Posted November 17, 2011

Former Shaker High School music teacher Ned Fleischer, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The North Colonie Central School District is mourning the loss of a former educator and friend. Mr. Ned Fleischer, a music teacher at Shaker High School for 37 years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

UPDATE: Important information for those looking to visit SHS or make a donation 

Mr. Fleischer came to Shaker High School in 1974 and began a legacy that included helping to shape children’s lives both in and out of the classroom. During his time at Shaker High School, Fleischer served as director of the Shaker Select Chorus and directed countless school musicals, including Hello Dolly and Annie Get Your Gun.

“Mr. Fleischer was an icon at Shaker High School for 37 years,” Shaker High School principal Richard Murphy said. “He brought his love of music to two generations of students.”

Known to his students for his dry sense of humor and diet of coffee and mints, Fleischer found a way to connect with students, not only through lessons in music, but lessons in life as well. He always seemed to find a way to make them smile.

“Mr. Fleischer told me I had perfect pitch during an audition, at a time in my life when everything else was in so much flux,” former student Edmée Sofia Hernandez said. “This meant - and still means - so much to me.”

Whether he was helping the Select Chorus prepare its newest number or working with individual students on their solo for an upcoming concert, Fleischer dedicated his life to his students. His insistence of excellence from his students and his attention to detail, especially the pronunciation of words when singing, was legendary.

“He taught me that it’s pronounced ‘you’ not ‘chew’,” former student Mark Desrosiers said. “It’s something I still remember every time I sing.”

Fleischer retired from Shaker High School in 2008.

His enthusiasm for teaching music stretched beyond the walls of Shaker High School. For 26 years, he directed the Empire State Youth Chorale (Melodies of Christmas chorale), helping to transform the Melodies of Christmas into one of the Capital Region’s most treasured holiday events.

“As the conductor of the Melodies Chorale, Ned has been a part of ESYO for more than 25 years and has greatly contributed to the success of Melodies,” ESYO Director Susan G. Brome said. “He will be missed.”

In 2004-05, Shaker High School dedicated its yearbook to Mr. Fleischer. The following is an excerpt from the yearbook and it may best sum up who Mr. Fleischer was:

“This remarkable man can always be found in the chorus room willing to help students prepare for auditions and solos, to develop their sight-reading skills, and of course, to improve their grammar and vocabulary! He has a wealth of knowledge that he imparts with good humor and empathy to all of his students. Because of Mr. Fleischer’s instruction, generations of students have had the luck to experience a true educator. Each students leaves the chorus room a better person.”

“His love of music and passion and enthusiasm for teaching was exemplary and served our school community with distinction for 37 years,” Superintendent D. Joseph Corr said. “North Colonie and Shaker High School are far better for him having taught here. We will miss Ned tremendously.”

A Facebook Fan Page was set up in 2008, the year Mr. Fleischer retired, for former students to post their favorite memories. Since his passing, former students, friends and co-workers have left hundreds of messages. Click here to visit it.