2/6/1961 – 11/4/2017
Member. Timpani
Alan Wesley Reinecke, professional percussionist and computer technologist, died Nov. 4 at home in Arcadia with his wife, parents and sister at his side. He was 56, and had been diagnosed in April with pancreatic cancer. Continue reading
Copyist
8/24/1974 – 4/17/2017
by Lars Clutterham
This sequel to the original notice of the untimely passing of film music prep musician, Derrick Lefebvre (as initially published in the June Overture), is provided in order to expand on his contribution to the L.A. film music scene during his all-too-short career in the industry.
A native of Kokomo, Indiana, and a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, with degrees in both Music Education and Composition, Derrick — like a number of his eventual music industry colleagues — came to L.A. to study film music composition at USC. Continue reading
We join the world in mourning the loss of Chris Cornell, who died the evening of May 17, 2017. He was 52.
A member of AFM Local 47, Chris was a dynamic musician and one of the greatest voices of this generation. The frontman of influential ’90s grunge group Soundgarden, he went on to join two supergroups, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, in addition to enjoying a successful solo career. Continue reading
Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
2/26/1925 – 5/7/2017
He lived to entertain and laugh. He was successful at both. Dave Pell, legend with the saxophone and an innovative voice of the West Coast Jazz movement has passed away at the age of 92. Continue reading
Copyist
8/24/1974 – 4/17/2017
Derrick Adam Lefebvre, of Los Angeles, California, passed away April 17, 2017, at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center in L.A. He was born Aug. 24, 1974 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Larry and Sandy (Summers) Lefebvre. Derrick was a 1992 graduate of Kokomo High School where he was president of his senior class, a member of the high school marching band, concert band, and jazz band, and German club. He was also a member of the Kokomo swim team. Derrick graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis in 1996. He was a member of the Butler Symphony, Butler Wind Ensemble, and his favorite, the JCFA Composers Orchestra. He was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Alpha Beta Chapter. In Los Angeles, Derrick worked as a composer and proofreader at JoAnn Kane Music Service. Continue reading
Publicity photograph for John Setar (c. 1980).
Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
11/16/1924 – 3/15/2017
by Jay and Katherine Setar
Most musicians knew John Setar to be fine studio, stage, and casual musician (flute, clarinet, and sax), contractor, leader, and union member/committee member. Dad might have cited his television work with Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, the Steve Allen Westinghouse Show, and his work on the “Gravy Waltz” recording (which won the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Original Jazz Composition) as the highlights of his extensive career. However, we prefer to focus on our father as the kind, generous, self-made man who enriched the lives of those around him. Continue reading
Life Member. Ukulele
1/10/1930 – 3/3/2017
Lyle Ritz, 87, Los Angeles studio bassist and ukulele legend, a resident of Portland, died peacefully, March 3, 2017. He was best known as an acoustic bass player for the legendary Los Angeles studio group, the Wrecking Crew. He was also known for his groundbreaking recordings and passion for a much smaller instrument, the ukulele.
Lyle is survived by his wife of 40 years, Geri Ritz; his daughter, Emily Ritz Miyasato; and adoptive son, Thomas Ritz. Thomas Ritz has two daughters, Lauren and Jenna Ritz. Lyle was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law, Jared Miyasato.
Former Member. Drum Set
10/19/1948 – 3/1/2017
Elvin Lloyd Myers Jr., 68 of La Verne, California, died March 1, 2017. He was born in Texas, the only child of Elvin and Mildred Rogers Myers. He attended Brown Military Academy in San Diego and graduated from Montclair High School. He studied home building and remodeling at Cal Poly Pomona university, and other subjects at Mt. San Antonio College, Yale University, and Citrus College. Elvin Lloyd was a gifted musician, licensed general contractor, beloved dance instructor, great friend to many, beloved family member, and a loving son. Continue reading
Clarinet
10/13/1953 – 8/19/2016
Note: David Stanton’s passing was reported to Local 47 in March 2017. The following obituary is submitted by his family.
David Stanton, 63, of Hawthorne, passed on Aug. 19, 2016, in his home surrounded by family and friends. His death was caused by a rare form of melanoma. Continue reading
11/10/1924 – 1/20/2017
Life Member. Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet
Andreas “Andy” Kostelas was born on November 10, 1924 to immigrant Greek parents, George and Mary. Andy grew up with two siblings in Sedalia, Missouri where he began his study of the clarinet as a student He began his professional career at age 16 where he performed at several local watering holes and dance establishments. Continue reading