Mr. Darle West,
Teacher
Darle Shelby
West
July 10, 1923 — Feb. 7, 2016
Darle Shelby
West was born in Trent to Lewis and Vera Wheeler West. He attended Trent and
Woodrow Wilson Junior High Schools where he discovered his love for music,
graduating from Eugene High School in 1942. He received his bachelor’s degree
in music education in 1947, playing weekends with the Harmony Notes. He earned
his master’s in 1953 from University of Oregon. In 1947 he married Margret
“Marty” Jennings of Portland and began his music career with the Portland
public schools and played bassoon with the Portland Opera Orchestra.
In 1949 he
began his 28 years of teaching band, orchestra and chorus in Albany schools.
Albany’s first band room was located in a basement made of brick and concrete
that made acoustics impossible. To improve the sound the band mothers attached
flour sacks and burlap to the walls. Under his leadership, with support from
parents, the city’s enthusiasm — and later a new music program with the
addition of South Albany High School — Albany’s music program grew and became
strong. Darle helped plan South Albany High School’s music rooms and music
program. A favorite memory was receiving the Blue Ribbon and Trophy given to
AUHS for the Best Marching Band in the1956 Portland Rose Festival Parade. His
teaching assignments were varied and his accomplishments were numerous. His
bands and his students won several honors in district and state contests; he
introduced half-time entertainment at football games (which began as a simple
“A” formation then grew into complex shows). His bands also participated in
parades such as Timber Carnival and Veterans Day; joint band and choir concerts
inviting interesting, well-known musicians, for example Jester Hairston, were
highpoints. He also privately taught hundreds of students to help them advance
their instrumental talents, and directed a local orchestra for musicals.
Darle held
memberships in Oregon Music Educators, Northwest Music Educators Association
and Bandmasters of the Northwest; taught at summer music camps at University of
the Pacific; and adjudicated solo and band contests throughout Oregon. His life
was MUSIC: mastering the bassoon, teaching and inspiring students.
He is survived
by his wife, Marty, of 68 years; son Linn (wife Viki); daughters Darla and
Janis; granddaughter Michelle (about to graduate from Mills in music); and
grandson Christopher.
No service is
planned. Donations may be made to the University of Oregon School of Music.
Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please
access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.
