Robert Page, Director of Choral Activities at Temple University 1956 – 1975

April 27, 1927 - August 7, 2016

We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Page. In addition to his influence throughout the world of choral music, Bob was beloved by Temple students and colleagues alike and produced outstanding results, including winning the “Best Classical Choral Performance” Grammy Award with our choirs in 1967. Along with Elaine Brown, Alan Harler and others, Mr. Page was instrumental in building our outstanding Choral program and along with of students, faculty and alumni, I am grateful for his leadership and creative vision.

-Robert Stroker, Dean and Vice Provost for the Arts, Temple University

Gail Poch, Professor of Music, Choral Activities Department 1968 – 2001

August 3, 1936 – August 31, 2016

Gail Poch passed away August 31st having celebrated his 80th birthday on August 3, 2016.

Gail completed his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting in 1961 with Robert Page. Following the completion of his degree, he taught High School in North Jersey until he returned to Temple as a faculty member in 1968. He taught classes In Choral Literature, Conducting, and served as the conductor of University Singers. He worked under the chairmanships of Robert Page, Elaine Brown, and Alan Harler at the Boyer College of Music for 33 years. He passed away in Sudbury, Massachusetts on August 31, 2016.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob Page's passing. Bob somehow managed to be both a titan in the choral field and a cherished friend and mentor to hundreds of Temple students. His passion for the largest and most complex choral/orchestral masterpieces was matched only by his love of the most charming and tender Broadway tunes; I suspect his equal love of both was just one quality that endeared him to so many singers. His contributions to the choral community as a conductor, teacher, and arranger remain legendary.

Having the opportunity to observe him rehearse Temple alumni at the 2014 reunion was a blessing. I saw flashes of the qualities so many singers loved in his work: high standards, humor, candor, charm, wit, all rolled into a smile or a playful smirk. Watching the faces on the alumni as he worked made clear that this was a man who touched lives directly, and in doing so who reminded us that music is a vehicle for communication between human beings. The Temple choral community will miss him dearly.

-Paul Rardin, Elaine Brown Chair in Choral Music, Temple University

REMEMBERING ROBERT PAGE
Sunday April 2, 4:00pm
Temple Performing Arts Center
1837 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University choirs and alumni will remember the legendary conductor Robert Page, whose passion, wisdom, wit, and artistry changed the lives of hundreds of students and brought musical renown to Temple. The event will feature performances by Temple's Concert Choir, a choir of "Page Alumni," and remembrances from friends, colleagues, and former students. A reception will follow.

If you are interested in singing in the "Page Alumni" choir, please contact Paul Rardin at rardin@temple.edu with your name and voice part. We hope to see and hear many of you that weekend.

Additional details and formal invitation to follow in early 2017.

Remembrances

Please take the time to enjoy some of the amazing memories shared by Bob’s students and colleagues from Temple University.