George Vance Passes

[jgbass]

Oh, sorry to hear this news. From ISB mailing.

A Great Teacher - A Great Friend

George Vance passed away on August 16th after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was internationally recognized as a pioneer of pedagogy for young bassists. The author of Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass, a method for teaching the bass to young students, he was on the faculty of the University of Maryland, and lectured and gave clinics in Ireland, England, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Australia and throughout the United States, as well as holding his own popular annual workshop. A student of Tony Bianco and a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, he was awarded the American String Teachers Association "Citation for Outstanding Leadership and Merit" in 1990. In 1995 the International Society of Bassists presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his groundbreaking work. He held a teaching certificate from the Institut International François Rabbath.

There will be a requiem service and viewing Wednesday night, August 19th, from 7 pm until 9 pm at St. Mark Church, 7124 River Road, Bethesda, MD. On Thursday morning, August 20th, there will be a funeral service at the church at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Rock Creek Cemetery, concluded by a lunch and reception at St Mark Church. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either St. Mark Church, or to the George Vance Young Bassists Education Fund, established in George's honor and dedicated to offering educational opportunities for young bassists. Send donations payable to the International Society of Bassists and addressed to the George Vance Young Bassists Education Fund, International Society of Bassists, 14070 Proton Rd., Suite 100, LB 9, Dallas, Texas 75244. The ISB is a 501(C)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.


The ISB extends its deepest sympathies to George's family and students. His extended family family includes the many bassists around the world who have been inspired and influenced by his life's mission of teaching. George will live on in the memories of the students and colleagues whose lives he changed for the better. He made a difference in his too-short life, and we will miss him with all our hearts

[Bass Barrister]

Very sad news . . .

I had only minimal contact with him last year when I purchased my Prochownik bow through him. Nonetheless, I found him very helpful and genuine in his concern for studenta of the double bass.

May he rest in Peace and his memory be Blessed.

[wineaux]

I've been away and just catching up here. George was a remarkable teacher and quite a player. His work with kids over the years brought a lot of new players to our grand instrument.

George installed the Laborie end pin on one of my basses, and it was in his shop that I first saw the carved German bass that I eventually purchased. By the time I was ready to buy it, the owner had already moved it to another state on consignment. But George tracked it down and let me know where to find it. He didn't have to do that, since there was no money in it for him. It's just the kind of guy he was.

RIP.

[LouisF]

He was a very kind and generous man. I'm sorry to hear this.

Louis

[Paul Warburton]

What a loss.
He did get most of the respect he truly deserved while he was here. I like that part.........