Kevin Christopher Black

Kevin Christopher Black age 53 of Syracuse NY, passed away April 21, 2024, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Tx while surrounded by his loving wife & children. A celebration of life memorial service was held in Houston at Gateway Community Church on June 1st, 2024. Kevin was born August 5, 1970, to Maurice Atwell Black and Kathleen Rose Coble in Brewerton, NY. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Maurice W. Black & Francis Clapper Black, Joseph Coble & Norma Graves Coble, Nephew Randy Counterman. He is survived by his wife Lea Black, children Sophia & Sean, stepchildren Dalleon, Serayah, & Alainah, his Father & Mother Maurice & Kathleen, his sister Lisa Counterman, several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, class of 1988. He studied private cello with Joseph Brin in Baldwinsville, New York.

He earned his B.M.Ed. from Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY and a M.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Akron. He studied cello under Julian Tryczynski and Dr. Angela Myles Beeching. His professors included notable educational composers Richard Stephan, Elliot Del Borgo and Robert Washburn. During his time at Crane, he had the unique opportunity to study as the continuo cellist for the studio of Patricia Misslin, where he accompanied future Metropolitan Opera singers Stephanie Blythe and Margaret Lattimore. He also studied cello with Michael Haber, formerly of the Cleveland Orchestra, and chamber music with Alan Bodman, of the Meadowmount School of Music. In 2010, Kevin Black was awarded a fellowship with The Fund for Teachers® and used his grant funds to study chamber music at the St. Lawrence String Quartet Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford University. While in Palo Alto, he participated in an intense week of coaching and performances with members of the St. Lawrence Quartet, the Gryphon Trio, and notable pianist, Stephen Prutsman. He was a retired music educator of 30 years and cello performer & soloist throughout his lifetime.

During his career, he served as Director of Orchestras for 30 years in Texas Schools; Pasadena, ISD and Clear Creek ISD, as a recognized orchestra both across the state and country. During his tenure, his orchestras were awarded UIL achievements, sweepstakes, Honor Orchestras, National Orchestra multiple times. He was active in the organizations of TMAA, TMEA, and TODA, and was an active clinician, cellist, and conductor. His favorite moments in his career included conducting in Carnegie Hall, New York, in 2006 and Symphony Hall, Chicago, in 2010 with the Clear Lake High School Orchestra.

He was an advocate of the arts and education. He loved to learn, read, travel, garden, cook, and spend time with his family. He will not only be remembered as an outstanding musician but also as a cherished teacher and a loving husband, father, grandpa and a vital member of his church and community. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew him.

Link to a message from the family and Memorial Program. https://docs.google.com/document/d/10We_JWpNPvgDsEwOweGzjLD1yC4dnOMN7dQfB8GHFuQ/mobilebasic