Several people who knew and worked with longtime symphony conductor William Kushner said they will remember his professional work ethic, his ear for musical talent, his humor and his kind spirit.

Kushner, former conductor of the Lake Charles Symphony and the Rapides Parish Symphony, died Sunday at the age of 87. A clarinetist, he played for the Lake Charles Symphony for several years before taking over as conductor in 1978. He retired in 2007. Kushner was the conductor for the Rapides Symphony from 1968 until 2002.

“He was a consummate professional, a very fine musician,” said William Rose, associate music professor at McNeese State University and the principal trombonist for the Lake Charles and Rapides Parish symphonies. Rose said he first met Kushner in the summer of 1986 while auditioning for a job at McNeese and a spot on the Lake Charles Symphony.

“I really view him as one of those people that, in part, validated my coming here,” Rose said. “It really is very frustrating to see a man of those capabilities pass, especially with all that he has done for the area. He was part of a generation, in an orchestral role, that really raised the bar in terms of expectations.”

Fred Sahlmann, professor emeritus at McNeese, said his friendship with Kushner began in the early 1960s. The two, along with Kushner’s first wife, bassoonist Sylvia Deutscher, formed the Kushner-Sahlmann trio and played shows together for more than a decade. Deutscher died in 1990, and Kushner married his second wife, Marsha, five years later.

A pianist, Sahlmann said he performed more than 13 different concertos under Kushner’s direction. “He was always a thoroughly competent player and musician,” he said. “He was gracious and generous.”

Michael Buckles, head of the McNeese performing arts department, said he began playing violin for the Lake Charles Symphony under Kushner’s direction 12 years ago. In 2002, Kushner appointed Buckles as the symphony’s concert master, a post he served in until last year. He said Kushner was one of the best music teachers he ever worked with.

“Many people have built that orchestra; he is certainly the person that should be credited for what it is today,” Buckles said.

He said Kushner had “a knack for spotting talent,” often picking musicians and soloists after hearing them perform one time. “That is very rare,” he said. “Usually that’s done through blind auditions. I think it’s just a gift he had.”

David and Jan Scott both met Kushner when they moved to Lake Charles in 1990. Both played for the symphony, with David playing trumpet and Jan playing clarinet. David Scott said that Kushner was a conductor who respected the musicians in the symphony — which was not always the case.

“He made Lake Charles a better place,” he said. “The stereotypes of the south didn’t include Bill Kushner.”

Jan Scott, said Kushner’s selections for the symphony would often include clarinet solos. She said he was her biggest fan, often attending her solo recitals or other performances outside of the symphony. That support was continued with the clarinet students that Scott taught.

“He was a musician’s musician,” she said.

Unique style

Rose said Kushner stood out as a conductor because he held the baton in his left hand, which was initially confusing for some players. Buckles said it was unusual at first, but that the musicians quickly adapted to it.

One of Kushner’s dogs, a black-and-tan coonhound named Bessie Smith, would howl while he played clarinet because she was sensitive to the instrument’s high pitches, Sahlmann said. He said Kushner had a “wonderful sense of humor” and would often quote poetry, including William Shakespeare’s sonnets.

“He’s an unforgettable character,” Sahlmann said.

Brenda Bachrack said she met Kushner and his family in the 1950s and grew close as part of Lake Charles’ small Jewish community. She said Kushner loved animals and gave each of his children — Eric, Leslie and Tony — nicknames of different animals.

“He was one of a kind,” Bachrack said.

She said Kushner asked her to narrate the children’s story “Tubby the Tuba,” which was accompanied by the Lake Charles Symphony.

“I’m going to miss him,” Bachrack said. “He has been a great part of my life.”

Scott Raymond, communications manager for the city of Lake Charles, took clarinet lessons from Kushner in 1969. Nearly 25 years later, Raymond wrote a music review for the American Press on a concert Kushner conducted — a “most enjoyable experience,” he called it.

“He was a wonderful person who contributed a great deal to our community,” he said.

Visitation is set for 10 a.m. at Hixson Funeral Home. The funeral will be 11 a.m., and Jan Scott will perform selections using Kushner’s clarinets. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan addresses the crowd at the June 20 grand opening of The Grove at Heritage Square. (Special to the American Press)