David W. Cuttino, Jr.

Dave Cuttino was funny - well, in a corny kind of way. He would say, "Yeah, that was a corny one, but . . . shucks!" Dave was also passionate about music. I was there when he returned to teaching after a time away getting his doctorate; as he began to direct the chorus, tears rolled down his cheeks. He apologized, saying that he hadn't realized how much he had missed the music.

Dave loved God. He knew that the real reason he did what he did was for God. The music, the rehearsals, the passion were all God-related. He let us know that, unashamedly. He never claimed to know all the answers; he just believed passionately.

One week when he was to be out of town, he asked me to substitute for him at his church. He would help me with the anthem first, then I could go to the rehearsal before that Sunday. He would do all the reheasal; all I needed to do was conduct. That Sunday, standing there after the choir has sung, I knew I would be doing this, as at least part of my life, for the rest of my life.

Many of the people in Dave's college choirs are still singing. Quite a few of us are choral directors. and a few of us are orchestral conductors. Dave inspired us to be passionate, like he was. He made us see music for what it is: the speech of angels, that flows from heaven into our souls. Dave Cuttino was a difference person.