Dear Teachers:
There will be a memorial service for Peter Yazbeck. Please read the following:
Peter Yazbeck (June 30, 1930-April 18, 2012): Commemoration of a Life in Music
Saturday, May 26, 2012
3:00 pm
United Methodist Church, Ventura
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Please share with your family, friends and colleagues that a special event honoring the memories and accomplishments of Peter Yazbeck, is planned for Saturday, May 26, at 3:00 pm, at First United Methodist Church, Ventura, (1338 E. Santa Clara Street).
This gathering will feature performances by Peter’s past and current students, as well as many of his colleagues, interspersed with personal memories and highlights shared by those who loved and respected him for simply being “Peter” and for his work in the arts and education which all contributed to the legacy he left us.
With the help of his Pleasant Valley-Ventura MTAC branch, we were able to reserve the venue where the branch regularly hosts their recitals and festivals. It houses the branch’s new and beautiful Boesendorfer grand piano, which Peter helped select.
Those wishing to participate as a performer or to share memories, may contact Edward Francis with their repertoire selections or willingness to speak. Within reasonable limits, all those interested in participating will be part of the program. Indeed, if time permits, last-minute involvement will also be accommodated. edwardfrancis@roadrunner.com 805.498.7594
Afterwards, please join his family and friends for an early evening dinner at the church.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory should know that in his will and trust, Peter bequeathed two important gifts to non-profit organizations. One, with no limitations, is to the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, an organization that he helped build as an original board member. He was a regular sponsor and through the years, many of his students were featured soloists with the orchestra. At the time of his passing, he was a board member emeritus, continued to attend all of their concerts, and the Sunday before his death, he gave a master class for the TOPhil’s Honors Piano Performance Seminar, teaching 8 young performers. The TOPhil will use his gift in many ways, including the establishment of the “Peter Yazbeck Concerto Soloist Scholarship” which will be awarded to one or more students each year. Supplemental contributions by check can be made out to: TOPhilharmonic, with a memo notation: In Memory of Peter Yazbeck, and can be sent to: Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, PO Box 4195, Thousand Oaks CA 91359 Donations by credit card can be made by visiting www.tophil.org and clicking the “Give” link. A memo can be added to the notes area indicating it is in Peter’s memory.
His second gift is to be administered through his MTAC Pleasant Valley-Ventura County Branch, and will be used to establish scholarships in his name. As a long-time member of this branch, Peter’s students
participated in all of their festivals and programs. Peter was a member of the Music Teachers’ Assn. of California for what seemed to be “forever.” He served on the state board, where he chaired the annual convention for four years, and then eventually served as President in the early 1990’s. He continued to participate in his branch’s activities, actively entering his students in various programs and festivals. Contribution checks can be made out to: MTAC Foundation, with a memo notation: Peter Yazbeck Scholarship Fund, and may be sent to the branch treasurer: Lily Starobinets, 505 Avocado Place, Camarillo, CA 93010
Cards and words of sympathy to the family can be sent to:
The Family of Peter Yazbeck
c/o Thousand Oaks Philharmonic
PO Box 4195
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
All correspondence will be forwarded to his family.
Thank you,
Edward Francis
Wayne Behlendorf
Co-Trustees & Executors of the Peter Yazbeck Estate
