"My sincere apologies for not knowing about Dr. Burley's passing. I just found out. My condolences to his family. I sang with the Arizona big band in early 2000. I was his publicity director at that time and still have recordings of me singing with such a magnificent band. I hope you are still playing music in heaven Dr. Burley. All those that knew you loved you. I know you loved us too. Love Jeffery David former president of Hallmark records "
In loving memory of
John M. Burley
Dr. John M. Burley, of Scottsdale Arizona passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2019 after a short struggle with cancer. John was a well-known and accomplished musician, professor of music, teacher, artist and mentor to hundreds of students. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 3, 1946, the only child of Alvin and Ilene Burley of Lincoln. He was 73 years old.
John was a graduate of Smith Center High School, in Smith Center Kansas, and received his Bachelor of Music Degrees at Fort Hays Kansas University, Hays, Kansas in 1969.
In 1969 John began work on his Masters of Science in Music Education at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, focused on trumpet, jazz performance and music education with work in learning theory and curriculum development. This initial advanced study prepared John for teaching at the college level resulting in his appointment to the music faculty at Hiram College in Ohi
In 1975 John returned to the University of Illinois to complete his doctoral studies opening the door to his experiences in music research and development. His dissertation topic was based upon his background and abilities in teaching instrumental music and band conducting. This study was a descriptive research study defining the development of an "adult beginning band." Adults with little or no experience playing a band instrument were recruited to learn to play in an ensemble and perform as a concert band. The research proved successful and was an early basis for his writing and presentations at national and international conferences such as the International Society for Music Education. The major impact of his research was to lay the ground work for a nationwide program later developed as the "New Horizons Band." This program was developed and supported by the music industry and still exists today in numerous communities in the country.
As John completed his advanced graduate studies, he was invited to join University of Illinois' School of Music as Assistant Director and music faculty member. He worked in the Director's office and the Continuing Education in Music office, developing and administering programs such as the "Illinois Summer Youth Music" camp (I.S.Y.M) created for hundreds of high school and middle school musicians for intense summer studies.
In 1984 John moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona, first as a Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Education at Phoenix College and ultimately as Professor of Music and Jazz Studies at Scottsdale Community College and Chair of the Music Department.
An accomplished performer, John played professionally with many groups in the Mid-West and in Miami Beach where he played with Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, and other notable performers. Dr. Burley was an active member of the Music Educators Nation Conference, chaired committees for the International Society for Music Education and was the founder and director of the Arizona Big Band which toured internationally appearing at the Montreux, and the Wigan Jazz Festivals.
Dr. Burley retired in 2005 and spent his remaining days touring the world, enjoying his Vintage 1966 Ford Mustang and developing his skills as an artist. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara, and his two children, Chris of Scottsdale, and Erin of Phoenix.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 5:00 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell, Scottsdale, AZ.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The John Burley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Scottsdale Community College or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Grade School, Avondale, AZ
Tributes
"I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of John Burley. I had the pleasure of working with him as a member of the Scottsdale Summer Music Camp and as a performer in the Scottsdale Community Band. A wonderful teacher, educator and musician will be missed by all of us. I will light a candle this weekend for him a church and I know that his light will continue to comfort you now and in the future."
"We cherish the memories of our undergraduate education at Fort Hays State where John was our colleague and extend our deepest sympathy to Barb and family. We remember this special person and honor his beautiful and productive life."
"I would like to first offer my condolences to Barbara, Chris, Erin and all of John's extended family and close friends.... ...I moved to Phoenix to start my architecture career in 1997 and was presented with continuing education resources from my boss as a way to continue my development into the field to which I had just graduated. I strung together a series of stories to assure my boss that continuing my senior thesis of Music and Architecture would be beneficial to the company. He bought it.. :) I started a 2's a week class at Scottsdale Community College over the lunch hour. At the first class, John asked me my name as he did with every other student, and after I answered with Brian Ochs, he asked if I was from Kansas. I said I was and he said his wife and I might be related. And we were. A really serendipitous moment. I really appreciated John's demeanor and interest in helping me explore the "structural" connections in music theory and it's overlapping qualities in architecture. We had great conversations and I think he appreciated my insight as I know I did his. I still think about that discovery today. Again sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed John's nurturing nature. Brian"