ORANGE, TX — Earnest Monroe McCollum former Choral Director
at Lutcher Stark High School passed away after a short illness
April 19, 2011. Residing in Huntsville, Texas, he was fortunate to
have an idea of his remaining time with us, and arranged his “own
living memorial service”, by filling the last six weeks of his life
with phone calls, visits from family, friends, and former students
who came, often from long distances.
McCollum taught a wide variety of choirs, madrigals, and
ensembles, spanning from 1961 through 1976, at Lutcher Stark High
School in Orange, Texas. His superiority in music brought high
praise, and high honors to the school, in bringing home numerous
plaques and trophies for extraordinary performances and voice, at
State Competitions. McCollum’s music scaled from Popular,
Classical, and pieces carefully chosen from the Great Masters. It
was common for his Girl’s Chorus and A Cappela Choirs to sing in
Latin.
Surpassing the efforts of countless other school choirs in
Texas, Lutcher Stark choirs began to shine, upon his return in
1961. Being a former Lutcher Stark graduate, McCollum had a
tireless drive to push for excellence, while possessing the ability
to handle students with great care, support, and patience.
He shaped the musical careers and lives of an extraordinary
number of his students, who chose professions in church music,
school music, vocal, and instrumental performance. The others, many
who chose professions outside the music field, faithfully serve
their churches and communities as non-professionals in music.
“He always brightened and encouraged my life, as no other
teacher ever did,” said Connie Sellars-Buckalew of Orange, a
four-year student under the direction of McCollum. “I am today,
much of what he taught me. His music changed my life forever,
helping me to appreciate a depth of meaning in God, and respect for
others. As we gazed into his eyes, as he led us, he reached into
the depths our souls.
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