Alan Edward Raph

Alan Raph, (90) professional musician/composer in the New York/Connecticut area, passed away on December 8, 2023, at Yale New Haven Hospital, due to an accident. He had a storied career in music throughout his life. Alan was the first call player in the '60s and '70s for commercial recording (freelance) in NYC on bass trombone and tuba. He was active in Broadway shows, did solos and clinics for King instruments, and also played the movie "The Wiz" with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

Alan performed with artists from almost all genres, such as Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Frankie Avalon, Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Lena Horne, Buddy Morrow, Mel Davis, Bernie Glow, Urbie Green, Wynton Marsalis, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Watrous, Leopold Stokowski, and the Larry Elgart band.

He recorded for Quincy Jones, Philip Glass, Peter Nero, John Pizzarelli, and Bob Brookmeyer.

He wrote numerous publications for Carl Fischer, edited the Arban Method for Trombone, and also collaborated with Bill Watrous, Dave Steinmeyer, and Wycliffe Gordon on various method books.

He wrote the music for Joffrey's signature ballet "Trinity" with Lee Holdridge.

Ted Raph, Alan's father, was a trombone performer as well as an arranger.

Alan was currently active, conducting the Danbury Brass Band, which he started 40 years ago. The band has traveled to Bermuda and twice to Australia. Alan was presently rehearsing a concert that was to be performed on December 17, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury.

Alan is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, sons, Robert and Jason, daughter, Diane, grandchildren, Anastasia, Nicholas, and Victor Jr., and sister, Ranney Moss.