WALTER FREEDMAN Obituary

Walter Friedman was my trumpet teacher in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois in 1942 (yes, that's not a misprint!). He was very good, very conscientious and very "caring" He not only made me into quite a proficient bugler (albeit a talent appreciated more by my Boy Scout troop than by our family dog), he also helped deepen my love for classical music and opera (who wouldn't be thrilled to be able to play that great triumphal trumpet march from Verdi's "Aida"?)

I lost track of him after we'd both moved away from Bloomington some 70 or so years ago. But I was delighted to re-connect a couple years ago when he was spending time in Beverly Hills L.A. with his son, Gary Freedman.

Although his family and many friends will surely miss him, I know that they must also be very proud of all that he accomplished and all the lives of countless students that he so enriched.

I graduated from Taft in 1975. When I remember those years, playing in band was such a highlight. The friendships formed still remain to this day. We even created a Facebook Group to stay connected!

Mr Freedman (affectionately known as Wally - though never in front of him directly!) ran a remarkable band program for years and years. But I think his true legacy was instilling a love for music into literally thousands of kids. I still play to this day. And it is a high priority for me that my kids appreciate music and learn an instrument. What a profound gift to give to so many people!

It is my honor to pay my respects to Mr. Freedman and to his noble career.

I graduated from Taft in 1975. When I think back on my experience in High School, being in band was such a highlight. The friends I made in band are still close today. We even have a Facebook group that stays connected.

Mr Freedman (affectionately known as "Wally"-though not in front of him directly!) ran a remarkable band program for years and years. But I think his true legacy is the lifelong love of music that he instilled in so many kids. I still play to this day. And fostering appreciation and performance of music in my kids is a real priority for me. What a profound impact he had on literally thousands of lives!

I am grateful to pay my respects to Mr Freedman and his long and noble career!

Ed Lowell

I was one of Uncle Wally's students from 1971 to 1975 at Taft High School. He was the most amazing music teacher I have had. I was one of the infamous "spastic drummers" from those years and one of only 2 girls in the percussion section. I also took private viola and flute lessons from him at my cousin's house every week during my junior and senior years. He did that to help me earn a music scholarship for college. I have had several music teachers over my school years, but there was only one Uncle Wally. You will be truly missed by your family and former students. Rest in peace and may we all meet again one day to give the concert performance for the ages! Thoughts and prayers to the entire Freedman family.

My heartfelt condolences to your entire family. I did NOT study under him in the band at Taft, nor did I play an instrument. However, many of my friends did, and he always made me feel welcome in the bandroom. He was incredibly inspiring and instilled a love of music that is ongoing to this day. In fact, I belong to a Facebook group of former band members that wouldn't even exist if it weren't for "Uncle Wally," as he was affectionately known. It is a huge testimonial to him that even 40 years after we graduated from Taft, he is still referred to with a combination of awe, gratefulness and love. His memory lives on in those he touched so deeply!

Please accept my deepest and heart felt condolences on the passing of your father. you should be proud of what he accomplished with his students Mr Freedman (Uncle Wally) was my band and tuba teacher at Taft in Chicago in the mid 60's. He would come to our house for weekly lessons where he got to know my mother and father (who was also a teacher in the Chicago system. He had a big impact on my life and i never will forget him. when i moved to Phoenix i called him one night and he remembered me and asked if still played the tuba, "no, i now play the harmonica, it is a lot easier to carry" he laughed and again made my day

Offering our deepest condolences to the family. May God grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days. (John 17:3)

I am very sorry for your loss. Your dad was my band and orchestra director at Taft High School in the 60's-70's. He played a big part in many of our teenage years. "Uncle Wally" was one of the good guys.

May you and your family be strong and firm

My deepest condolences on your dad's passing away. He was a cutie. Love, Gail Gold

May God give family and friends comfort at this difficult time. - Psalm 46 :1

Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you doing this difficult time. Psalms 83 : 18.