The director of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music has died. Dennis AsKew, 56, who spent more than half of his life leaving his stamp on the school, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday.
He had a remarkable tenure and a lasting impact on the Spartan community.
AsKew's talents were many. After joining the low brass faculty in 1992, he soon became known as an accomplished tuba performer, an empathetic and caring teacher, an enthusiastic conductor of Pep Band at athletic events, and eventually an invaluable administrator. He also represented the School of Music at national conferences across the U.S.
Dean of UNCG's College of Visual and Performing Arts bruce mcclung says when you needed somebody to say yes, you talked to AsKew.
"I'm going to miss his sense of humor," says mcclung. "He was very generous with his time with his students, and I think Dennis's humor often took the tension out of a room when people might not be agreeing, or a student was upset about a grade or an audition. Dennis had a real gift at being able to bring people together."
One of the many events AsKew helped to organize was UNCG's annual Collage Concert — a major fundraising performance to raise money for scholarships, which will take place tomorrow. mcclung says that during this year's performance, the beloved teacher, colleague, and friend will be on the minds of every student and faculty member.