Sandra Clark

Sandra Clark passed away July 12, 2014, at her home in Toledo surrounded by her family. Sandra was born Stewart D. Clark on October 30, 1959 in Decatur, Illinois and grew up in San Jose, CA where she benefited from an outstanding public school music program. Sandra attended San Jose State University where she studied horn with the ever patient Dr. William George, earning a BA in music performance in 1982. After a two year stint as an insurance salesperson, phone solicitor and other such jobs, she decided she'd rather play the horn, and so went to The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where she studied with Lowell Greer, and earned a Master of Music in 1987. "Lowell opened up a whole New World of horn sound and style for me. As anyone who has heard his recordings will know, his playing is unique. Having grown up in California, I was very much into the Hollywood sound and style, but could never quite say what I wanted that way. By imitating Lowell's approach, I've been able to arrive at a sound and style that, while not (hopefully) a slavish copy of my mentor, speaks from my heart." She has performed as Principal Horn with the Toledo Symphony since 1990 and also worked in the Symphony office organizing out of town concerts. Prior to that she spent four years as 4th horn of the Dayton Philharmonic, and played horn with the Chicago Chamber Brass in1989. Her love of orchestral repertoire was matched only by her interest in chamber music, especially recital playing. Sandra has given recitals in Toledo, Cincinnati, California and New Mexico. Sandra enjoyed success with solo competitions. She was a first prizewinner in The Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition as a member of The Taft Wind Quintet, and a finalist in four previous American Horn Competitions: 1987 in the University Division and 1989, 1997 and 2001 in the Professional Division. In 1997 and 2001, she went on to win the second prize in the Professional Division. Sandra was a big fan of drum and bugle corps performance and marched with the Concord Blue Devils for several years. She later became a teacher, mentor and eventual board member to the Toledo Glassmen and facilitated several performances in which members of the Glassmen performed as offstage brass with the Toledo Symphony. Sandra was also active in the Toledo community as a private French Horn teacher and brass coach. The music of Alec Wilder was another of Sandra’s loves; in 2004 she produced and performed on a recording featuring Wilder’s music with some Toledo Symphony colleagues. “The Suite: Music of Alec Wilder” received critical acclaim, and brought to life some forgotten gems from an American maverick. Near the end of her life, Sandra ventured into composition, composing and conducting “Letter to Sarah” for chamber orchestra, based on a series of letters written by Sullivan Ballou during the Civil War. A reading of the piece may be seen on YouTube via this link. Sandra had a fantastic work ethic, practicing until late after rehearsals and then waking early to continue practicing. She never chose the easy way out. Her life was filled with difficult decisions, which made her a strong, independent, and compassionate woman. She loved staying at home with her Dachshunds, Willy and Frank, wrapped up in reading a good mystery, with a pot of chili and some chocolate chip cookies. She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Rita Clark, and her brother Scott Clark. She is survived by her children Monica and Maria, her sister Gina Lounds and her close friends Kathy Widlar and Jan Schemenauer. Professional services were provided by Coyle Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at The Monroe Street United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 17 with visitation from 1-3 p.m. followed by a celebration of her life. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, and friends for their help in providing comfort in Sandra’s final days. Flowers may be sent to Coyle Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the Toledo Symphony Orchestra or to the Toledo Youth Symphony Orchestra. Please view Sandra’s memorial tribute video and share a memory or condolence at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Sandra Clark

October 30, 1959 - July 12, 2014