Saturday, November 11, 2023
My name is Steve McKinney. I was a member of Mr. Duensing’s Zion Grade School band during the last half of the 1960s. He recruuted me to play French Horn and gave me lessons once a week to get me started. I just learned of Mr. Duensing’s passing. I wish this message were more timely.
He was energetic and colorful, caring deeply about music and the opportunity it presents to all young people. I had one conversation with him after being his student, but he was busy at the pizza restaurant in Zion and I did not have the opportunity to tell him how important music and his investment in me had been in my life.
Playing French Horn got me an opportunity to be a member of the marching band and the symphonic band at a major state university. That opportunity came with an important scholarship but also even more important lessons in personal character, teamwork, and leadership. I met my wife of 45 years in the band and raised our four children to love music and participate in band. It started in the fifth grade where Mr. Duensing would routinely call me a “yardbird” any time I showed up for my lesson without being able to promise him I had practiced my french horn. He was a good man and a great music and band teacher. All my best wishes and warmest regards to Mr. Duensing’s family.
