You know someone must have touched many, many lives when an entire auditorium goes completely silent at the announcement of his death. My piano teacher from many years ago, who also worked on the musicals I was in during high school, passed away two days ago. He had moved across the country a few years ago, and so we only found out this afternoon.
The concert grand piano I play for the shows was his, there’s a piece of masking tape with his name on it in sharpie on one of the bottom rails- he had let the school borrow it, but then gave it to them outright when he moved. The director dedicated tonight’s show to him. The kids outdid themselves, putting on the best opening night I’ve ever seen. It was a fitting tribute.
Gary, you will be missed.