For 44 years, Marlin Cooper has taught instrumental music all the way from elementary school students to college age adults, giving lessons, directing bands and teaching an appreciation for music.
But more than being a teacher and instructor, Cooper was an educator and many a student learned far more than just music.
"Marlin Cooper was more than a music educator, he taught life skills to our students," says Jim Mair, who succeeded Cooper as Director of Instrumental Music at Kansas City Kansas Community College. "He taught life skills to our students, was a constant and positive role model in their lives and encouraged them to be best that they could both musically and personally."
"It's incredible what he's got people to do on their own," said Jim Carson, a trumpet in one of Cooper's jazz bands in his 27 years at KCKCC. "You learned playing in the band is just like life and everyone has to be responsible."
"He helped me handle myself in many ways," agreed Cliff Hall, a trombone player and vocalist who would follow Cooper into teaching. ""He'd tell you like it is but not in a degrading way and yet there was nothing he wouldn't do or go out of his way to help you."
"The way he communicates with everyone is an education," added ageless saxophonist Dwight Foster. "The tops, he levels with you but he does it in a way that makes you feel comfortable and want to perform to the best of your ability."
Inducted into the Music Educators Hall of Fame in Wichita this past spring, Cooper will be inducted into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame at KCKCC Saturday, Nov. 3.
A fund-raiser for the KCKCC Endowment Association, the dinner and 17th annual induction ceremonies are open to the public and tickets can be reserved by phone at 913-288-7166 or by e-mail to pmccartney@kckcc.edu.
