On Monday, April 17, the school received information that we had lost a beautiful soul
and an incredible light. Long-time orchestra director and music theory teacher Kevin
Black passed away.
Mr. Black worked alongside best friend and colleague Bryan Buffaloe for 19 years.
Under their direction, the two cultivated an environment for creative musical excellence
and pushed students to their fullest potential as people as much as musicians,
encouraging and inspiring those around them.
“There was no way to know Mr. Black and not be a better person because of it,” 2023
graduate Sydney Reed said.
When it came to music, Mr. Black had a deep love and appreciation for it, and helped
cultivate that love in others too.
“[He was] a big bundle of energy, he would always come to class with such passion and
excitement to teach and to watch us succeed,” Matthew Lawrence said.
Regardless of the class, orchestra or music theory, Mr. Black always strived for
improvement over perfection and encouraged his students to do the same, not only in
music but in every aspect of life.
“[He was] confident. Even when things were difficult with the orchestra or with AP Music
Theory, he was always confident that we would improve, and we always did,” junior violin
player Madelyn Cabrera said.
Mr. Black had such a positive outlook. He consistently encouraged his students and
expressed his unwavering confidence.
“He was always optimist no matter what and he cared about everyone with everything
he had,” 2021 graduate Olivia Dinardis said. “He always looked for the good and was
always asking us what we could get out of this experience, even if it was a bad one.
For many it is that positive outlook and confidence they carry with them in their daily
lives.
“Mr. Black has had a very positive impact on my life, from teaching me a better outlook
on the little annoying parts of living and also being present in the beautiful and bigger
things that come your way,” Dinardis said.
Mr. Black was kind, welcoming, and was always there for those around him. Constantly
willing to lend a helping hand.
“During graduation, I insisted that I would be fine to push myself on the turf, but when it
came to, I couldn’t,” Reed said. “Mr. Black saw and offered to push me and when it
came time to go across stage, he sped-walked around the back to meet me, and we
had a nice talk on the way back to my spot.”
Through his years of teaching, Mr. Black cultivated a legacy of acceptance, kindness,
love, and encouragement. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and every life
that he encountered was changed for the better.
“When I reminisce on high school, some of my fondest memories come from the falcon
lunches spent in the orchestra room,” 2019 graduate, William Gensler said. “Horsing
around and being a nuisance never deterred Mr. Black and Mr. Buffaloe from
welcoming us with open arms. His love for the arts, desire to teach, and care for his
students can never be replaced.”
Thank you, Mr. Black, for everything that you have done for us. We will carry you with
us always.
