Fremd choral director built a program strong in quality, numbers
Students involved in musical theater in the Palatine area have suffered a one-two punch, with the passing of a second musical director in just more than a week.
Fremd High School choral Director Robert Green died Saturday from brain cancer at the age of 36. His death came on the heels of losing Susannah Kist, 47, who died Dec. 4 of breast cancer and had directed hundreds of students through the Palatine Park District theater programs.
"We have a lot of kids here who are really suffering," said Lauren Dennhardt, Fremd drama club director and media center specialist.
Mr. Green directed four levels of choir at Fremd and served as musical director for its plays. He was the son of Paul Green, the WGN radio political commentator and director of Roosevelt University's School of Policy Studies.
"He was the most beloved teacher, who was absolutely adored by all the students and faculty," Dennhardt added. "He had this youthful understanding of the students, and just a great sense of fun."
Teaching at Fremd was Mr. Green's first job after earning his undergraduate degrees in music and psychology at the University of Illinois and a master's degree in music from Louisiana State University.
He began at the school in 1998, and numbers in its choral program soared under his direction, his colleagues say.
"He covered all the bases, teaching his students serious college literature to a taste of pop music," says David Lang, music department chairman. "This may have well been a university; that's how high the bar was that he achieved with his students."
Over the course of his career, two of his choirs received prestigious invitations to perform at the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State conference.
At Fremd, Mr. Green served for a short time as music department chair, and he also was the assistant variety show director.
One of his most endearing roles was as part of the production team, directing vocals for the student musical mounted each December.
A memorial service for Mr. Green, who grew up in south suburban Flossmoor, is being planned for Jan. 9 at Fremd.