Last month Daniel Greene, a music instructor for Sinclair’s music department, passed away. Greene began his career as a music teacher for Sinclair in 1989 and taught applied vocal lessons, Vocal Diction, and Opera/Musical Theatre Ensemble, among others.
Greene earned his bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Bowling Green State University. He served as the music director for some of Sinclair Theatre’s musical productions which include The Secret Garden, Big River, Children of Eden, and many more.
According to those who worked with him, he was someone who always smiled and was just a happy individual.
“Daniel was a truly kind and warm-hearted person,” said Katherine Frauman, a music instructor at Sinclair, who had known Greene for about 20 years. “ He had a gracious smile that everyone loved, he was a great man of faith and loved his students. He took the time to learn what his students’ goals were and what they wanted.”
Frauman said what she liked most about Greene was that he was willing to listen to others. He motivated those around him, particularly his students, and he was a caring person. Her first impression of Greene was that he was a happy and energetic person.
Green had a variety of tastes in older music.
“He liked classical opera. It was one of his favorites. He also liked jazz,” Frauman shared.
When it comes to favorite music artists, Greene had his picks.
“His favorite singer was Sammy Patty,” Frauman said.”His favorite classical musician is Kathleen Battle, she is a retired opera singer.”
Greene was loved by Sinclair and those who had the pleasure of working with him or having him as a teacher.
“He had an extraordinarily strong impression,” Frauman said. “He was like the music ambassador of the music department. He used to do workshops and was the director of the Dayton Boys Choir early on in his career around different schools and everybody knew him, and he thought everyone could sing.”
Sinclair’s Music, Theatre, and Dance Department will be holding a Celebration of Life for Greene on April 19 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2 at Sinclair’s Dayton Campus. There will be an open reception from 4-6 p.m. with a live musical tribute and a video celebrating his 33 years of service to Sinclair and Miami Valley music students. All campus and community members are welcomed and can stay as long as they’d like.
Jamario Brown-Tolliver
Intern