Michael held a Bachelor of Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Masters of Music in Orff-Schulwerk from the University of Memphis. He completed three Orff Levels courses and MasterClass at U of M. Michael taught all levels of music K-12 in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. His Memphis journey began in 1994. He attended a workshop in Shreveport, Louisiana given by nationally
known Orff Music specialist and recorder clinician Carol King, who recruited him to teach in legacy Memphis City Schools. During his first year, Michael taught in a jaw-dropping seven schools a week!
After an interval of working at Briarcrest Academy, Michael returned to Memphis City Schools, co-chairing the 2013 All-City Concert – Festival Memphis -- with Jan Crum. He also published a book entitled Four in a Boat And 10 Other Songs. He presented sessions at National AOSA conferences in Las Vegas and Birmingham, as well as workshops for local AOSA chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana,
Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. “Mr. Beyl” was a favorite with both school colleagues and thousands of children, sparking his students’ creativity. He also enjoyed teaching ESL summer school for
more than seven years; communication was his forte. A skilled mentor for the Orff program and a tireless organizer of materials and supplies for the Orff Music department, he kept track of countless tubanos and
9000 recorders! His friends remember fondly his inimitable Louisiana drawl as Michael performed The Cajun Night Before Christmas. Michael’s mischievous spirit at workshops kept his fellow participants in
stitches. Everyone basked in his joy.
He was a sports fanatic and a trivia hound, a theatrical character who relished decorating for holidays and wearing colorful costumes. One of the last things he did was wrapping prizes for a game he created for
Lindenwood Church’s Trunk or Treat. He was kind to friends and strangers alike. Buffeted by ill-health and adversity in his later life, Michael’s courage and strong faith in Jesus inspired all who knew him. Michael was thrilled to walk with what he called his “Lieutenant Dan legs.” Now he enjoys singing and dancing on streets of gold.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Betty & Richard Beyl; and brother Richard Beyl, Jr.
He is survived by his brother Randall (Cheryl) Beyl; sister Lori (Glenn) Hoover; nephews and nieces Amy Aymond, Richard Beyl, III, Randal Beyl, Jr., Casey Rivette and Alicia Beyl. Michael also leaves behind his neighbors Eudi Freeman and Peggy & Ed Landers; along with a loving family of Lindenwood Christian Church and "Team Michael".
A memorial service for Michael will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Lindenwood Christian Church, 2400 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112, preceded by a visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Beyl family.
