Victor P. Rislow III

ITG member Victor P. Rislow III, associate professor of music at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, died December 20, 2005, aged 64. He was a member of the Susquehanna University music faculty for 35 years.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 16, 1941, Vic was raised in Martinsville, Virginia, and graduated from Martinsville High School. He earned a bachelor of music degree from the University of Kentucky where he studied with Jack Hyatt and a master of music in trumpet performance from Western Michigan University where he studied with Donald Bullock. He also studied with Thomas Wohlwender at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He taught at public and private schools in Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan before joining the Susquehanna faculty in 1970 as an instructor in music. He had also taught at Western Michigan, Bucknell University and West Virginia Institute of Technology.

In addition to his dedicated teaching, Vic had extensive performance experience as a trumpeter in a wide range of musical settings. He appeared as a soloist with the Susquehanna University Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Band and gave recitals both on campus and in the region. As the first director of the Susquehanna University Jazz Ensemble, he had also served as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician at high school jazz festivals and competitions.

He was a founding member of the Commonwealth Brass Quintet, formed in 1981 by faculty members from several schools in Pennsylvania to promote the performance of brass chamber music. The quintet was familiar to Susquehanna audiences as they played at special occasions including the annual convocation and commencement ceremonies.

Vic was an exceptional musician and teacher and was the type of person whose presence always made other people feel good. He had many passions and was generous in sharing them with others, whether it was his love of chess, golf, tennis or music. He served as the tennis pro for Susquehanna Valley Country Club and also founded the Susquehanna University cycling club.

A memorial service for Mr. Rislow was held on Jan. 17, 2006, in Stretansky Concert Hall on the campus of Susquehanna University. The Victor P. Rislow III Scholarship has been established in his honor. Donations may be made to the Victor P. Rislow III Scholarship Fund, Development Office, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870, USA.