David Froehlich Scholarship in Music

Dave Froehlich was born in Oakland, California on June 2, 1921. In the 1940’s he was the pianist in various jazz and dance bands and other instrumental groups, taking time out to serve two years in the Navy (1944-1946). In 1947 he married Margaret Shirley Evans and the couple were married for 59 years until her death in 2006. After serving in the Navy, Dave returned to school, with the support and encouragement of Shirley, and earned a Bachelor’s degree, then a Master’s degree in Music Composition from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in 1953. For decades Dave played the string bass in the Vallejo Symphony Orchestra and was the Choir Director for the Community Presbyterian Church in Vallejo.

Dave joined the faculty of the Vallejo Junior College in 1954 which became Solano College in 1966. As a founding faculty member of Solano College, he was Chair of the Music Department until he retired in 1981, though he continued as an Adjunct Professor until 1990. Dave taught music theory, composition, appreciation, conducting, and piano. At various times he directed the college choir, the marching band, the dance band and musical ensembles which performed throughout California. Dave and John Kolarik, friend and fellow musician, gave lectures entitled “The Subject is Jazz”, at museums, art galleries and other colleges, discussing the history, techniques and philosophy of jazz. Dave viewed music as a great truth, a way of life, and a responsibility.

In his words: “If you are going to say something to people, say something that enriches their lives. Touch people with a little bit of truth”.
David Edward Froehlich III died on April 7, 2013. He is survived by a son, David Edward Froehlich IV and his wife Ellen; a daughter, Jan Froehlich; a sister, Janice Garnick and family; two grandchildren, Hilary Froehlich and David Edward Froehlich V, and one great grandchild, Ruby Eulalia Froehlich.