In Memoria
In my efforts to locate my boyhood friend, John Petree, HHS Class of 1960, I was informed by John's alma mater, Muhlenberg College, that he died in 1983.Bill Ramos, HHS 1960
GOUSE - Charles F., passed away March 11, 2009, at 78 years old. Charles was born to Frederick Jacob Gouse and Frieda Van de Water on February 16, 1931 in Mineola, NY. He most recently lived in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife, Audrey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Audrey and his children Andrea (and John Sullivan), Stephanie (and Christopher Vyce) and Rick (Sherri); his step-children Alison (and Greg Gore) and Matthew as well as six grandchildren; Taylor and Ethan Sullivan, Lily and Brady Gouse, Hadyn and Alexander Gore. Charles had one great-grandchild, Logan Sullivan. Charlie's professional life was centered on his love of music; playing, arranging, conducting and teaching. After earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Hofstra College he received a Doctorate in Music at Boston University. He studied trumpet with Harry Glantz of Toscanini's NBC Symphony and Armando Ghitalla of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducting with Tibor Serly and composition with Elie Siegmeister. Charles played with the Boston "Pops" Orchestra under Arthur Fiedler and was the principal trumpeter with the original (NYC) Bach Aria Group. He also worked with many studio and free-lance groups. He was founder and conductor of the North Shore Symphony (formerly Hicksville Community Orchestra), Music Director and conductor of the Orchestra da Camera and the conductor of the Merrick Symphony from 1977 to 1994. Charles also conducted the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra (NYC) for its Alice Tully Hall concerts. In addition to his musical arrangements for the Eglevsky Ballet, Mr. Gouse's works have been performed by the Batsheva Dance Co. (Isreal), the David Parsons Dance Foundation (NYC), the Ballet Met (Ohio) and the Spoleto Festival (Melbourne, Australia). His educational materials are published by Alfred Publishers, Van Nuys, CA. Charlie retired from the North Shore School District in 1986 as the Coordinato of Fine Arts. Previously, he spent over 25 years as Director of Music for Hicksville School District. His students and colleagues were a source of joy over the years. Before returning to Long Island, Charlie spent many happy years splitting his time between Lake Sunapee, NH and Flagler Beach, FL where he enjoyed the lake and beach equally with family, friends and his beagle (Bella) over the years. Charlie's love for people, music and life will be missed.
Published in Newsday on 4/18/2009
Charlie Gouse headed the Music Dept. at HHS for many years and influenced so many people during his tenure there. I spoke to him several times throughout the years and he was happy to know I spent my life in the music business as an entertainer.
Bob Wesley
I also remember Mr. Gouse with great affection. His picture is not in the 1956 yearbook, probably because he was in the service when the pictures were taken He was the band director when I was a senior and helped me get out of a class. I had signed up for Latin 3, but the first day of class learned that my favorite teacher was on maternity leave. Her maiden name was Miss Hoffman, can't remember her married name. The next day instead of going to Latin class, I wandered around the halls (I got away with a lot of stuff because I was a hall guard!) and ended up in the band room. I asked if I could hide out there and Mr. Gouse wanted to know if I could play a musical instrument. I replied, 'The piano.' That's how I became the Glockenspiel player and got out of Latin 3.
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll, '56
