Watch this trombone choir perform a touching tribute in honor of the late Tony Collins and read some of the things, others have had to say about the passing of a great teacher, performer, and friend.
"Tony Collins was a remarkable, lovable, kind, friend. I loved his low-key, straightforward way. When I thought I was getting to work to teach a lot, I would see Tony…already having started teaching and when I was on my way out Tony was still there! It seemed he always had a positive attitude and was happy to give his time to his students. He was so kind to me, and was always accepting. He was just that to so so many people. For this reason, I always felt so comfortable around him. Having Tony there was like having a strong, gentle brother on stage or at SSU. When we needed musician to play in the “tuning of the hall.” Tony got up on stage and played some of the Grondahl trombone concert. I was mesmerized by the power and beauty of his performance. This strength, richness of sound, and resonating love will always be remembered."
"I was so sad to learn of the passing of Tony Collins. Tony was an incredible colleague - a great musician, gifted educator, and a warm human being. I will miss him greatly. With the passing of Anthony Collins, the world has lost a luminary musician. Tony's remarkable playing made him a much sought-after musician by many Northern California orchestras. Tony was also an astounding teacher. As part of the chamber music program at Sonoma State University, Tony would often coach brass ensembles. His teaching was magical! In just one or two coaching sessions, he was not only able to correct technical problems but also able to convey profound musical ideas to the groups. As a result, students performed difficult and complex works with technical accuracy and an obvious understanding of the architecture of the music. Tony will be sorely missed."
"I was so sad to learn of the passing of Tony Collins. Tony was an incredible colleague - a great musician, gifted educator, and a warm human being. I will miss him greatly."
"Tony was a wonderful colleague to me, and a fellow alumnus of Manhattan School of Music. I am deeply sadden by his passing. Sending his surviving family my condolence..."
"Whenever I think of Tony I really think about how he was so much more than just my private lesson instructor. We would always be well prepared for what we'd do that day, but we could always find time to talk about life and for him to really try to help me and lead me to a better future. He always said that he saw a lot of himself in me, and he thought that with his help I could become something that maybe others couldn't see. I remember how happy and proud he would be when I played something perfectly, or just got the perfect sound to come out. He loved music and being able to share it with so many people, but what he loved the most was his students and seeing them succeed."