Category Archives: In Memoriam/Final Notes

Final Notes: Neil LeVang

Neil LeVangLife Member. Violin
(1932 – 2015)

By Mark LeVang, son

My father, Neil LeVang, the noted studio guitarist whose list of credits includes hundreds of television and film dates as well as a 23-year career with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, died at home, peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 26. He was 83. Continue reading

Final Note: Donald Waldrop

Note TreeLife Member. Bass Trombone
(1940-2014)

By Miles Anderson

As many of you may know, Don was an excellent all-round musician capable of performing in quite diverse musical genres. Today, this ability is pretty much taken for granted, but 40 years ago, not so much. Don was also ahead of his time in doubling on bass trombone and tuba. Today, it’s an economic necessity. (He was also an outstanding copyist of the pre-Finale era.) Don’s curiosity and intelligence went well beyond music, and contributed much to our lively friendship. RIP Don. 

Final Note: John Haig Bilezikjian

John BilezikjianLife Member. Oud
(1948-2015)

By Miamon Miller

I first saw John Bilezikjian perform some 40 years ago and have been fortunate to play with him many times over the past 25 years.  We must have worked at least 100 jobs together, and over that span I never heard him play a wrong note or a note out of time.  Continue reading

March 2015 In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Raymond D. Acton
Life Member. Horn
8/8/1921 – 12/7/2014
Survived by daughter

John H. Bilezikjian
Life Member. Oud
2/1/1948 – 1/19/2015
Survived by spouse & children

Boniface “Buddy” De Franco
Life Member. Saxophone
2/17/1923 – 12/24/2014
Survived by spouse & family

Travis Warren
Life Member. Piano
7/30/1927 – 2/3/2015
Survived by spouse & children

Final Note: Paul Chipello

Note TreeLife Member, Piano
(1943 – 2014)

By Peter Hume

Many musicians in town worked with Paul more than I did. But the gigs we did play together were memorable for their ease and effortless musicality. Long before I met my wife (big band singer Patti Ross) she had worked on casuals with Paul for many years. He was one of her favorite accompanists. Continue reading

Final Note: John Harry Cacavas

john cacavasLife Member, Composer/Conductor
(1930 – 2014)

By Bonnie Cacavas, wife

Editor’s Note: Local 47 was recently notified of Life Member John Cacavas’s 2014 passing. His wife Bonnie sends in this tribute to share with his friends and colleagues in the musicians union.

John Cacavas, a Greek Renaissance man, was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He died Jan. 28, 2014, at home in Beverly Hills, California. Continue reading