Deborah Clasquin, pianist and teacher much beloved on the North Coast, passed away on Tuesday, it was announced today. In his email to colleagues, Dean Kenneth Ayoob called her "a force of nature," and Deborah certainly was that. She was a force for good on the North Coast and for the students and fellow HSU faculty she championed. I'll always remember sitting behind her on the Fulkerson Hall stage as she played "Rhapsody in Blue." My last encounter with her ended in a long hug. We will miss her.
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ReplyDeleteI am originally from Eureka. I went to HSU before heading off to the SFCM conservatory. The first year Deborah was hired to teach at HSU was also my first year there as a flute major. I never took classes with Deborah, however I had the good fortune of hanging out and having long talks with her about life and music in the music building. I moved to Paris after graduating from SFCM and saw her once in Arcata during a visit home. Last October Deborah gave three recitals in Paris. I went to all three of them. I met her lovely children, Signe was 6 months old the last time I'd seen her. Each recital was excellent and something special to listen too. The last recital at the American church was astounding! Eventhough it had been around 14 years since we'd met up, seeing her again was like no time had passed. Her generosity, humanity, good humor and strength immensly touched me once again. I feel so incredibly lucky to have spent quality time with this amazing individual and have very fond memories. We love you Deborah!
ReplyDeleteDeborah was my piano teacher. She taught me everything I know. She introduced music to me when I thought I already knew it. I didn't. I was saddened to hear about her passing, and think about her every time I play the piano. She was a beautiful person in a world of many "simpletons" <--- her words :) I love her and miss her. Her legacy will carry on. -- Joe
ReplyDeleteShe was an incredibly passionate - beautiful person... She was my piano teacher... What a gift she gave all of us... I rememember attending one of her concerts that was being recorded for Performance Today... her gift will continue through the passion she poured into all of us!!!
ReplyDeleteDeborah, I stumbled across a photo oy yours during a Google search. What beautiful searching eyes you had. May your music still be living long and strond in the hearts of all you touched. May your spirit of adventure and warmth continue to be lived through your children. The eyes, a window to the soul of I never knew!
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