Charles J. Gorham

Charles J. Gorham passed away peacefully May 14, 2018. His life's journey has ended, but those who knew him will remember Charles as an energetic, kind person who loved music and enjoyed a full and happy life. He was at the side of his beloved wife, Ellen Gorham, when she passed away in January, 2016. Charles was born June 16, 1930, in Atlanta, Georgia to his late parents Phyllis and Don Gorham. He was the brother of the late Martha Nash and Phyllis Apple and is survived by his brother Don Gorham, Jr. He was the father of Deborah Leigh Gorham (Bob Applegate), Scott Brady Gorham (Susan Elder) and Alison Lynn Pedersen (Olie). He is also survived by 4 grandsons; Alex and Andy Gorham, and Blake and Graham Pedersen. Charles followed his passion for music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he met and married his wife the day before they graduated in 1952. After being offered the Associate Principal Trumpet position in the Cleveland Orchestra by George Szell, Charles enlisted and spent four years playing in the US Air Force Band during which he earned a Master’s degree at The Catholic University of America. After completing his four year tour of duty with the USAF Band, Charles accepted a teaching position at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music and frequently performed with the Cleveland Orchestra under Robert Shaw. In 1969, Charles accepted a position on the faculty at Indiana University and served as Chairman of the Brass Department for many years. In 1975, Charles co-founded the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) with Robert Nagel. The ITG - still going strong 43 years later - continues to serve professionals, teachers and students interested in the history and performance possibilities of the trumpet. Thinking of his life’s work in music, Charles wrote, “The most important facet of my teaching career was to inspire students to achieve their highest performance ability through the integration of knowledge and musical insight.” Charles loved the outdoors. He loved family trips to their summer cabin on Lake Penage in Ontario, Canada. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker and sailor. His keen observations and enjoyment of the natural world opened up many of life’s wonders to each of his children. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Charles Gorham Trumpet Scholarship at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music can be made through http://go.iu.edu/1YLz. Simons Funeral Home, 7720 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA, will be handling arrangements. A visitation will be held 4-7 PM, 5/16/18, at Simons. All are welcome to attend and share memories, Saturday, October 6, 2018, 2-4 PM Auer Hall, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music,Bloomington , IN with a reception immediately following. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence at www.simonsfuneralhome.com.

Charles J. Gorham

June 16, 1930 - May 14, 2018