JOSEPH THOMAS MCALISTERJOSEPH THOMAS MCALISTER 1937 - 2014 Joseph McAlister, a respected educator, international choral adjudicator and conductor in Hawai'i since 1984, died peacefully in Honolulu on May 28, 2014. He was 76. Originally from Ferndale near Eureka, California, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Humboldt and Master of Arts from UH Manoa. After moving to Hawai'i in 1984 he taught at the UH Music Department, Hawai'i Loa College and Punahou School. For 11 years, he was Director of Education for the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, overseeing an award winning educational outreach program. He served as Executive Director of the Hawai'i International Choral Festivals and the Oahu Choral Society and Manager of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. For 19 years he was Music Director of the Honolulu Chorale, from which he retired in 2013. Before settling in Hawai'i, Joe taught music for more than 20 years in Alaska and toured with his student performing groups around Europe, Asia and the U.S. He served extensively as a choral clinician and adjudicator in Hawai'i and Alaska, and for the Gateway Music Festivals and Pacific Basin Music Festival held in Honolulu. He was also a member of the adjudication panel for the Singapore Ministry of Education, judging nearly 150 Singaporean choirs in their biennial youth festivals. Joe was a true gentleman in the old style, who devoted his life to music and teaching. Friends and colleagues in Hawai'i and around the world will miss his gentle ways, good humor and warm smile. He is survived by his life partner Herbert Sato. At Joe's request, there will be no formal ceremonies.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased