|
For Maurice Debar, who was recently recognized for
his continuing association with the Long Island
Harmonizers (the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
Barbershop Harmony Society) as its Musical Director
(now beginning his 15th year), the idea of lending
vocal support in a group way came as early as
Elementary School in Lindenhurst, Long Island, where
he was selected to be part of a competition chorus.
This was a rather strange situation, Debar recalls,
because the school had neither music classes nor a
regular chorus. At that point, he says, he actually
hated singing -- a feeling that would eventually
take an 180 degree turn.
But music continued to play an important role in his
growth. He played baritone horn in high school as
well as violin and bass in the orchestra, and when
he enrolled at Hofstra College, he majored in Music
Education, choosing piano to replace his studies on
the accordion. During his college days, Debar played
bass clarinet in the band, and helped in the
percussion section of the orchestra. After being
forced to sing in the chorus, he started to like
singing and feel rewarded in this regard.
Shortly after graduating from college, Debar landed his
first job teaching in Levittown, LI and after three
years transferred to a school in North Babylon. He
initially taught band instruments in the elementary
school but after about 15 years, moved up to the Middle
School. Along the way, he managed to teach in every
school in the district as well as conduct the High
School marching band, direct the district orchestra and
teach vocal music. Although trained to teach band
instruments, he ended up not only teaching all the band
music, but teaching strings and vocal music as well.
"Eventually," he admits, "I really got the singing bug
bad," and after retirement found himself singing in two
choruses and, at times, even three, as well as singing
as part of a quartet.
Aside from his responsibilities as longtime director of
the Long Island Harmonizers (the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society) Debar also
conducts the Nassau Seniors Chorus (The Entertainers).
He sang bass with the Big Apple Chorus (Manhattan) for
over 20 yeas, currently is a member of Five Towns
College (Long Island Sound barbershop chorus),
and performs as the baritone in a Nassau
Mid-Island quartet called the AfterGloWorms. He began
teaching the accordion when he was 13 and still teaches
piano today. Although retired for more than 10 years,
this is an active time in his life, and one that he
thoroughly enjoys.
Debar, born in Biloxi, MS, is married and though none of
his three children has pursued a music career, he has
instilled in them his love of music.
He has a BS and MS in Music Education, is a certified
piano judge in The New York State School Music
Association (NYSSMA) and holds a director's
certification from the international Barbershop Harmony
Society.
His other current interests include travel, antiques,
dance and photography.
|