donald DeRoche, guest conductor)
