Memorial Tributes to Dr. James Fahringer (1935 - 2013)
This page includes personal tributes, memories, and thoughts shared by people who knew Jim and who were touched by his kindness, love, dedication, and generosity. If you would like to include your own thoughts, please email Gloria Cangahuala at [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and in what capacity you knew Jim.
Jim was very supportive to me and kindly allowed me the privilege of performing as piano soloist with the CSO on two occasions: in 2000 and 2006. I initially met Jim through a third party, Cantor Herb Isaacson, where we were jointly working at Temple Beth Israel in Pomona. Jim made me feel very relaxed through all of the rehearsals which were punctuated by his wonderful sense of humor and generous spirit. After one rehearsal, I remember going to a restaurant with him and his wife Delphine and enjoying their company and comradeship. He was a true workhorse and promoter for the orchestra as well, and I'm sure that his influence on the orchestra musicians will be very much missed.
Randy Polevoi
A good man is gone: A man who devoted his life to sharing his love of music with others; a man who encouraged and praised even when the music must have sounded terrible to his perfect pitch ears; a man who was brave enough to present music that most community orchestras would not have tried. He was a cheerful spirit. For many years he smilingly conducted concert after concert without missing a single beat or a tempo change, without raising his voice, and with a kind word for each participant. Unfortunately, he wore down and wore out, as we all do eventually. But he gave so much to us all as long as he could. He made me believe that I could play. And then I could.
Judy Whale, violin
I met Jim at USC while he was pursuing his doctorate and I was pursuing my master's degree. We were in Gwendolyn Koldofsky's Song Literature class together. For one class the singers and accompanists switched roles; this was the occasion for Jim to accompany me in a song by Fauré, an exercise that brought us both delight and amusement. Upon finishing my degree, I returned to the east coast, but just over three years later I returned to California as a newlywed seeking employment while my husband pursued his doctorate. I called all of my California contacts to let them know I was back and to seek their aid in finding work. Jim was by far the most helpful of all of them.
Both Jim and Delphine looked out for me and my husband in those early years. When we were rendered carless due to an auto accident, they loaned us a car. When they saw a piece of thrift shop furniture they thought we could use, they told us about it and helped us pick it up in their station wagon. They would take one or both of us out for a meal on the slightest excuse. They were unfailingly generous in sharing what they had, helping us find our way around, encouraging us in our respective pursuits. I often saw evidence that we were not the only people to whom they were so helpful; many a student, colleague, friend, and neighbor also benefited from their kindness and hospitality.
I know that their work with the Claremont Symphony and the youth orchestra it spawned was a huge source of satisfaction and delight for both of them. By recruiting me to play the occasional orchestral piano part in the symphony, they gave me valuable experience in an area where I had hitherto had little, which served me well in my later life as a freelance musician. Years later, when composing had become a large part of my life, Jim eagerly requested and graciously received a score and recording of an orchestral suite I had written. I knew nothing of Delphine's final illness and death for several months because I was writing an opera on very short lead time during those months. Jim had read of it in some publicity about it, and deliberately delayed notifying me of Delphine's death until the opera had been safely premiered, lest the sad news derail the progress of the opera. That was perhaps the most vivid illustration I can offer of his thoughtfulness for the whole being of any person with whom he interacted.
Jim was a man who worked tirelessly to make his corner of the world a better place for everyone in it. To his many friends and colleagues I send my profound sympathy for your loss.
Dr. Barbara Rogers
There are so many memories of Jim, that it's hard to know what to write, or where to start. His and Delphine's joy in bringing Cush and Spectrum to Claremont is unforgettable. Their inclusiveness brought together Motown and classical on the Little Bridges stage, but it did so much more. It enabled all of us to communicate and bond within the music we created together. I also remember Jim for his love of percussion. What more could a percussionist ask for than a conductor who always welcomed more volume and who never shushed us! Jim loved all instruments and all musicians, and he never minded wearing his heart on his sleeve. Jim will long be remembered in the orchestra, and his spirit will infuse all we do for a long time to come.
Sue Hodson, percussion
What an honor to play under the direction of Jim. He always had a kind word, friendly smile, and twinkle in his eye. I think he had a special place in his heart for the little viola section, and we had the privilege of playing beside him in his final years. God Bless you, Jim. I like to think of you at peace reunited with Delphine.
Rosanne Cuomo, viola
Jim's life was an example of what a huge difference the life of one person can make when they lovingly give with their whole heart. The community and all of us in the orchestra owe him a great debt.
Laurie Kristinat, violin and viola
An email message just doesn't seem like enough to express the depth of what crossing paths with Jim and Delphine meant both personally and professionally to me, my colleagues, Spectrum and the Morgan Bray Entertainment organization. After a chance meeting in 2003 in Las Vegas, the foresight of Dr. and Mrs. Fahringer was the catalyst for the Motown Pops presentations of not only Spectrum, but subsequently their sister group Radiance. Together they have a combined total of over 50 Pops performances with orchestras throughout North America since 2006, originating with Jim and Delphine's beloved Claremont Symphony. The relationship that ensued between Delphine, Jim and me went far beyond scope of that of a guest pops artist and a director of music of an orchestra and will be cherished for the personal and professional experiences it spawned for years to come.
Representing SPECTRUM,
Cushney Roberts
If there is an orchestral institution in Claremont, it is embodied in Dr. James Fahringer.
Michael Fay
Dr. James Fahringer was the most kind and gracious conductor I have ever known. His musical skill was without question and his love for us musicians was communicated by his gracious spirit and kind words.
Paul Edwards, tuba
Dear Jim, your dedication to the continuation of fine music in Claremont and surrounding communities was a shining example of how one person can make a difference. Thanks so much for not only "talking the talk, but walking the walk."
Audrey Lamprey
Jim, I remember hearing the CSO perform Beethoven's 5th Symphony in Little Bridges in the mid 1980s (right after I moved here from Las Vegas), and I knew I had to play with the orchestra. Thank you for the privilege.
Colleen Papp, bassoon
Jim, to me you were the CSO.
Ray Walden, trumpet
The Orchestra has been a large part of my life since 1967. I thank Jim for all he did for all of us.
Barbara Heavenston
I am forever grateful and appreciative of the opportunity Jim extended for me to be involved with the symphony as a violinist. Playing some marvelous repertoire every season has been inspiring and stretching, enabling me to improve my skills and develop my talent. Jim's patience and friendly humor encouraged me to play even when the music was challenging and difficult. He was understanding and immensely forgiving, always communicating his interest and concern for the individual above the work. Jim's broad background knowledge and wide range of experiences helped make the music real and come alive, bringing to it a meaningful and memorable story. These are the reasons I kept coming back every year. If it were not fun and beautiful, there would be little motivation to continue with the sacrifice of time to practice and risk to perform. Thank you, Jim, for your marvelous example as a skillful director, excellent teacher and musician, and caring friend.
Pat Haney, violin
There are so many happy memories, but what holds them all together for me is Jim's unflagging patience and good-natured guidance of the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. He understood who we are, what motivates us, and how to bring out the best in us, no matter what our level of talent or preparation. One can see this in the remarkable longevity of so many of our members. We all come, Monday night after Monday night, for not just years but decades. For me it’s been over 35 years, and I have enjoyed every moment. My favorite memory, though, is the concert about 20 years ago, when Jim invited a violin soloist friend of his from Michigan to play with us. In the middle of the performance in her solo, she managed to skip about 60 measures, which left the orchestra confused and silent. Jim kept on going, turning pages in the score quickly, and then mouthing to us the rehearsal letter “M," while using his baton to indicate when we should come in. Jim's downbeat came down and we were right with him, so the audience never suspected the disaster we had narrowly averted. The soloist finished, and our accompaniment was “flawless," or so it seemed. I think that that is the epitome of good ensemble playing and is a tribute to Jim's being able to hold us together through all circumstances.
Phil Dreyer, trombone
Jim's warm encouragement and faith in his musicians created an atmosphere perfect for making the music that we love.
Shirely Berens, cello
It was an honor and a privilege playing under Jim's baton for over 20 years. When I started, I hadn't played in a while and almost gave up playing. Jim was kind about my playing and inspired me to stick with it. For that I will be forever grateful.
Vicki Whale, violin
Jim, thank you for your supportive, patient leadership and excellent musicianship. It was an honor to work with you.
Elise Doran-Lampassi, violin
My family has enjoyed the CSO concerts, our children attending as toddlers and remembering with joy, now that they are in their late 30s. Their children (our grandchildren) have continued in the family tradition. Jim inspired them all to love music and to become musicians themselves, proficient in the violin, piano, guitar, and flute. We have often brought neighbors and friends to the concerts. Jim truly made a difference in many lives.
Joan Baxter
As an amateur musician, my first impression of Dr. Fahringer was a surprise. In my contact with several other professional conductors nationwide with whom I had collaborated in the past, I found that he was a human -- a human with heart and humbleness. Needless to say, we became good friends, including his lovely wife Delphine, who would often team up with my wife to explore various venues in town. After our first concert together premiering the Chinese composer Mah Si-Tsung's Mongolian Suite, I found his understanding of Asian music was surprisingly good. And a few years later, when he asked me to accompany him on his voice recital in a city-wide music event, I discovered he was multi-talented that besides being a violist, he was also a baritone and proficient in other instruments.
Dr. Henry P. Sheng, piano
Jim was not only an inspiration to our group, but he brought us many good laughs, certainly increased our musical knowledge, and kept us on key. He knew how to bring out my best, and I'm very grateful for the years spent under his caring direction.
Mary Barlow, violin
My favorite memory of Jim and Delphine is not with the symphony, but of Jim and Delphine singing at our wedding. It was almost as great when Jim saw the tape of their performance at our house for the first time in 2009. It brought back many fond memories.
Ron Widner, trumpet
It was a true pleasure to get to know Jim personally at various parties after CSO performances. He was a wonderful conductor and human being.
Renee and Ernie Johnson
Jim, thank you for the opportunities you gave me to play and sing with both the CYSO and CSO. You and Delphine played an important role in my artistic life.
Heidi Bird
I first met Jim as a percussionist under George Denes in 1971. From then our friendship grew. I feel so blessed to have had him as a part of my life, both musically as a mentor and as a friend.
Rich and Linda Bode
Randy Polevoi
A good man is gone: A man who devoted his life to sharing his love of music with others; a man who encouraged and praised even when the music must have sounded terrible to his perfect pitch ears; a man who was brave enough to present music that most community orchestras would not have tried. He was a cheerful spirit. For many years he smilingly conducted concert after concert without missing a single beat or a tempo change, without raising his voice, and with a kind word for each participant. Unfortunately, he wore down and wore out, as we all do eventually. But he gave so much to us all as long as he could. He made me believe that I could play. And then I could.
Judy Whale, violin
I met Jim at USC while he was pursuing his doctorate and I was pursuing my master's degree. We were in Gwendolyn Koldofsky's Song Literature class together. For one class the singers and accompanists switched roles; this was the occasion for Jim to accompany me in a song by Fauré, an exercise that brought us both delight and amusement. Upon finishing my degree, I returned to the east coast, but just over three years later I returned to California as a newlywed seeking employment while my husband pursued his doctorate. I called all of my California contacts to let them know I was back and to seek their aid in finding work. Jim was by far the most helpful of all of them.
Both Jim and Delphine looked out for me and my husband in those early years. When we were rendered carless due to an auto accident, they loaned us a car. When they saw a piece of thrift shop furniture they thought we could use, they told us about it and helped us pick it up in their station wagon. They would take one or both of us out for a meal on the slightest excuse. They were unfailingly generous in sharing what they had, helping us find our way around, encouraging us in our respective pursuits. I often saw evidence that we were not the only people to whom they were so helpful; many a student, colleague, friend, and neighbor also benefited from their kindness and hospitality.
I know that their work with the Claremont Symphony and the youth orchestra it spawned was a huge source of satisfaction and delight for both of them. By recruiting me to play the occasional orchestral piano part in the symphony, they gave me valuable experience in an area where I had hitherto had little, which served me well in my later life as a freelance musician. Years later, when composing had become a large part of my life, Jim eagerly requested and graciously received a score and recording of an orchestral suite I had written. I knew nothing of Delphine's final illness and death for several months because I was writing an opera on very short lead time during those months. Jim had read of it in some publicity about it, and deliberately delayed notifying me of Delphine's death until the opera had been safely premiered, lest the sad news derail the progress of the opera. That was perhaps the most vivid illustration I can offer of his thoughtfulness for the whole being of any person with whom he interacted.
Jim was a man who worked tirelessly to make his corner of the world a better place for everyone in it. To his many friends and colleagues I send my profound sympathy for your loss.
Dr. Barbara Rogers
There are so many memories of Jim, that it's hard to know what to write, or where to start. His and Delphine's joy in bringing Cush and Spectrum to Claremont is unforgettable. Their inclusiveness brought together Motown and classical on the Little Bridges stage, but it did so much more. It enabled all of us to communicate and bond within the music we created together. I also remember Jim for his love of percussion. What more could a percussionist ask for than a conductor who always welcomed more volume and who never shushed us! Jim loved all instruments and all musicians, and he never minded wearing his heart on his sleeve. Jim will long be remembered in the orchestra, and his spirit will infuse all we do for a long time to come.
Sue Hodson, percussion
What an honor to play under the direction of Jim. He always had a kind word, friendly smile, and twinkle in his eye. I think he had a special place in his heart for the little viola section, and we had the privilege of playing beside him in his final years. God Bless you, Jim. I like to think of you at peace reunited with Delphine.
Rosanne Cuomo, viola
Jim's life was an example of what a huge difference the life of one person can make when they lovingly give with their whole heart. The community and all of us in the orchestra owe him a great debt.
Laurie Kristinat, violin and viola
An email message just doesn't seem like enough to express the depth of what crossing paths with Jim and Delphine meant both personally and professionally to me, my colleagues, Spectrum and the Morgan Bray Entertainment organization. After a chance meeting in 2003 in Las Vegas, the foresight of Dr. and Mrs. Fahringer was the catalyst for the Motown Pops presentations of not only Spectrum, but subsequently their sister group Radiance. Together they have a combined total of over 50 Pops performances with orchestras throughout North America since 2006, originating with Jim and Delphine's beloved Claremont Symphony. The relationship that ensued between Delphine, Jim and me went far beyond scope of that of a guest pops artist and a director of music of an orchestra and will be cherished for the personal and professional experiences it spawned for years to come.
Representing SPECTRUM,
Cushney Roberts
If there is an orchestral institution in Claremont, it is embodied in Dr. James Fahringer.
Michael Fay
Dr. James Fahringer was the most kind and gracious conductor I have ever known. His musical skill was without question and his love for us musicians was communicated by his gracious spirit and kind words.
Paul Edwards, tuba
Dear Jim, your dedication to the continuation of fine music in Claremont and surrounding communities was a shining example of how one person can make a difference. Thanks so much for not only "talking the talk, but walking the walk."
Audrey Lamprey
Jim, I remember hearing the CSO perform Beethoven's 5th Symphony in Little Bridges in the mid 1980s (right after I moved here from Las Vegas), and I knew I had to play with the orchestra. Thank you for the privilege.
Colleen Papp, bassoon
Jim, to me you were the CSO.
Ray Walden, trumpet
The Orchestra has been a large part of my life since 1967. I thank Jim for all he did for all of us.
Barbara Heavenston
I am forever grateful and appreciative of the opportunity Jim extended for me to be involved with the symphony as a violinist. Playing some marvelous repertoire every season has been inspiring and stretching, enabling me to improve my skills and develop my talent. Jim's patience and friendly humor encouraged me to play even when the music was challenging and difficult. He was understanding and immensely forgiving, always communicating his interest and concern for the individual above the work. Jim's broad background knowledge and wide range of experiences helped make the music real and come alive, bringing to it a meaningful and memorable story. These are the reasons I kept coming back every year. If it were not fun and beautiful, there would be little motivation to continue with the sacrifice of time to practice and risk to perform. Thank you, Jim, for your marvelous example as a skillful director, excellent teacher and musician, and caring friend.
Pat Haney, violin
There are so many happy memories, but what holds them all together for me is Jim's unflagging patience and good-natured guidance of the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. He understood who we are, what motivates us, and how to bring out the best in us, no matter what our level of talent or preparation. One can see this in the remarkable longevity of so many of our members. We all come, Monday night after Monday night, for not just years but decades. For me it’s been over 35 years, and I have enjoyed every moment. My favorite memory, though, is the concert about 20 years ago, when Jim invited a violin soloist friend of his from Michigan to play with us. In the middle of the performance in her solo, she managed to skip about 60 measures, which left the orchestra confused and silent. Jim kept on going, turning pages in the score quickly, and then mouthing to us the rehearsal letter “M," while using his baton to indicate when we should come in. Jim's downbeat came down and we were right with him, so the audience never suspected the disaster we had narrowly averted. The soloist finished, and our accompaniment was “flawless," or so it seemed. I think that that is the epitome of good ensemble playing and is a tribute to Jim's being able to hold us together through all circumstances.
Phil Dreyer, trombone
Jim's warm encouragement and faith in his musicians created an atmosphere perfect for making the music that we love.
Shirely Berens, cello
It was an honor and a privilege playing under Jim's baton for over 20 years. When I started, I hadn't played in a while and almost gave up playing. Jim was kind about my playing and inspired me to stick with it. For that I will be forever grateful.
Vicki Whale, violin
Jim, thank you for your supportive, patient leadership and excellent musicianship. It was an honor to work with you.
Elise Doran-Lampassi, violin
My family has enjoyed the CSO concerts, our children attending as toddlers and remembering with joy, now that they are in their late 30s. Their children (our grandchildren) have continued in the family tradition. Jim inspired them all to love music and to become musicians themselves, proficient in the violin, piano, guitar, and flute. We have often brought neighbors and friends to the concerts. Jim truly made a difference in many lives.
Joan Baxter
As an amateur musician, my first impression of Dr. Fahringer was a surprise. In my contact with several other professional conductors nationwide with whom I had collaborated in the past, I found that he was a human -- a human with heart and humbleness. Needless to say, we became good friends, including his lovely wife Delphine, who would often team up with my wife to explore various venues in town. After our first concert together premiering the Chinese composer Mah Si-Tsung's Mongolian Suite, I found his understanding of Asian music was surprisingly good. And a few years later, when he asked me to accompany him on his voice recital in a city-wide music event, I discovered he was multi-talented that besides being a violist, he was also a baritone and proficient in other instruments.
Dr. Henry P. Sheng, piano
Jim was not only an inspiration to our group, but he brought us many good laughs, certainly increased our musical knowledge, and kept us on key. He knew how to bring out my best, and I'm very grateful for the years spent under his caring direction.
Mary Barlow, violin
My favorite memory of Jim and Delphine is not with the symphony, but of Jim and Delphine singing at our wedding. It was almost as great when Jim saw the tape of their performance at our house for the first time in 2009. It brought back many fond memories.
Ron Widner, trumpet
It was a true pleasure to get to know Jim personally at various parties after CSO performances. He was a wonderful conductor and human being.
Renee and Ernie Johnson
Jim, thank you for the opportunities you gave me to play and sing with both the CYSO and CSO. You and Delphine played an important role in my artistic life.
Heidi Bird
I first met Jim as a percussionist under George Denes in 1971. From then our friendship grew. I feel so blessed to have had him as a part of my life, both musically as a mentor and as a friend.
Rich and Linda Bode
