Tributes to popular music teacher

FORMER colleagues have paid grateful tribute to a popular conductor and music teacher after he lost his battle with cancer.

Harry Malpass, who taught music at Brinsworth Comprehensive school from 1974 until his retirement in 2002, died at home aged 69.

His funeral was held at Herringthorpe Crematorium on February 24.

Born in Worcester, Mr Malpass took up the piano at the age of five. He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in Manchester, where he also began conducting with former BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Geoff Hurst.

He conducted the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra from 1979 until his retirement from the post in February 2008, assisted for the last eight years by fellow conductor Chris Wiltshire.

A memorial on the orchestra’s website reads: “Always popular with members and audiences alike, he was a source of inspiration to the Orchestra.

“We owe him a great debt for his dedication and hard work, and he will be much missed.”

Orchestra chairman Peter Dyke added: “He really was a wonderful conductor—kind and caring, but determined to get the right result musically.

“He had an amazing ability to take people with him and inspire everyone around him. It’s a very sad passing.”

Brinsworth head teacher Robert Fone said: “Harry was a gentleman—the nicest of guys.

“He inspired several generations of youngsters to be interested in music.”

The well-liked teacher was also a GCSE and A-level examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, as well as working with Rotherham Brough Council’s Schools Music Service.

Service head David Lever said: “As one of the most well respected musicians in the area, Harry Malpass was the obvious choice when we were looking for an examiner.

“His kind nature and absolute professionalism shone through all that he did and he was extremely popular with staff and pupils alike. He will be sadly missed.”

Mr Malpass is survived by his wife Margaret and two sons, Andrew and David.

Donations in his memory are being accepted by Rotherham Hospice via funeral directors J Parkinson & Sons on Old Mill Fold, Westgate.