Huntingtown, MD – Students and colleagues are sharing fond memories of a longtime choral teacher who died Friday, Feb. 2. Dan Boyer, who had given guidance to Huntingtown High School’s (HHS) student vocalist since the school opened nearly 14 years ago, was 47. The Somerset, PA native and Lebanon Valley College graduate spent his entire 25-year teaching career with Calvert County Public Schools.
“He was an outstanding teacher as evidenced by him winning the school’s Teacher of the Year Award in in 2017,” said HHS Principal Rick Weber. “He was a friend to all and made Huntingtown High School a better place to work and learn.”
Boyer was so involved as the school’s music director for so many of HHS’ musical and student stage productions and other after-school chorus events that he was unable to attend the Teacher the Year Awards ceremony last year.
According to information posted by Lasting Tributes Funeral Care, Boyer “performed professionally as a tenor with Concert Artists of Baltimore (CAB) since 1992. He also performed with the now-defunct Baltimore Symphony Chorus for several years. “The CAB family is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing on February 2 of Dan Boyer, beloved member of the CAB chorus,” the group posted on its web site. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Dan’s family and loved ones.”
In addition to HHS, Boyer taught at Southern Middle School and Patuxent High School. On Boyer’s Lasting Tributes page, one former student remarked about the “positive magic he shared.” Another former pupil stated Boyer was “one of those teachers you never forget.” One of Boyer’s other students wrote, “he taught me to be brave and sing with passion.”
Boyer’s other professional accomplishments included service on the Maryland Choral Educators Association Board, his management in 2005 of the All-Eastern Chorus and the All-Eastern Ensembles in 2011. Boyer received the 2010 Maryland Music Educator’s Award for Excellence for Music Training.
A viewing is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m., at 814 Bestgate Road in Annapolis. A memorial service is scheduled Thursday, Feb. 8 at HHS. Burial will take place in Somerset, PA.
Boyer is survived by his parents, a brother, a sister, two nephews, a niece plus several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to memorial contributions may be made to Huntingtown High School Music Department’s Dan Boyer Scholarship Fund.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com