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Juan Portela posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Thank you for teaching me that precision and excellence matter, and the nobility of that pursuit ultimately honors the craft. Your leadership was life-shaping, and I embrace the lessons learned from you as I train up my own guys coming up.
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Ryan Hinton posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
I was recollecting my time with Mr. Whitney between 1994 and 1998 at UCF and remembering how much he kept everyone on a tight rope and keeping everyone on their toes for accountability. I was asked by a friend today, whom is putting both of her children in lessons (cello and violin), if I had any recommendations or tips to help her children. The memories of Mr. Whitney came rushing back. He was a big part of my musicianship at UCF and I never wanted to disappoint him. I mentioned to my friend what Mr. Whitney often repeated to our violin class, "Don't crush the rabbits!". I had to explain this to my friend for her children today and wanted to come and express how much I appreciate everything he did for me and all of the students he molded. 25+ years later, his professing still rings on and it rings in my children's (4 and 6 yo) ears as they both started violin at the age of 3 and also playing piano and percussion. I am appreciative and thankful for all of Mr. Whitney's guidance and wisdom. May he rest peacefully.
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Michelle OBrien Mottram posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
I do not know why today I thought Of Mr. Whitney.Maybe because I have My own Children three that played the cello one flute and one trumpet. During this Covid the youngest I have set up online lessons to keep them engaged in their instrument. I was stunned when I decided to look up Mr Whitney's and found that he had past 6 years ago. I am also a product of the West Genesee School District.I was His student the last 5 years her worked in that school district. My very first concert under Him I was 11. I was in Junior high. I remember hearing the high school Orchestra Play. They were so good It Brought me to tears and that night when it was all over I went and told him so and thanked him. Well that started our Love hate relationship. I was talented but a social butterfly and hated to practice. Which would annoy him to no end. I played the cello I would either sit third or first Chair depending on if I practiced or not. I loved long nails and I would grow them out and paint them constantly. All of a sudden Mr Whitney would stop the Orchestra turn to me throw a pair of clipper and yell O'BRIEN I CAN HEAR YOUR NAILS CLICKING FROM HERE! When he would be out sick our substitute teacher Mrs Felice would let me Conduct the orchestra during practice. I would remember every Que and gesture he had and try to copy it.When transitioning to High school I was forced to choose between Orchestra and choir. Freshmen girls had to first sing in freshmen girls choir for one year then they could be in the mixed choir the next year. The Girls choir met the same time as the orchestra. I made it very clear to Mr Whitney I did not like this rule. He pretty much said that's too bad O'Brien deal with it. Then a few days later at our winter music department concert I sang O little town of Bethlehem as a Solo with the junior high choir. The next Day I was summons to Mr Whitney's office. He told me that after watching me sign the night before he had made arrangements for me to join the mixed choir next year so could do both, orchestra and choir. That meant a lot to me even though I would have chosen Orchestra if forced to choose. Mr Whitney was my conductor for all but one of My Musicals I did in High school When I told him I wanted to be in our schools Marching band and since they did not need a marching cello he got me into the drum line. During the summer before before my senior Year two girls I knew from Orchestra ran in to me and said come with us to Mr Whitneys house he is having an farewell party. I was shocked! A farewell party he cant leave now I have one more year. So at the party he kept teasing me to "stop pouting OBrien" your bringing the party down. I kept telling him I don't know what I am going to do with out him. he was so much apart of what I I Loved in school, Music and the only teacher I could argue with and not get in trouble. He could be loud, scary, strict and I loved every min of it.thank you thank you thank you Mr Whitney forgiving me the opportunity being apart of something magical growing up and not dumbing it down for me. love OBrien
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Kim Whitney Posted Aug 13, 2020 at 7:43 AM
Thank you for sharing your story. He loved his students and watching them succeed. He knew the students’ capability and had high expectations he knew they would meet if they tried. He saw talent and tried to help them. He was a gifted musician. He was also a good father, husband and friend. He is sorely missed.
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Marc Balaban posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
A great motivator, mentor, and teacher. Very thankful for the opportunity to have met a learn from such a gifted man.
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Steve and Barbara Brown posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
Steve and I are so sorry to hear this. Steve met John in 1960 at Ithaca College and we had a long and beautiful musical history together. It's true, he was a great musician. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family. He was in the original "Que Pasa" with me, Joe Bouchard, Tony Monforte, and Suzanne French.
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Rick and Bonnie Mizell posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kim.
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Eddie Metz posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Jeff & Sara Roudebush posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
From our first meeting in September of 1967, it was clear that John was an incredible musical talent. From his orchestral conducting to his musicianship on a multitude of instruments, his amazing ability to walk in both the classical and jazz worlds, and his composing/arranging chops, he was truly the “musician’s musician.” He was a teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend for 47 years. He will be greatly missed. Our love goes out to Kim, Ryan, and the family.
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Eric Hoare posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
JC got me music to love and after would have strangled e was tough but very fair. I will always thank him for passing on the love of music (all types). Thank you J.C. Whitney and RIP. Sorry to the family for the loss.
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Margo Townsend Zimmermann posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. "Mr. Whitney" was my teacher in the West Genesee Schools throughout my education there. He started me on the violin at age 8 and remained a great teacher throughout my high school years. I remember him as a passionate teacher with gifted musical talent. I learned so much. My condolences.
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Beth Bichler posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
The world has lost a great musician and teacher. Thoughts are with all of you.
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Donna Lauricella posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I too was a student of Mr. Whitney's at West Genesee in the 70's. I remember when we were about in 6th grade, the entire orchestra and string students were invited to a pool party at the Whitney's when they lived at Village Green. I also remember thinking that a String teacher much be paid a ridiculous amount of money to afford buying us all McDonalds for lunch and having us swim at the pool! Now that I am a bit wiser, I know that Mr. Whitney was an amazing teacher who was intense, dedicated, and cared so much for all his students. He never let you slack off and expected the best.Oh, how I dreaded my private lessons! I believe we are all better for knowing such a man. My thoughts are with you all.
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Clair and Nancy Christy posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
Kim, Were so saddened to hear of John's passing. All last night I could think of only wonderful , happy moments spent wtih you and John and the wonderful work and influence he was on so many lives. He will always be remembered. Love, Nancy and Clair
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Jim Weidman posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I was an English teacher at West Genesee and a colleague of John's. First of all, he was very friendly, and it was always fun to meet him in the hall and, being somewhat of a music fan myself, we always had lots to talk about. John loved music, and he was so talented. Here we read of him being a string and orchestra teacher, which he was great at. Well, I can also remember him playing jazz piano Saturday nights at Scratch Daniel's, and I asked him if he could play "Stella by Starlight". Now that's not an easy tune to play, but John just played it beautifully, just like that. What a guy! An orchestra teacher playing "Stella by Starlight" just like a pro. Which he was. And a fantastic guy, too. I admired him very much and was terribly sorry to hear today of his passing. But he sure did live a good life. Good bye, John. I never hear or think of "Stella by Starlight" without also thinking of you, and what a cool guy you were.
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Diane Coloton posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I am so sad. Also a beneficiary of WG's fine music department, even as a teen in the 60's I felt Mr. Whitney was extraordinarily gifted and frankly overqualified for high school teaching. Now a college music prof myself, I'm sure I was right. RIP John Whitney. Your impact on my young musical life is a treasured gift.
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Mark Stern posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of John. He loved life, his family and his music. He was a terrific, dedicated musician who created and led others to see the passion of music. He will be missed.
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Mark Sinnett posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I would like to express my sadness in finding out about Mr. Whitney's passing. I was a music student of his at West Genesee High School in Camillus, specifically playing trumpet in the orchestra and jazz band. Mr. Whitney inspired confidence in me - he believed in me before I believed in myself. I particularly remember the huge smile he had on his face after I stood in front of our jazz band to play a solo (I was a nervous wreck). I could never thank him enough for that vote of confidence. That smile has stayed with me since. Thank you Mr. Whitney!
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Tina Hunting Gant posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
Dear Kim, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of John, I remember him well, and was always happy to rehearse and practice music such as Brahms or Beethoven symphonies with him. My heart goes out to you and the family, Fondly, Tina (Hunting) Gant, previously from Orlando FL, now living in Youngstown Ohio area.
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Lori Steinbarge Hoffman posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2015
I just heard of Mr. Whitney's passing today from my Mom's WG retirement letter. Mr Whitney was a gifted musician and teacher. I remember one Jr High Orchestra class playing only one note for the whole period until we got it perfect.That drive for perfection had an impact on me and I still think back to it 34 years later....making me think about being proud of my work and being the best I can be and not settling for less. Hearing Mr. Whitney play that thing he blew into that had a keyboard was a treat!! As young teens we thought he was soooooo cool! And I still to this day say "I played under A guy who 'cut a record'" Sarah Jane so sorry you lost your Dad. Lori Steinbarge Violin @ WGJH
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In Loving Memory
John Whitney
1942 - 2014
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