Melvin (Mel) Knight of Beaverton, OR, passed away peacefully at his home on August 24, 2021.  Born on November 15, 1934 in Traverse City, MI, he was the son of Dr. Melvin and Mildred (Ohmit) Knight.

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During his childhood, Mel’s family moved frequently across the country, from MI to TX to CA to PA to NY.  When Mel was in 8th grade, his parents decided to permanently move to Vancouver, WA.  He finally had a place that he could call home.  At Vancouver High School, he met Patricia (Pat) Fargher, where they both played clarinet in band/orchestra.  In 1954, they were reunited at Clark College and married on September 7, 1956, in Vancouver.

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He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education from Lewis & Clark College.  He began his career as band teacher at Crowfoot Elementary and Seven Oak Middle School in Lebanon, OR, in 1959.  From 1967 to 1985, he was the band teacher at Lebanon Union High School.  During his tenure, the high school music program evolved with the establishment of two jazz bands while maintaining concert and marching band programs.  He also arranged several scores for musical theater.  He motivated students in the Jazz Ensemble to raise funds for musical field trips and competitions to several destinations regionally and internationally.

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From the late 1950’s into the 1980’s, Mel became increasingly involved in barbershop quartet singing, joining SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America).  Being a teacher and leader, it was a natural transition for him to become Director of Choruses in the Northwest region known as the Evergreen District.  He was also a judge for many barbershop quartet/chorus competitions regionally and at the international level.  In October of 1985, Mel and Pat moved to Kenosha, WI, where he joined the staff as a music specialist at the SPEBSQSA headquarters known as Harmony Hall.  His leadership skills were quickly identified, and he was promoted to the Director of Music Education and Services until his retirement in 1993.  Mel fostered the dramatic expansion of Harmony College and founding of Director’s College.

 

As a director of both band and barbershop chorus, Mel had a personal style that elicited an understanding of fundamentals of musical excellence and a sharing of love for the art of music.  His teaching approach was laid back, with the expectation of dedication and passion from his students of all ages.  He identified very well with the importance of making the experience fun, while educational.  His arrangements for band included standard jazz, big band, rock, R&B and country.  He also had several excellent original compositions with interesting titles such as “Stella Artois”, “Hindu Hooker” and “Hypoglycemia Rag”.  Barbershop arrangements included traditional contest songs, as well as pop, gospel, patriotic and even one hip hop number, that was a medley of “My Wild Irish Rose” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”.  He composed several songs that were published by SPEBSQSA.  Mel also worked with his longtime quartet companion, Jerry Harrison, to compose gospel songs. 

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Mel and Pat enjoyed a long and wonderful retirement together until she passed away in 2014.  Barbershop and Sweet Adelines remained an integral part of their lives as they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, several European countries and throughout the US and Canada.  They also made many trips to resorts in Mexico and Hawaii.

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Mel was an avid sports fan, particularly for the Portland Trailblazers and U of O Ducks football.  In his younger days, he played pool, basketball, golf and tennis.  Unfortunately, for the latter two sports, he was forced into early retirement, as his competitive nature resulted in broken clubs and rackets.  He also loved reading and spending time with family.

Mel preferred to shine the spotlight on everyone enjoying music together, rather than on himself.  It was appropriate that he signed correspondence, “Hummmmbly yours, Mel”.

Family members left to remember Mel are his children, Erin (Mark) Knight-Haag, Tracy (Joel) Forbess, and Cory (RoseAnn) Knight; four grandsons, Austin & Garrett Haag and Zachary & Nathan Knight; and his brother, Richard (Wendy) Knight.

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