FUMC Ann Arbor Memorial Service of Larry Edward Dittmar

Heaven has a new conductor now. Larry Dittmar age 84, died peacefully as he listened to Les Preludes one final time. He dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring and service to the community. His leadership started in scouting where he obtained Eagle Scout status and was a member of Order of the Arrow. Larry attended Wayne State and Eastern Michigan where he obtained his music and counseling degrees. His teaching career began in Wayne-Westland where he led a 100-piece marching band. Moving to Ann Arbor, he taught for 30 years, the last 20 Conducting the Clague and Huron Orchestras. During this time, he did not simply work as an orchestra conductor, but worked tirelessly to enrich his students with trips to Carnegie Hall and Disney World and many other places to perform. Larry loved music and students so much that he spent 40 summers at Interlochen Arts Camp working as Intermediate and All State Boys Director where he met his wife Prudy and later moved to the Concert Office. The family spent their summers there, giving all a deep appreciation for the arts. Of the numerous awards, he received the two he most treasured were Orchestra Teacher of the year and a Life Time Achievement Award from American String Teacher Association. Retirement saw Larry traveling the globe with his wife visiting most of the continents. A church in Kenya wanted an American Band. With encouragement from First United Methodist Church, he traveled with the mission teams starting in 2007 and worked to form a music program there. In typical Larry fashion, simply conducting was not enough. He got over 300 instruments donated and delivered to this new program. After several years of arranging US teachers to work with the Kenyan students, he was thrilled when a Kenyan Director was found to Conduct the Band. The Band was even part of a TED Talks presentation. In addition to music Larry was an avid fly fisherman in catch and release streams using barbless hooks. Larry leaves behind his wife Prudy, two sons, Russell (Sue), and Mark, three Grandsons Ryan, John and Dax. His brother Ralph (Nancy), numerous cousins, and his beloved little dog Gabby who was always by his side also survive him. His quiet leadership style, and endless energy were an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Видео FUMC Ann Arbor Memorial Service of Larry Edward Dittmar канала Dale Leslie