TJ (Jack) Longstaff RIP

[OwenTurner]

The death has been announced of Jack Longstaff aged 98. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/announcements/deaths/deaths/18368735.THOMAS_JACK_LONGSTAFF/

There is also an an article in The Times.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jack-longstaff-98-inspiring-blackburn-music-head-0d9btdljd
 

I believe he was a Turpin prize winner at FRCO and held appointments at Leeds Parish, Bowden, Stand, Preston Parish Churches and Blackburn St James and more.

I knew him as a school pupil and remember him as an intellectual who knew his subject to a depth none of the other teachers did of theirs. 

He had a great influence in his geographical area and took those with talent to incredible levels.

For those not up to his standards the experience was different and based on fear of an often violent temper. I was myself borderline on being good enough material for him; in fact I was refused the option of taking music at A level, though the harmony drilled into me allowed me to pass that component of an OU diploma 20 years later, skipping all the teaching and going straight to exam. 

The conscripted school choir of about 200 voices gave annual oratorio performances with a stunning massed treble line.

Despite remembering him as a figure of fear, I gained a lot from knowing him as I’m sure others did.