julian priester has (not) passed away

[Noj]

I wonder how rumors like this even start. Why say someone has passed without verified, firsthand knowledge? I'm speaking in general terms, not pointing a finger at anyone here.

[clifford_thornton]

Right, I'm curious about it too. There were several sources that I heard it from that I generally trust, so I echoed what aloc said and assumed (given his current health issues) that it was entirely possible this was true.

[ghost of miles]

When I first saw this thread I thought it was Aloc's way of saying that we should more frequently celebrate the achievements of elderly jazz musicians while they're still with us.

[Blue Train]

Great to hear he's still around!

Now can people stop starting these type of threads until it's actually officially announced? Just what is the rush to be the first to announce someone's death on here?

Edited February 10, 2013 by Blue Train

[david weiss]

Since he is still with us, let's help him....

http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/please-help-julian-priester/38293

[Justin V]

Like everyone else, I'm thankful that Mr. Priester is still with us, and I hope that he gets a kidney transplant soon.

[king ubu]

I still don't understand how after a "longtime faculty position at Cornish College of the Arts" he has no pension.

What the hell is wrong with the USA?

[Chuck Nessa]

Bunches.

[J.A.W.]

I still don't understand how after a "longtime faculty position at Cornish College of the Arts" he has no pension.

What the hell is wrong with the USA?

Low taxes and almost no social security compared to Europe. It's a price the majority of the American people chose to pay. But that's a political topic that doesn't belong here

Edited February 11, 2013 by J.A.W.

[Pim]

Glad he is still with us. Wonderful trombonist. His playing is marvelous on Reggie Workmans Summit Conference. Hope he gets better soon!

[sonnymax]

I still don't understand how after a "longtime faculty position at Cornish College of the Arts" he has no pension.

What the hell is wrong with the USA?

With all due respect to Mr. Priester, whom I'm sure is a wonderful instructor, we're not talking about his having a chaired-position at a major university. Although Cornish has been around awhile, it's a very small college (833 students) devoted solely to the performing and visual arts, offering only bachelor's degrees to it's graduates. I doubt they have much money to speak of, and cannot rely on large alumni contribuitions to boost their revenues. Bear in mind that Berklee, a 4,000-student institution, ended it's pension plan for new employees last year in favor of a 401(K)-style retirement plan.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Hardly any companies offer pension plans these days and those that do offer only a shell of what they used to offer with the rest coming for your own money (401K). It's all about 401K now. Considering how everyone's 401K accounts just got beat up in 2008, we'll all be working until we die.