By Jasmine Turner |Staff Writer|
The CSUSB Events Center was filled with the heavy hearts of friends, family, and peers who attended an uplifting performance in memory of former student, Danny Ramadan on Saturday Jan. 31.
The concert raised money for a scholarship for music students who face financial struggles in pursuing their passion of music.
In June 2014, a former CSUSB graduate, Ramadan, and his girlfriend, Leslie Gonzalez, were on their way to an end-of-year banquet when they were involved in a traffic accident.
Ramadan later died and his girlfriend was seriously hurt, but is now recovering.
“Danny was a spectacular student and was lead trumpet player with the band, sang in the choir, and performed with the Jazz Band here on campus,” said Julie Nichols director of development of arts & letters.
Ramadan was very active in his community.
“In the community, he was one of the founders of the Redlands Community Orchestra and played in the Sozo Community Jazz Band,” she continued.
A reception was held before the banquet, allowing people to reminisce with photos of Ramadan showing his big smile.
When the concert began, the CSUSB Brass Ensemble Band started the show with the song “In resurrection tua Christe”.
There was a variety of music performed by the Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the CSUSB Chamber Singers, which lifted spirits high in honor of Ramadan.
Between transitions of bands, different teachers and friends came up to speak about their dear student and friend Ramadan.
Dr. Robert Knop, the director of the Jazz Ensemble, made a few remarks to the audience before they played for Ramadan. “Danny was energetic and a good conductor and I would like to thank him in a more eloquent way” said Knop
Knop led the Jazz Ensemble with a powerful performance of the song “If I could,” keeping Danny in mind.
After the Jazz ensemble performed, Ramadan’s friend, Abir Naim came up to give a remark about her dear friend.
“Danny was amazing with everything and so loving and caring to everyone and he said so much with the way he looked and smiled at you,” said Naim
Erik Jester, conductor of the CSUSB Symphonic Band, thanked the audience for their attendance and offered his positive thoughts of Ramadan.
“Danny wasn’t going to be a good conductor, he was one. The choir of angels, found their conductor. When there are no words left, we leave with music,”said Jester. It was great to see a community come together to celebrate Danny’s life in a special way.
Ramadan leaves behind a legacy with the “Danny Ramadan Memorial Scholarship.”
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