Donald L. Trostle, 84 of Lancaster, PA passed away June 22, 2012 at Landis Homes surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hanover, PA on August 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Jay Roger and Leona Mae Hamm Trostle. He was the husband of Elizabeth Gottshall Trostle and had been married for 59 ½ years.
Don served in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Eichelberger High School in Hanover and Lebanon Valley College. For over 29 years he worked in the public school system, 26 of them at J.P. McCaskey High School. Affectionately known by his students as “Mr. T,” he directed the concert and marching bands, the orchestra and the stage band.
During 1962-1978 the McCaskey Marching Band gained national attention by performing televised half time shows for 10 N.F.L. football games. The McCaskey Concert Band played for the opening of the New York World’s Fair in 1964.
Don was musical director for over 1069 performances of Broadway musicals for 16 organizations. Along with the many Fulton Theater productions he worked with theaters in the York, Harrisburg, Lebanon and Lancaster areas.
In 1964 Don was appointed director of the Philadelphia Eagles Sound of Brass. The band entertained at all of the Eagle’s games. As arranger for the band he wrote special arrangements for Gene Krupa, Ella Fitzgerald and many other guest artists who were featured during the half time shows.
After retirement from McCaskey, Don formed the Concert Band of Lancaster. The band was composed of 40 professional and classically trained musicians. The group was best known for their series of free Sunday night concerts in the Lancaster Square.
Well known in Central Pennsylvania as both a classical and jazz pianist, he was the director of both the Don Trostle Big Band and the Don Trostle Jazz Quartet.
When Don was a student at Lebanon Valley College, he established the first Jazz Concert in the school’s history. He had returned to present a series of Jazz Reunion Concerts made up of LVC alumni and the LVC Alumni Chorale.
Don was founder and director of Sound Reflections, a vocal group consisting of 4 singers that were featured with Don’s big band and his concert band. They performed at the White House twice and sang the National Anthem at 2 Phillies baseball games. They also sang at a gala honoring Carol Channing.
He served as director of the Lanchester Chorus of Lancaster and Chester Counties. The chorus presented several concerts at Longwood Gardens. They also performed a concert at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in addition to 5 Christmas concerts at the White House.
For over 50 years, Don has served as choir and orchestra director at many area churches. He most recently served at St. Paul’s U.C.C.in Manheim and St. Paul’s United Methodist in Mountville. He was a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren.
One of Don’s biggest pleasures of his musical career was teaching his many piano students and watching them grow musically. Many of his students went onto music schools; others are performing professionally.
He was a member of several civic and professional associations including the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, honorary life member of the Lancaster Kiwanis Club and a life member of the American Federation of Musicians.
In addition to his wife, “Liz,” Don is survived by two sons, David L., husband of Noreen Trostle of Manheim, and James A. Trostle of Lancaster; two daughters, Donna J., wife of Douglas Barnes of Lancaster and Barbara J., wife of David Bachman of Palmyra, PA; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Susan Ward of Doylestown, PA; He was predeceased by a brother, William D. Trostle.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service from Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, Pa on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 2:00P.M. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Private interment will be held in the Memorial Gardens of the church at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be sent to: Music for Everyone “MFE in the Schools Program”; 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603.
John and Carol Byers
Liz and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Mr.Ts passing. We remember fondly all the good times spent in the McCaskey band room, in marching band, concert band, pit orchestra and our trips to the Eagles and especially playing at the World’s Fair. He shared his love of music with so many and because of that so many have a love of music that will live on. Our own children went on to be involved in marching band, concert band, orchestra and now our grandsons are following that path, also. Please know that we pray for your comfort at this sad time and will always remember fondly Mr. T. “God is the Master Weaver and only He knows when the tapestry is complete”
Chuck Colson
What a wonderful, rich life Mr. T lead. Knowing that he had instilled so much music, values and knowledge into every student that passed through the band room doors must be fullfilling. I know he had so much to share with his students and his family and I would personally like to thank Mrs. Trostle and their children for sharing him with all of us. He taught anyone that wanted to learn the world of music. But it’s what he didn’t know he taught me was even more important in my life, like discipline, core values, patience, sharing and the universal language of love. The music he taught to me I have passed along to my children and they listen to and think of music differently.
My heart goes out to his family and dear friends. And my many, many thanks also go to his family for sharing him like you did. It meant so much to so many! God Bless you.
Anamae Bitts Leon
So sorry to hear of Mr. T’s passing. He is on the short list of amazing teachers who touched my life. We practiced the 1812 Overture but just couldn’t pull it off for the concert band performance in 1973! Tchaikovsky would not have been pleased with our “cover” and Mr T saved us from ourselves, pulling the selection from the concert program. (Thank goodness)
Rest in peace, Mr Trostle!
Mark Kendig
To the entire Trostle Family, My sincerest condolences. A local icon has left us. Don attended LVC with my father Jim Kendig and also brought him in as an assistant director of the “Eagles Sound of Brass”. Although I was fairly young I still have many fond memories of that, as well as my three years in the McCaskey band. He will never be forgotten.
Dollie Fowler
Liz, please except our condolences. Don was wonderful and I will always remember the beautiful music he played at our wedding. I am away from the area at this time, but I will phone you as soon as I return home. Please know that we are thinking of you and will be with you in sprit and prayer,
Dollie Fowler & Lionel Caldwell
Doug Singleton
Mr. T., was one of the most dedicated teachers I’ve ever had… including college. I had no formal music lessons, but he believed in me and encouraged me to use the pianos after school to expand my interest in music. He taught me basic music theory on his own time and I eventually became the piano player at a local church. Because of him, I was able to pass down my love for music. My son plays numerous instruments fluently as well as my daugher. Mr. T touched the lives so many students who passed through McCaskey High School that they are too numerous to count. Students always held him in high esteem even when we thought he was to hard on us. He always expected our best and we always wanted to give it to him. He will be sorely missed but will forever be in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
– Doug & Carlene Singleton
Jacqueline (Kendig) Reinhold
Our deepest sympathy to Liz and family from the family of the late James Kendig who was a classmate of Don at Lebanon Valley College
Eric Berlin
Dear Liz and family, I send my condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man and my thanks for sharing him with us. Don was so absolutely integral to my success in music. His nurturing of me as a young musician helped create a confident performer. I owe him so much for having faith in a high school student to work along side him. Not only was Don a fine musician, teacher, mentor and friend, he made a lasting impact by enriching the artistic life of all residents of Lancaster County. Don, you were a treasure and shall be well missed.
wendy turner
I had the pleasure of being a student of Mr t at mccaskey as he was my band director and he helped me through some tough times in my life. My thoughts and prayers go oout to the family and friends of Mr Trostle. RIP my friend
Bob Gates
Mr T’s love of music, and of teaching music will not be forgotten. So many young musicians now in their 50’s and 60’s will remember his passion for getting it right. “Organized Confusion” remains in my vocabulary to this day. I was lucky to be in the marching band during his last few years at McCaskey. He was a great music teacher; an inspiration to many students during his time at McCaskey.
Bob Gates, McCaskey 1979
Rosanne Selfon
Dear Liz,
I was so sad to see the listing of Don’s death. What a beautiful, long life you enjoyed together.I have so many memories of you at Temple and him at McCaskey. May you remember him with love and many blessings.
Warmly,
Rosanne (Miller) Selfon
Jeanette R
(Working in the hospital) where Mr Trostle was recently,I in my 40`s,I didnot have the privelige of having this man as a teacher.We did however discuss instruments,as his colleague was a teacher for me.I had learned to play several instruments,woodwind,brass,string,we had wonderful discussions,I wish I had him as a teacher.Sorry for your loss.
Susan Newcomer Hafner Tuttle
I was sad to see Mr. T’s obituary online this morning as I read from my home on an island off the coast of Maine. I will gladly and humbly cast a bouquet into the sea on the occasion of his funeral service and will remember many happy times in the Band Room, on the field, marching at that Cleveland Browns-Washington Redskins game, playing in the pit for Brigadoon–music came alive for so many of us and brought us a language we could share. Thank you, Mr. T.
Susie Newcomer Class of 1963
Spencer Speros
Dear Trostle Family,
I’m sorry to hear that Don passed. He could get the job done in a pleasant way. I came from Reynolds Jr. High School and a mean band leader in 1955, and then came Don at McCaskey, smiling and friendly. What a difference.
My sympathy,
Spencer Speros
LaVerne Hoover Hanna
DEAR TROSTLE FAMILY,
I AM SENDING MY SINCERE SYMPATHY. MR. T WAS MY BAND LEADER FOR MARCHING BAND AT MCCASKEY 1956-1958. HE CAME UP WITH WONDERFUL PROGRAMS FOR OUT ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, AS WELL AS FOR PARADES.
I HAVE ALWAYS REMEMBERED HIM AS A NICE, CHEERFUL TEACHER WITH TONS OF TALENT. HE WILL REALLY BE MISSED BY EVERYONE.
Brenda (Gates) Calia
Dear Trostle family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. T. What wonderful memories of football games, parades, ‘organized confusion’, Overture of 1812, solos, musicals and more…including the Washington Redskins halftime show…all under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr. T. His love of music and teaching was inspirational to all of us who had the honor of playing for him. He touched many lives…including mine. God’s peace and sweet music to the Trostle family.
Brenda, JP McCaskey 1976
Ethan Brooks
My second piano teacher. I have only fond memories. A genuinely endearing man.
Lee Todd Amigh
I want to send my sincere sympathy to the family of Donald L. Trostle. I was in his orchestra when we did the productions of “The Mikado,” “Oklahoma,” and “Carousel” at J. P. McCaskey High School. Each year I looked forward to those productions and still consider them a golden part of my high school experience. The song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel became an inspiration for the rest of my life. I was fortunate to have many exceptional teachers at McCaskey, and Mr. Trostle was one of them. Lee Todd Amigh
Jill Brown
Liz, Jim and family — What a dynamic man! I am honored to have studied piano with Don, and so grateful to him for his work with the Miss Lancaster County Scholarship Pageant. That’s how we met. I have a book of his arrangements that I treasure. And I’ll always think of him when I play “Here’s That Rainy Day.” My sympathy to you all–may memories give you comfort. -Jill Brown
Margaret Matroni
My sincere sympathy to the family of Don Trostle. I knew his name from the time I was growing up. My oldest brother, Len had a dance band and always spoke well of don as a fellow musician.
Don did so much for the Lancaster Community. As a member of Red Rose City Sweet Adelines, Intl. we had several dances at the Host onb Lincoln Highway East. We always asked if Don could take the engagement and he always did. What GREAT music – he and his music will be sincerely missed.
Kelly A
Rest in peace Mr T. So sorry to hear of your passing……band was the only thing about high school that I enjoyed, you made that possible! JP Mc 1980
Nancy Frankhouser
Don and Liz were so much a part of the lives those who participated in the Kiwanis shows at the Fulton. What memories we have of the good times and the mishaps, the high notes and the off-key when Don put down his baton and shook his head. Thank you, Don, for giving us and for giving the community so much from your talents. We’re sad at your passing but smile at all the warm memories.
LARRY BOWMAN - JPM Class of 1962
I had the opportunity of being a student at McCaskey High School between the Fall of 1959 and Spring of 1962, as a member of the JPM Class of 1962.
Under Mr. T’s baton and direction I was able to nurture my own particular interests in piano and trombone; jazz piano was his specialty, of course, along with his talents with so many other musical instruments. He was always so up-beat and his patience was legendary. We had FUN! The ONLY times I remember him being angry was when he and Dorothy Schock would on occasion Lock Horns during Spring Musical rehearsals! En Garde! “Don” was SO pro-instrumnental, while “Dot” was SO pro-vocal!
Yes, I, too, remember SO many rehearsals at McCaskey (marching band, concert band, pit orchestra, dance band), and numerous COLD Fall mornings learning our Band half-time Routines in/on the McCaskey Football Stadium (now Ewell) Field. Yes, it’s TRUE, that one particularly frigid day my trombone’s slide actually FROZE. Honest!
When I was a Senior at JPM in the Fall of ’61, I recall mentioning to “DLT” that reading those small musical sheets on my trombone’s lyre (during half-time routines) was so distracting; his suggestion was to “simply MEMORIZE the music,” which I did, allowing me to fully concentrate on the intricate field maneuvers and eyeball – and enjoy! – everything else happening around me, unencumbered by having to read those darn mini-music sheets.
DLT was, of course, extrenely talented, and had the ability to project and transfer his unique gifts and innovations to his students, regardless of their individual and collective talents and abilities.
He was, without question, an accomplished classical and jazz musician in particular; as an aside, he as not shy in displaying his dislike/displeasure of “early” Rock-&-Roll, however, and I had to keep my own teenage fledging interest thereof a secret from Mr. T.; musically, for example, Dave Brubeck was certainly A-OK, Elvis Presley was taboo! Lawrence Welk wasn’t even broached!
With classic piano, he leaned towards the likes of Liszt, Chopin, Beethoven and the other Greats of the 19th Century Romantic Era.
Yes, this indeed is an end of an Era and the passing of a Musical Icon. SO MANY of us were so very fortunate to have been a part of that experience. Thanks, again, Mr. T (aka: DLT)!
Gib & Marti Armstrong
Dear Liz, Gib and I send our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Getting to know and work with you and Don were truly highlights of my life. Unfortunately, several weeks ago, we committed to a graduation event and therefore will be unable to attend the service on Sunday. Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Marti
Mike and Lynne Gottshall
Dear Aunt Liz. We are so sorry for your loss and sorry we will not be with you at this difficult time. I have really good memories of the times our families got together before we moved to Michigan. Uncle Don had an impressive list of accomplishments. He had a positive influence on a lot of people and will be missed.
With love,
Mike and Lynne Gottshall
Tom Silliman in Orlando, FL
Liz & Family – so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I remember fondly those days at LVC playing with the quartet and the big band – many great times!! Don accomplished so much in his long career. He will be missed by many.
David Rentschler
Dear Liz and family,
Don and I were colleagues and friends for nearly 50 years. He was the ultimate musician, educator, and story teller. My sympathy to you and the family. Warmest regards…Dave
Jonny Leffler
To Liz and Family,
Don was a great friend and a wonderful man. Although saddened by his passing, he will always live in my heart as I recall the numerous times over many decades that we made music together. Those occasions are always remembered with good feelings and the mutual respect and friendship we shared.
It was obvious to all that through the years, Don had the deepest love for you, Liz, and his family. I hope you can take comfort that his deep love continues in spirit even if the body is no longer present.
Tim & Mary Ann Hoffman
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don. We were away for two weeks and recieved the news when we returned on Sunday the 1st. Don was a great friend with a great sense of humor. I will miss the stories he told and the laughs we had together. Our sincere condolences go out to you Liz and the rest of the family. Tim & Mary Ann.
Rick Hamilton
Don Trostle was my favorite teacher. He had a great ability to get the most from his music students. He commanded respect and made us feel important. I signed up for every class that he taught because I knew that I would learn great lessons from him, I played in every band available through HS and played a couple gigs outside of High School with him too. Such a great musician and conductor.
I remember the marching Band was lucky enough to play half time at a Detroit Lions game in 78. One of the nights the band kids were partying in the hotel lounge (just soft drinks) and Mr. T sat in with the bar band. He rocked out and we all went nuts for him. Thanks to Don Trostle and family for enriching so many lives.
john oster
I will really miss MR Trostle. I had the utmost respect for his musical skills and tried as best I could to perform to the best of what abilities I had because of people like Mr Trostle. He was always a very friendly loving person who always made time to talk to me. I will truly miss the fantastic personality and musical acumen of Mr Trostle, may God be with him always.
Todd E. Brill
So sorry for your loss Trostle family. There are people that I like knowing are still on the planet. Mr. Trostle was one of those people. I hear his teaching echoing in my mind and in my teaching at times. “Brill you have good musical ideas. You need to develop them.” Thank you Mr. T. for a great jazz training. Your music, kind smile and humor will be missed.