Paul Emerson Olson

Born September 14, 1954, Paul was the oldest son of Clifford and Patience Olson and grew up on the Emerson family homestead in Great Bend, Pennsylvania. At Blue Ridge High School, he discovered a love of music that became a lifelong passion and the defining work of his professional life.

A musician, conductor and educator, Paul earned his degree in music from Houghton College in New York, a master's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and pursued doctoral studies in choral conducting at Texas Tech University. He taught at Grand Canyon University before joining Brophy College Preparatory, where he would make his most enduring professional mark.

At Brophy, Paul transformed a music program of just 15 students into a thriving choir and orchestra program serving more than 200 students, including three full choirs. But his legacy was about far more than program growth. Paul believed deeply in the discipline, commitment and collaboration required to create beautiful music, and he expected his students to rise to that standard.

His students knew his oft-repeated declaration: “Mediocrity is not an option.” Paul could be demanding and exacting, but humor was also an important part of his classroom, and he formed lasting connections with many young musicians. The choir's mantra, “One heart, one voice,” captured his belief that music was ultimately a collective endeavor, with each individual contributing to something greater than themselves.

Paul's legacy lives on in the music program he built at Brophy and, even more importantly, in the many students he taught, challenged and inspired over the years.

Music remained central to Paul's life beyond the classroom. A dramatic tenor, he sang professionally with symphonies and found joy in conducting church and community choirs. Whether performing, conducting or teaching, music was the thread that ran throughout his life.

Paul is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kimberly; his sister, Lynda; his sons, Kristopher (Nicole), Kory (Becky) and Morgan (Lexi); and his grandchildren, Kolton, Nina and Rosie. He is also remembered by the many Brophy students whose lives were touched by Mr. Olson and his love of music.

A private burial service will be held in Pennsylvania.

Those wishing to honor Paul’s legacy are invited to contribute in his honor to the Brophy Fund (https://www.brophyprep.org/make-a-gift) at Brophy College Preparatory.