Daniel Allen Laufer

Daniel Allen Laufer, retired Austin ISD Band Director, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2008 at the age of 58. He was born on May 5, 1950 to Harry and Patricia Laufer of Lockport, New York. He graduated from Lockport High School in 1968 and The University of Texas in 1972. Mr. Laufer taught band at Bedichek Middle School for 17 years, and at Zavala, Zilker, Peace, Allison, Joslin, Allen, Williams and Mathews Elementary Schools where he taught 6th grade beginners. In his more than 30 years as an outstanding music educator, He taught hundreds of students the fundamentals and an appreciation of the beauty of music. Dan also knew that making music must be fun and enjoyable. He was loved by his students and co-workers. Dan was also a professional trumpet player. His credits include playing in dance bands, circus bands and churches throughout the Austin area. He was a member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and toured with the American Wind Symphony. He was also founder and leader of the Gabrielli Brass Quintet which performed extensively through-out the area and in many elementary schools as part of the Music in Our Schools program. On a personal level Dan was a man of numerous passions which included rock climbing, scuba diving, photography, canoeing, biking, and gardening. He was deeply committed to nature. He loved bird watching and frequently walked the trails of a park near his home. Dan was a person who touched the lives of many. He was a good friend. Dan is survived by his wife, Jeannie Kelley; mother, Patricia Laufer; brother, Mark, and wife, Elena Laufer of Pace Florida; and brother, Timothy Laufer of Orlando, Florida. Dan was a bright light to his family as well as to his many friends. He made a huge difference in this world, and his presence will be missed deeply. He was a member of the Texas Music Educator's Association, The Texas Bandmasters Association and the Austin Association of Texas Professional Educators. There will be a gathering to celebrate Dan's life on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 PM at Dan's home at 8001 Keneshaw Drive. To help aspiring musicians, a scholarship fund in Dan's honor has been established by his mother. Donations can be made to the Dan Laufer Memorial Scholarship fund and sent to LOCKPORT SENIOR H.S. FOUNDATION, c/o Mr. Frank Movalli, Principal, Lockport Sr. H. S., 250 Lincoln Avenue, Lockport, N.Y. 14094