Louis Ferraro
Date Honored: June 2004
When I think of him, I am reminded of Pope John Paul’s recent words, “Artistic talent is a gift from God, and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: To know that he cannot waste this talent but develop it.” At an early age, Lou recognized that he had been given special gifts in the field of music and these he generously shared throughout his life until his passing at age 85. I am proud that as a teenager, he received a clarinet scholarship to the Julliard School of Music and later became a fine conductor. Many still living, of all ages, remember his teachings and guidance – those in youth bands, military bands, school bands, community bands, and also his private students. The Marshal Music Lou composed is still being played, so he fulfilled and honored the obligation asked of him and left behind memories as eternal as music itself.