San Antonio Symphony News and Archive

Kind, talented musicians an asset to community




By William R. Horner

a letter from the editorial section of the San Antonio Express News 2/14/99



My name is Dr. Bill Horner. On Dec. 14, our son Mark was shot to death in his home. He was principal trombonist for the San Antonio Symphony.

On Jan. 26, our family came to San Antonio to attend a memorial concert for Mark held in Parker Chapel at Trinity University. The symphony performed eloquently, and there were many spoken tributes to his memory. In a short time Mark had left a profound impression on the musical community. In a much shorter time, the musicians of San Antonio have made an equally profound impression on his family and friends.

I believe that San Antonio is incredibly fortunate to have music of the quality made by this organization and its gifted musicians. More than that, you are fortunate to have these people as members of your community. Their kind humanity has made it possible for our family to move through the cruel, detestable violence that took him away from us and you. They and the symphony deserve the community's full and generous support. Without them, your city and your lives would be the poorer.

William R. Horner, Bangor, Maine



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