tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post4170608096268030085..comments2024-03-22T14:59:09.847-07:00Comments on O.C. History Roundup: Ken Leavens (1933-2019)Chris Jepsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00207321906121901004noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-57898088906983406372022-05-13T08:08:12.783-07:002022-05-13T08:08:12.783-07:00David Kurrasch just emailed me his comments on thi...David Kurrasch just emailed me his comments on this blog post: <br />". . . He was a rare talent for a Jr. High choir instructor. Very passionate in his work. We used to love the times when he would bring in Laurel and Hardy films . . . <br /><br />"I was in the Willard Boy's Choir in 1970-1971. Mr. Leavens was passionate about what he did, and he brought out EXCELLENCE in our performance. Giuseppe Verdi ("Repentir", a.k.a. O Divine Redeemer) was a song we learned and performed. Only in adulthood did I realize how special it was that a Jr. High Choir would perform such a song! I am looking to produce that song again with the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey.... Thanks for sharing your passion with us, Mr. Leavens. God rest your soul.<br /><br />"In the picture of the Choir, I recognize Mark Wallengren (radio host of KOST 103 with Kim Amidon). He is 6th from the right, front row, with glasses. <br /><br />"Thanks again for sharing. Made my day."<br />Chris Jepsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00207321906121901004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-22639079953948461492020-10-29T23:10:43.696-07:002020-10-29T23:10:43.696-07:00Cameron Dall just responded via email:
"I ju...Cameron Dall just responded via email:<br /><br />"I just ran across your blog about the passing of Mr. Leavens. I have thought about him so many times in the past few years because I became a band director and he was my first glimpse into playing in a band in 6th grade in 1974-75. <br /> <br />"I remember Mr. Leavens as the band director for one year at Willard - 1974-75. Then he taught only choir at Willard after that. Great teacher. I remember on one occasion that he showed Laurel and Hardy films in the band room from his personal collection. From what I also remember, he collected 78rpm records of the "Six Brown Brothers" a group of 6 saxophone players from the 1920s<br /><br />"Just a few remembrances of him. Thanks for telling us a little bit about him."<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your memories, Cameron. <br />Chris Jepsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00207321906121901004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-64343944919626434612020-10-11T20:18:54.612-07:002020-10-11T20:18:54.612-07:00I also was a member of the Willard Boys Choir whil...I also was a member of the Willard Boys Choir while in junior high and also have the 33" LP we recorded during that time.Harlan Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12803957175928287388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-17841077458381900192020-08-07T18:49:52.099-07:002020-08-07T18:49:52.099-07:00I sang in the Willard Boys Choir, 1964-1967. This ...I sang in the Willard Boys Choir, 1964-1967. This is a fond memory. While moving recently, I came across a 33" L/P vinyl that the choir had made, probably 1965. Perfect condition, and how odd to hear the choir from my youth. Great, great experience, and Ken taught all of us a lot about all kinds of music.Bill Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06365859645696537200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-80975670850021442342020-04-22T11:00:12.349-07:002020-04-22T11:00:12.349-07:00Sorry to see him go. He was a very good customer ...Sorry to see him go. He was a very good customer of mine since 2007. He stopped responding in august 2018 to my phone calls. No obituary or anything. I almost called for a wellness check. Rest In Peace Ken. Thank you Tom for your efforts.Jhill8https://www.blogger.com/profile/09486402206090208159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-87255115720920691912020-02-01T13:58:03.346-08:002020-02-01T13:58:03.346-08:00Sorry, I meant Old Courthouse Museum SocietySorry, I meant Old Courthouse Museum SocietyTom Pickettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-60665186470064829172020-02-01T07:14:39.406-08:002020-02-01T07:14:39.406-08:00So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken Leavens. I ...So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken Leavens. I served with him on the Board of the Old Courthouse Historical Society and always enjoyed his observations and humor. Tom Pickettnoreply@blogger.com