On Monday September 15, 2014 Vern Kagarice, musician, mentor, and friend to so many people, lost his battle with cancer.  Vern's loss is deeply felt throughout the trombone community, but perhaps nowhere more keenly than here at UNT. Several memorial concerts have been planned, including a tribute by Tony Baker as a guest soloist with the UNT Symphonic Band.  Students have placed flowers and mementos in front of Vern's office, as well as joined together several times as a studio to remember Vern, his famous stories, and of course his infamous puns. 

The studio has set up a group on Facebook so that those wishing to share photos, stories, or well-wishes for his family and students can do so.  If you wish to view or contribute to our memorial please visit our memory book. You may also view and post pictures through our facebook group.

For those who are interested, we have included Vern's obituary and memorial arrangements below.

CHAUTAUQUA – Vern Leon Kagarice, 71 of Denton, TX passed on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at his summer home in Chautauqua, NY.