Eau Claire, WI : Memorial High School mourns band director died in car crash in Dodge County on Saturday night, Sep 19, 2015

Memorial High School was in mourning Monday after Band Director Gene Power was killed in a car accident in Dodge County Saturday night.

Power made his mark on Memorial as a student teacher in 2002. He returned on a high note as a band director this fall.

Memorial Band Director Eric Dasher was in tough with Power since in start in 2002, and said Memorial was Power's home that he was excited to return to.

"We were excited for students and staff to have him back," Dasher said.

Memorial Orchestra Director Soma Pierce-Smit knew Power from college, and said she will always remember him as a lively instructor.

"He was hilarious," Pierce-Smit said. "He was a lot of fun, silly, sarcastic, goofy, passionate about music, and loved to work with students."

Dasher and Pierce-Smit said Power did it all, from marching to jazz band, orchestra, pop band, show band, musicals and more.

"We've known him for so long, and we know what the kids are missing," Dasher said. "That's really what we're grieving today."

Staff said they would never forget the phone calls that rang like a sad song Sunday after people learned Power passed away.

"I think I just sat motionless for an hour," Dasher said. "I just thought that it wasn't true."

Dasher said Power made all kids welcome in his class. Sticky notes, flowers, and letters of remorse in Power's office proved the passion he had for his students. Dasher and Pierce-Smit said Power's legacy is that he made students feel important.

"He taught each student to feel inspired, to want to be his or her best, to work hard, and to be excited about music," Pierce-Smit said.
The school has started the search for someone to teach the sheets of music left behind with memories.

"The kids need to move forward," Dasher said. "We need to move forward. Another lesson that they learn in school is how to deal with loss, and that's part of our job too, but Gene himself is irreplaceable."

Power's family will have a combined funeral for Gene and his grandmother, who also recently passed away, Saturday in La Crosse.

Memorial High School is offering counseling services for students and staff.

Power's car crash is still under investigation, but the Dodge County Sheriff's Office said alcohol and speed appeared to be factors.

Source:

Eau Claire high school band director killed in car crash