Friday, January 29, 2016
I first met Roger Thorstenburg in 1969 as a frightened 9th grader, ready for my first trumpet lesson. My band director, Vic Sisk referred me to Roger, telling me, "Roger Thorstenburg is the best!"
I trembled through my first lesson, intimidated by his stature and the seriousness with which he approached his task, to continue to mold me into a great trumpet player. After five years of his tutelage, we succeeded, in that he played a large part of my getting a full ride scholarship through college. I would have never accomplished that without him.
At my weekly lessons in his studio, I grew to know Roger, and to not fear him, but to love and respect him dearly. His students became their "children" as Roger and Ruth took a great interest in our careers. We all stayed in touch throughout the years until Ruth's death and now Roger's. What a blessing to Lindsborg and the Bethany campus, not to mention in my life. Peace be to your memory. Greta Lagerberg
